2010 BMW X3

BMW still offers a six-speed manual transmission with the X3-because it sells many in other markets-but all-wheel drive is standard. A six-speed automatic is a no-cost option. MSN Autos praises the X3's "responsive six-speed automatic with an easily used manual-shift feature" and points out that it's a no-cost option. Cars.com, however, is disappointed with the automatic, noting it "repeatedly bogged down in lower gears, offering premature shifts before the engine could hit its stride." This makes for "awkward starts" and sudden "bursts of unsolicited power," causing an uncomfortable ride in stop-and-go traffic. Motor Trend reports the combination of engine and manual transmission in the 4,100-pound X3 "claim 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds with the six-speed manual and 7.1 seconds with the no-cost optional six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic." The 2010 X3's fuel economy is mildly disappointing at 17/24 mpg, in a class where the Cadillac SRX earns 17/25 mpg and the Volvo XC60, 16/27 mpg.

The independent suspension, taller tires, and high 8 inches of ground clearance in the 2010 X3 translate into driving feel that's not what BMW sedan drivers might expect. It's not as sharp or as balanced as the distantly related 3-Series, but it is crisper than its crossover competition. While some reviewers find the steering of the 2010 BMW X3 to be somewhat heavy, Edmunds declares, "the ultra-communicative and precise steering is simply the best." Cars.com refers to the X3's "top-notch road manners" and asserts it has "more road feel than many cars." MSN Autos reports "the nicely sized X3 has good maneuverability in tight parking situations and is among the sharpest-handling SUVs, with little body lean when snaking through curves." MyRide.com thinks the X3 "feels confident in the wet, and really shines on dusty, gravel-strewn back roads and slushy boulevards." BMW's xDrive system gets much of the credit for the nimble feel. Motor Trend observes, "Quicker in response to traction issues, it also offers, for the first time in a BMW sport/ute, Dynamic Traction Control that allows the driver to choose a higher threshold of wheelslip before the electronics kick in." BMW tones down the harsh, jittery ride of previous editions, but opting for the big 19-inch wheels hardens the X3's responses a bit.

Edmunds says the X3's "brakes are strong and resistant to fade," and Cars.com agrees, calling them "surefooted at their limits, though the pedal is on the grabby side."

Adults in the backseat will likely find their knees mashed up. MSN Autos states, "There's room for five tall adults, although four is a more practical number because the X3 is a little narrow, and the center of the rear seat is too stiff and high for comfort." However, the heated rear seats are an unusual, nice feature.

The interior's recent update adds more storage spaces for smaller items, but the cargo space in back is still only average, at 30 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet when the rear seats are lowered. The Acura RDX has nearly as much space with a wheelbase half a foot shorter-and the inexpensive Hyundai Tucson has more interior room at half the price. MSN Autos notes the "rear seatbacks sit mostly flat when flipped forward to enlarge the moderately sized cargo area, and their head restraints need not be removed." Edmunds adds that there are "plenty of storage cubbies," and when the rear seats are folded forward, "a healthy 71 cubic feet of cargo space" is available. MyRide.com points out the storage areas are "fitted with netting that stretches to accommodate odd shapes and medium-sized water bottles."

The X3 has very good fit and assembly quality, but some finishes look inexpensive, particularly the hard plastics around the shifter and on the door panels. There's also considerable tire noise heard in the rear seats. MyRide.com feels the two front cup holders look like "something cobbled together and glued in place" at the last minute, and observes the doors make a "hollow echo" rather than the "solid 'thunk'" typically expected of such a vehicle. ConsumerGuide comments the "interior materials are fairly nice, but some testers feel they're not as rich as they should be." The standard upholstery is vinyl on the 2010 BMW X3, which is a bit out of place, as the standard on most cars in this class is leather. Reviewers from MyRide note the X3's wind noise, while ConsumerGuide balances that out with the "classy growl" of the engine.

Auxiliary features include "automatic brake drying (whereby the rotors are lightly 'wiped' during wet weather conditions) [and] hill descent control," according to Edmunds.

"Outward visibility is excellent," observes Cars.com, which says that getting a feel for the BMW X3's four corners is fairly easy.

Nifty options include heated front and second-row seats; 18- or 19-inch wheels; a sport suspension and sport seats; a premium audio system; a heated steering wheel; Bluetooth connectivity; Sirius Satellite Radio; and an iPod connectivity kit.

A DVD navigation system is available, but can seem fussy to operate. Cars.com says it is "a bear to use-even without BMW's much-maligned iDrive system." Many drivers will want to skip this option in favor of an aftermarket navigation system.

The BMW X3 is available in only one trim level, but it comes with three major option packages that group together popular options. Edmunds explains the packages include a "Cold Weather package" of heated front and rear seats, headlight washers, and a ski bag; a "Premium package" with leather seating and additional interior and exterior lighting; a "Sport package" with firmer suspension calibrations, 18-inch alloys, sport seats, and body styling accents; and a "Sport Activity package," which includes the 18-inch alloys, running boards, privacy glass, and blackout window frames.