2008 BMW X3si

260 horsepower inline 6, 225 lb-ft of torque. The horsies are right there when you need them, and so are the brakes. The interior feels...AWESOME! The leather is some of the nicest I've ever felt, the seat comfort is excellent, the only sounds you hear are the ones that originate inside the vehicle, visibility and instrumentation are great, no torque steer (thanks to the AWD and inline 6) and this baby is planted--make that glued, to the road. I'd love to take it for a spin through the twisties! The inline six makes for an ultra smooth engine, which BMW has known since the early 1970's. Inline six engines are also super duper reliable.
Two rows of seats this time; BMW didn't try to make it into something it's not. Cargo space behind that second row of seats is quite ample! I don't see three full-size car seats in the rear seats, though. Perhaps one full-size car seat and a booster on either side, but it would be tight. It is only rated to tow 3500 pounds, but as it requires premium gasoline, I wouldn't want to actually tow anything with it. (Highway mpg is rated at around 24, in town it's about 17.)
Starting price is around $38,000 but if you want nav, "comfort seats," premium sound, rear side-impact air bags, leather upholstery, or any other fun add-ons, be prepared to pay quite a bit more than $40,000.
In typical BMW fashion there are so many buttons and knobs that one is momentarily stymied. The gas and brake pedals are almost kissing each other down there on the floor board, so wear appropriate (narrow) footwear. Remember the nasty bit of publicity that Audi got in the 1980's?
If you absolutely must have a fun-driving small SUV, and can afford to take it in for service at the EXACT recommended intervals, or any time a gnat gets stuck in an air filter, then check this car out. I understand why people drive BMW's now. I had a blast driving it, but it doesn't seem light years different than anything else out there. Not for the price, and the premium gasoline! And, if your kids puke on this upholstery you will cry.



Thanks to www.analogstereo.com for the picture!