The 2008 BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that delivers quick, nimble handling in a well built mid-sized package. While the compact-luxury market offers a growing lineup of choices, the X3's unique road handling and off road capabilities distinguish it from the crowded field.
The X3 comes standard with hill descent control, which slows the X3 to a walking pace for steep off-road downhill descents. On uneven road surfaces or in poor driving conditions, BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system ensures that the vehicle remains stable when taking bends, speeding up or braking.
The X3 is powered by a 260 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6, that sends power to BMW's xDrive all wheel drive through either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox.
Mileage comes in at 18 miles per gallon, city and 26 miles per gallon highway.
Base MSRP for the 2008 BMW X3 is $38,000. Fully loaded, expect to pay around $50,000. The X3 comes with a 4 year, 50,000-mile power train warranty.
The 2008 BMW X3 is not only a fun-to-drive alternative to larger, more cumbersome SUVs, but with features like Dynamic Stability Control, it delivers a high level of safety and driving confidence.