Actually, it is still Crevier's X3. It's their service loaner while the M3 gets its INSPECTION 1 service (heck I can't believe I'm getting an Inspection 1 service before SuperGreg gets his on his X5!!)
It's a base model X3 2.5i with the only option 5-speed automatic. No pano sunroof, vinyl, no on-board computer, no auto-climate, no dimming mirror, no PDC, etc.
However, the X3 (non-sports package) feels more nimble and outhandles the X5. The X3 is about 600lbs or more lighter than the X5 and you can feel the difference. Even though I only have measly 17-inch wheels with 235 tires on the base X3, it doesn't roll as much as the heavier X5 with sport package and it does feel like it pulls higher lateral g's!
A couple winters ago, we did rent a Ford Escape when we were visiting out east and the X3 reminds me of that SUV in terms of the size....
The X3 is MORE SOLID than the Ford Escape and definitely handles much better. The Ford Escape is more like a FWD car and when there is slippeage, then the 4-wheel drive engages....The X3 drives more neutral and you can actually have some fun with xDrive (it doesn't understeer at low speed, sharp turns as much as the X5 with the fixed-ratio AWD). The inline-6 is still buttery smooth all the way to 6500 rpm like the X5 3.0i and much smoother than the Ford Escape V-6. BTW, this X3 is definitely broken in with 28K miles (about 20K more miles than SuperGreg
)
Best way to describe the X3 is like a 3-series raised up, but more room than the 3-series....It is like a mix between a 3-series and X5.....Maybe they should have called this a X4 because it is bigger than the 3-series, but a tad smaller than the X5.
The interior dash/design is no where near as luxurious as the X5, but the ergonomics are fine and really feels like BMW went back to the basics with X3 (reminded me of my no-nonsense dash of my E30).
On the freeway, the X3 is just as quiet as the X5. No funny rattles on the X3....great for making quick freeway lane changes. It really makes the X5 feel like a slow moving tank with regards to lane changes.
Wish the X3 2.5i had a little more juice....somehow, the heavier X5 with the 3.0i engine feels faster.....I think a X3 2.5i with a 5-speed manual would be perfect. I have driven a X3 3.0i and it is definitely faster and more usable power band. It will be interesting to see how the X3 drives with the newer valvetronic 6-cylinder engines.
I like the rear hatch design of the X3 (no rattles like the X5) and easy to open and close.
However, the doors on the X3 feel tinny and sound tinny when you close them as compared to the X5's nice, solid....CLUNK when you close them.
I didn't find the X3 ride to be harsh, but I guess it was when you got the sport package....However to be fair, we do have a X5 with sport package and a M3 and we are used to having a firm, controlled ride.
In conclusion, the X3 does drive like a BMW. It feels like a BMW in terms of its driving dynamics and I haven't driven any other small SUV that even comes close. It is very fun to drive like most BMWs
One thing that my friend and I agree on....the basic X3 stereo has better bass than the E46 M3 with HK! Are there subwoofers underneath the front seats or something?
The new E90 330i with standard LOGIC 7 stereo has the subwoofers underneath the front driver and passenger seats (total of 13 speakers)....including a center dash speakers (but I digress).
Any questions with regards to comparision to the X5, let me know....I'll try to take more pics....
BTW, if anyone is wondering, the E46 M3 is much quicker than both the X5 and X3!
