X3 Loaner Experience

[Coffeeman]

Hello all, this is my first post in the X3 forum. I drive an X5, and have driven BMW's since 1970. Yesterday, when I took my X5 in for service, the dealer gave me a 2006 X3 3.0i as a loaner. Please don't flame me, but I had always looked at the X3 as less of an SAV than the X5.

Was I wrong...the X3 is one teriffic vehicle. It handles better than my X5, the ergonomics are better, the position of the instrument cluster is perfect compared to the X5, and it is a blast to drive. It reminds me of my '74 2002 tii with regard to road feel and fun factor. When it comes time to replace the X5, it may just be with an X3!