A Lap of Cayuga Racetrack:

BMW's X3 can post impressive lap times, but it does so only with some prodding. To be blunt, this was the first BMW I've ever driven where I felt slightly out of place on the racetrack. It's also the first BMW I've driven where the engine felt 'faster' than the chassis. That's not to say that the chassis was poor - on the contrary it was perfectly balanced and stiff, only giving away body roll to the Gods of comfort. But the engine still outclassed the chassis on the racetrack, and was only matched by the equally strong brakes at all four corners.

    The N55B30 twin-scroll single-turbo 3.0 liter inline-6 is a manic beast churning out fierce power and torque to the tune of 300 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque at 5,800 rpm and 1,300 rpm respectively. In sport mode the engine would redline at 7,250 rpm and it unleashed a grizzly roar the likes of which had by-standers covering their ears! This inline 6 emits a beautiful sound, and if it takes a track day to discover it, then do so - it is highly addictive and reminds you of exactly why you paid the premium to own a BMW.

    With a dash of forward weight transfer the X3 turns in cleanly and exhibits moderate understeer at the limit. The chassis feels well balanced with its 50:50 weight distribution and is unflappable over bumps in the road surface. At apex the X3 is neutral and can be balanced on throttle to steer out of the corner. Powering out to corner exit is a no brainer with the x.Drive system divvying out torque and preventing lurid oversteer - just feed in the throttle and let the electronics do the rest. There is no need to await the tail stepping out, x.Drive won't let it happen, even in the rain.

    After several laps the brakes resisted fade and the X3 felt solid, ready for continuous lapping. Of course, we let it rest to preserve the tires and brakes, but overall we got the sense that this X3 can dance, it just prefers to hang by the bar. It posted lap times that would embarrass some sports cars and frankly: it's still a BMW at its heart.

                             A Two Hour Tour:

    Setting off from Toronto, we pointed this BMW's nose at the hard-working city of Hamilton and continued East until we reached the small town of Cayuga - home to one of Canada's best kept racetrack secrets. Cayuga was converted into a make-shift racetrack in the 1950?s after serving in the second World War as an air-force training base. Two long runways were paved together to form a racetrack ala Top-Gear style, and the result is a flat but full-of-character track. Of course, you've read our racetrack dynamic assessment above, but here we wish to focus to the the trip to and from the quaint town of Cayuga.

    After our time at the track, we stopped by a local restaurant to get our fill. Even after such fast-paced action, the X3 sat patiently with style and class, awaiting our return. "The Twisted Lemon" serves 5-star food from a unique menu, and thanks to matured palates, the X3 found itself sharing pavement with an Audi R8, Cadillac CTS-V, Porsche 911 and an assortment of Mercedes in the parking lot. So sharp and upscale are its new looks and proportions, that the X3 fit right in - it does not feel out of place in expensive company. Without a doubt, the X3 can wear many hats - but how does it handle as a touring car?

    Setting off from Toronto, our X3 rocketed up an on ramp, smack dab into rush-hour gridlock. The auto-hold feature of the parking brake proved valuable, though it's sad I'm mentioning this in the touring section of our review (read: I loathe Toronto traffic). Realizing we would never make our destination on time, we made for the 407 Toll highway to bypass the traffic and get back on schedule. After a lengthy trek North we found ourselves back on track, sailing down the 407 in quiet haste.

    Unsurprisingly, the poise and comfort felt at slower speeds also translates into its highway cruising character. The ride is well dampened and silky smooth, with a feeling of weighty road holding and solidity. The cabin is very quiet at highway speeds and conversation can be held without any competition with ambient noise. Wind and tire noise are both reduced to a whisper thanks to intelligent aerodynamic design, and extensive sound deadening.

    The high seating position equates to a great view of the road ahead. You can easily see over the roof-tops of traffic ahead while perched in the driver's seat, and many buyers search out SUVs or cross-over vehicles namely for this reason. Visibility is otherwise excellent, with the rear view camera filling in the remaining blanks behind the vehicle.

    The usual BMW technologies will keep you safe and on course, including lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, etcetera, if so equipped. The cruise control interface featured on the X3 is now one of our BMW perennial favorites - its seamless action allows you to truly drive with your hands while your feet take a nap or get busy on the "air drums" following the music.

