Built for Curves
Like BMW's cars, the X3 offers top-notch road manners. Some may find the steering wheel too difficult to turn, but its heavy rotations render spot-on directional control. The meaty steering wheel has minimal numbness when pointing straight ahead — a place where responsiveness goes slack in many vehicles — and the setup yields more road feel than many cars, let alone SUVs, impart.
The suspension is tuned for handling, so the ride can feel brittle at times. The payoff comes on curvy roads, where body roll is minimal. Cornering over rough surfaces reveals an impressively flat ride, with the 17-inch wheels glued to the road. Many SUVs and even some cars come undone over the same surfaces, skittering sideways as their wheels dance over each bump. The optional Sport Package, which wasn't on my test car, includes bigger wheels and a tighter suspension. Expect even better cornering but a harsher ride.
The X3's brakes are surefooted at their limits, though the pedal is on the grabby side. After a week's driving, I had grown used to it and was able to make smooth stops.
See also:
Exterior
BMW says the front-end modifications for 2006 have been "executed with the
utmost reserve and subtlety." In addition to the restyled hood, the 7 Series
sedans have reshaped rocker panels ...
Comfort Access
Comfort Access enables you to enter your vehicle without needing to hold the
remote control in your hand. All you need to do is wear the remote control close
to your body, e.g. in your jacket pock ...
Display
Instrument cluster
Display in the instrument cluster.
Instrument cluster with enhanced
features
Display in the instrument cluster
with expanded scope.
Detailed information on service
req ...