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Photos: 2007 BMW X3 3.0si

The 2007 BMW X3 3.0si feels dated; we expect a model upgrade soon. While it drives well, there's nothing particularly special about its cabin tech. We would want something more modern for its high sticker price.

CNET Reviews staff
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BMW's little SUV is about as understated as it can be. The car focuses on function, along with a good driving experience.
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Adaptive headlights come with the high-intensity headlight option.
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The X3 isn't particularly tall. A person of average height can look right over the top.
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The 3-liter, six-cylinder engine produces 260 horsepower, enough to get the X3 moving, but without dramatic acceleration.
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With its small size and clean lines, we found the X3 to work well as an urban car.
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Standard all-wheel drive helps the X3 out in slippery conditions.
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As a small SUV, the X3 should be adequate to hold the luggage of its occupants.
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The interior styling of the X3 is a generation old compared to other BMW models.
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The panoramic sunroof option brings a lot of light into the car.
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We expect the next iteration of the X3 to get the weird shifter we've seen on the X5 and 535i. This shifter controls a six-speed automatic, and includes manual gear selection and a sport mode.
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Other BMW models have advanced to a new steering wheel style, with brushed aluminum accents.
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This menu screen lacks any real design, and some of its entries are almost incomprehensible.
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The knob and the Tone, Menu, and Sel buttons on the right control most of the infotainment functions. It works once you get used to it, but it's not a very refined system.
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We like the resolution of the maps and find it novel that the navigation system shows GPS coordinates.
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The nav system has a points-of-interest database, but it's not easy to find. You have to go into an Information submenu when entering an address.
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The stereo in the X3, which produces a good, strong sound, allows for lots of tweaking with this seven-band graphic equalizer.
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The auxiliary audio input is inconveniently placed behind the center console, facing the rear seats.
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Phone integration in the X3 is excellent. The system lets you access your phone book.
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The trip computer gives you useful information such as range to empty and miles per gallon. You can also have this information displayed on the instrument cluster.
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The X3 isn't much of an off-roader, but it does have hill descent control, which will maintain a slow speed on slippery slopes.

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