2012 BMW X3 Test Drive And Review: A Devilish Crossover
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
This Chicago BMW dealer has always been a fan of the incredible BMW X3 since its debut and now with a few new updates, this may be the best BMW Sports Activity Vehicle! The BMW X3, much like the BMW X5 and BMW X6, has outstanding performance and safety features. Stop by Patrick BMW today to lease the new 2012 BMW X3!
Source: Forbes
The devil is in the details. When BMW rethought its successful compact crossover, the changes that resulted were incremental. An inch off here, a few horsepower added there. The 2012 BMW X3 that resulted from that reworking is a new vehicle for all intents and purposes, and better in just about every way. The 2012 BMW X3 xDrive35i carries a base price of $42,400 ($53,204 as tested) with BMW’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and full maintenance program and EPA fuel economy estimates of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
I was lukewarm on the first generation BMW X3, which marched out of factories as 2003 – 2010 models. The longer I looked at its exterior, the less enamored I became. Automotive design is like that sometimes — what looks fresh today looks like a polyester leisure suit tomorrow. The new X3, redesigned for 2011, is a sharply tailored Hugo Boss suit by contrast.
BMW’s signature dual kidney grille flares at the front of the X3, forcing the hood to snake around it. Expressive headlights squint from their horizontal housings on each front corner. Crisp bends define the shoulder lines and outline the wheel arches. Out back, X3′s taillamps continue the quirky BMW tradition, dripping from the tailgate onto the rear fender but not quite matching up. The shape of the vehicle from the rear tapers slightly toward the top, giving a greater impression of stability.
Overall, X3 has gone from a staid, by the numbers crossover to a hot, sporty vehicle, without losing its essential character or utility. I think this design will look great for years to come. But then again, I thought I looked great in those white painter’s pants and aqua Izod shirt with the collar turned up. There’s photographic evidence to the contrary.
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To learn more about the BMW favorites here at Patrick BMW, such as the BMW 1 Series, BMW X3, and BMW M Series, stop by our Chicago BMW dealer today. Call today 888-622-6968 or click here to contact us!