    The large hatch housed all of our camera gear and then some - interior space was never a consideration or limitation during our time with the X3. The dimensions are such that we could probably transport an IKEA kitchen, living room, bedroom and office set all in one go - but this is as much a tribute to Swedish packing efficiency as it is to the X3?s interior dimensions! Long story short: it's unlikely you'll find yourself pining for more space after purchasing an X3.

    Driving to and from Cayuga, we found the X3 to be a capable highway touring machine. We loved its quiet, relaxed ride, its immense passing power in the fast lane, and its comfortable, spacious cabin. Our wallet loved its efficiency. After both highway treks, we arrived refreshed and ready for our destination.

                                To The Hills:

    We decided to try out BMW's hill descent control as equipped on our X3 xDrive35i. After scouting some of the most slippery, steep grassy hills we could find, we put both xDrive and our automated descent control feature to work.

    The result is rather impressive coming from a vehicle that is unlikely to spend much time in the Amazon. After scurrying up the hill with plenty of grip from the all-wheel-drive, we spun the vehicle around for its descent. After engaging the hill descent program and setting a predetermined speed, in this case 10 km/h, I sat back in the driver's seat - feet off the pedals - and let the car do the work. After rolling to the bottom at exactly 10 km/h, the vehicle came to a stop, ready for another try.

    Perhaps a more practical application of this technology will come during winter months. Imagine you are visiting a friend's house, which has a very steep, lengthy driveway intersecting a major road. The driveway is icy, and covered with a thin coating of snow. If you over shoot the driveway, you'll be broadsided by traffic, so this is not the kind of exercise to experiment with. Hill descent control to the rescue! Simply engage, set your intended speed of descent (make it a slow one!) and let the technology bring you safely to the bottom of the driveway. No drama, no risk of error on your behalf. Kids still safely asleep in the backseat. Now the technology makes sense - nevermind my silly hill adventures (though admittedly good fun).

                                 Where's The Beef? Qualms and Quibbles:

    As BMW continues to perfect its approach to building cars and sporty SUVs, it becomes more and more difficult to find fault. Of course, as an automotive journalist it is my sworn oath (so help me God) to objectively and unbiasedly analyze the vehicles I test. In the case of the X3, I found that most "faults" better fall into the opinionated folder of driver preference, so take the following with a grain of salt, and consider a test drive before you make up your own mind.

    My biggest gripe with the X3 is found in its steering feel and feedback. As discussed earlier in this review, it is on the luxurious and comfortable side of typical BMW steering feel, and it leaves the racer in me wanting more sensory stimulation.

    But… I counter my criticism with the likelihood that most X3 buyers will welcome the X3?s relaxed, soothing approach to driver inputs and feedback - especially if this BMW serves any capacity in the family unit - kids not withstanding.

    The X3?s looks could stand to be a bone of contention for some buyers - but if sales figures have anything to say on the matter: the X3 is an attractive vehicle with sharp looks. At first glance in photos, I found the new X3 to be a bit awkward for my eye - but with time its lines began to make sense, and come together in an attractive package. Now, after spending a week with BMW's middle x.Drive, I've grown rather fond of it. It still challenges my eye on occasion from certain angles, but it does so with an artsy confidence - as if challenging me within an art gallery, "you Sir, are not cultured enough!" From most angles I love its shape, and I believe BMW have done a great job with its exterior styling.

                                   Conclusion:

    After creating the very segment in which it competes, BMW's X3 continues to lead the pack in its second generation. While its counterparts from across Germany and Asia have upped their game to draw sales away from BMW - the X3 has raised the bar in the segment. Impressive practicality, efficiency, style and safety make the X3 an obvious choice. At $46,900 MSRP in Canadian dollars, it's also a relative bargain in the range.

    Tenacious grip from its all-wheel-drive system renders it a great vehicle for winter roads, and with winter tires installed, it will take you as far North as you dare explore. Dynamically, the X3 rides upon a brilliant chassis, and should you fully unleash the engine - it will properly scare you with its acceleration.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time with BMW's latest X3. After sharpening its lines and maturing its ride, we see BMW's middle 'x' brother is all grown up - and it might fit well in your family.