Our view: 2004 BMW X3

Call it athletic. Call it versatile.

But please, BMW says, just don’t call its new X3 something it’s not.

The Bavarian automaker has never been one to travel the path of the common automaker. Which is why, in a sport-utility segment busting at the seams, BMW is pleased to offer a different definition for its SUVs. For 2004, it’s something called the X3. And, in this case, X marks the spot for sport/activity.

In an automotive world dominated by utilitarian vehicles labeled either cute, sporty or cute-sporty crossovers, leave it to an industry leader like BMW to want to define a segment with the skill of a sharpened pencil.

The automaker has been here before.

When it was first rolled out, the X5 was to be known as a Sport Activity Vehicle, BMW insisted. Whichever way you classified it, the X5 was a luxury ride that was hugely successful because it led the way in delivering many things to many people: The performance of a sedan; a ride height that sat above the crowd; and a rugged look and all-weather capability.

Add a new definition to the family dictionary.

In the X3, a new multi-purpose ride due on order sheets next month and in showrooms in early 2004, BMW creates another term for the automotive vocabulary. And, in simple terms, it means a vehicle that is based on the 3 Series, the most popular vehicle in BMW’s lineup.

Dimensionally, the X3 fits nicely between the 3 Series wagon and the X5. Literally. The X3 is 3.4 inches longer than the 3 Series sport wagon, yet its wheelbase is 3.4 inches greater. The X3 is four inches shorter than the X5, but its wheelbase is one inch shorter. What does that mean? The X3 will have a low center of gravity, plenty of technology and the kind of styling you would come to expect from something called a BMW.

One thing is certain – from any angle on the street, it has to be called typically BMWish. That’s good and bad.

The good: No one will mistake the X3 for anything other than a BMW. Styling is typically X5, the same approach used by designer Chris Bangle in the remake of the 5 and 7 Series. That means the front looks like the X5. From the side it looks like a typical BMW.

The bad: Trying to figure out where this fits. Is it just a sized-down X5 or a beefed up sedan? That’s the question only buyers can answer – and that’s the only question BMW might have to deal with as it adds its second SUV in less than a decade. Is the Ultimate Driving Machine now the Ultimate Soccer Mom Machine?

BMW says it is reinventing the way consumers will look at smallish SUVs.

One thing is sure: It will be a conversation piece, if only for the BMW attributes it retains.

Under the hood, you could define the X3 as a mover and a shaker. Like the X5, BMW will offer two versions of the X3 based on engine size. The X3 2.5i arrives with a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower inline-six cylinder engine, a decent po werplant that will deliver plenty of muscle when needed – whether it’s at the stoplight or the freeway interchange. The 3.0i comes with a 225-horsepower six cylinder and is the real mover of the family. Gutsy. Typically BMW.

Either engine will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that allows the driver to shift through the gears without a clutch.

Inside, the X3 will keep things simple and straightforward. No gimmicks. No tricks. The interior is reminiscent of the Z4 sports car with logical gauge placement and yet almost a sterile feel to its simplicity.

And if it’s a BMW, you know it has to be loaded down with technology. This is where the genius of the automaker shines through.

BMW is making up new terms all the time and the X3 features something called xDrive, a new intelligent all-wheel-drive technology, a system that constantly adjusts and distributes torque power from the front to the ar based on drive conditions. Sensors tell the system to feed the ideal level of force to any wheel. BMW says the system will respond quickly – usually before any wheel has lost grip. That means security and peace of mind.

Just to keep with the theme of safety, the system also works with a standard traction control and something called Hill Descent Control which uses braking to ease down steep hills.

The real bonus? The X3 will offer the same handling and agility as a 3 Series sedan. And who wouldn’t want that in an SUV? With the 3 Series long considered one of the best small sedans on the market, that might be enough to make the X3 the best small SUV on the planet.

A couple of interesting options: Adaptive headlights and a great sunroof. The two bi-xenon headlights swivel in response to steering angle and speed for better vision on winding roads. And the X3 will offer a two-piece panorama roof that covers almost the whole roof area. That means the roof can be opened completely from front to rear.

Care to define yourself in a different way? BMW will offer a sports package with a sports suspension, different alloy wheel, sport seats and other detail changes. A navigation system that pops out of the top of the dashboard is optional.

Pricing has yet to be announced but is expected to start at $29,500 in base models.

For that kind of money, defining its demographic should be easy.

And bottom line: The X3 is a practical vehicle that offers all the benefits of the X5 in a 3 Series package. With the look of a BMW inside and out, and enough cargo room to compete with the larger X5, BMW stays practical in the premium mini-SUV market – yet still shows it can have some fun.

Versatile. Athletic. Sporty.

Please, BMW pleads, just don’t call it an SUV.

SPECS – 2004 BMW X3

Rating: 3.5

High gear: BMW borrows a little from its X5 sport/activity vehicle and a little from its 3 Series sedan to create the best of both worlds for drivers interested in a scaled-back X5 that still has a soul. Cargo room, power and road presence make this an early winner.

Low gear: In the glut of SUVs, the real challenge for the X3 will be finding a niche. Is it just a large 3-Series? Is it a small X5? Will the price be too much for what you get?

Vehicle type: All-wheel drive, front-engine, five-door, four-passenger sport-utility vehicle.

Key competition: Acura MDX, Buick Rendezvous, Nissan Murano

Base engine: 184 horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed manual or optional five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

Standard safety equipment: Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes; dual front airbags; front side airbags; front and rear head-protecting side airbags; traction control and Hill Descent Control that uses engine braking to ease down steep hills.

Wheelbase: N/A

Len gth: N/A

MPG rating: 25 city/32 highway (estimated)

Manufactured: Austria

Warranty: Basic warranty is three years/36,000 miles.

Base price: $29,500 (estimated)

Price as tested (including options, destination and delivery): TBA. Final pricing to be announced.