New Car Overview of the 2005 BMW X3 Compact Near-Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Compact Near-Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $30,300 - $36,300
Invoice Price Range: $27,735 - $33,195
Where built: Austria

This compact-class SUV goes by the tag of X3. A forceful in-line six-cylinder engine fits in front of the four-door passenger compartment that comprises two rows of seats for five riders, and the cargo bay at the rear accessible through a roof-hinged tailgate.

X3 stocks the xDrive electronically-controlled AWD mechanism. Off pavement, X3 adds another device called Hill Descent Control (HDC) to keep all wheels firmly planted on a steep slope.

For power, BMW brings two in-line six-cylinder plants, as model nomenclature follows engine patterns -- X3 2.5i and X3 3.0i. X3 2.5i contains a 2.5-liter unit producing 184-hp. X3 3.0i gets a 3.0-liter version with 225-hp. Each engine shows a sporty ZF six-speed manual or five-speed Steptronic automatic shifter.

X3's cabin is impressive in design and content. Models draw from a long list of standard features, including extensive safety equipment. Packages load additional gear, such as the premium package with vast Panoramic Roof plus automatic climate controls and cabin trim in wood and aluminum metal.