The Point of the X3

[climrgrl]

I've watched too many negative reviews of the X3 on TV, and after reading a somewhat negative review of the X3 on this very forum, I just had to write.

The reviews tend to go like this: the X3 is nice, handles well, fun to drive. But it doesn't handle quite as well as a 3-series and is not as capable off-road as the X5. So what is the point?

Well my friends, from my perspective, you've hit the point right on the head without even knowing it. There are many cars out there for people who want to have fun driving, but aren't interested in off-road ability. Similarly, there are plenty of cars out there for people who want some serious cargo capacity and off-road capability -- and even still have some luxury and style. However, what about the person who wants a little of each?

Typical spring and summer weekends for me consist of driving 4-6 hours to out-of-the-way places. About half of this time is spend on freeways, then it transitions to paved twisty mountain roads, and sometimes ends on rough dirt roads that are much nicer if you have some ground clearance. This is exactly the point of the X3. I don't need as much cargo capacity as the X5, and in fact, the X3 has higher ground clearance (according to bmwusa.com). I want something that performs closer to a wagon on the twisty mountain roads (which is sometimes the most fun part of the trip), gets a little better gas mileage than an X5, and is a bit less expensive. But I don't want to beat the crap out of a 3-series sedan or wagon, which has less ground clearance and not quite as much room for people + gear. The X3 is a perfect fit.

But that's just my perspective. What are yours, other X3-owners? Let's not bash other vehicles, but write about why you chose the X3 and what you think is the point.