BMW X3

Four-wheel drives: Aussies can't get enough of them. Whether it's tough and rugged dual-cab utes from Japan or highly polished prestige SUVs from Europe, our wallets seem to know no limits.

Truth be told, most of the popularity growth is from those firmly ensconced inside city limits. Something about a dream of big-country adventure; donning the Akubra and charging up Big Red.

But we're loath to give up life's luxuries, which is why "crossover" vehicles like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-class have mushroomed in popularity. For boat owners with a need to tow, this influx of utilitarian 4WDs with lavish levels of comfort has been a real boon.

BMW is hoping its new X3 five-door wagon will find a ready-made market below its bigger sibling; those with $60k to spend on a European SUV with the practicality of a wagon and the durability of a 4WD. Oh, and a fair tow rating too. But before we check out its pulling power, let's get to know this Teutonic tugboat for the land.

Essentially this high-riding five-door wagon is a mini-X5, near enough to 10cm shorter in length and 4cm shorter in height. It's powered by a range of BMW six-cylinder engines (2.5lt and 3.0lt in capacity) and sends torque to all four wheels through an electronic differential system called xDrive.

The xDrive system uses the X3's traction control and dynamic stability control electronics to sense wheel slip, and then apportions torque to the front and rear axles as grip allows. It's clever enough to modify this torque distribution to reduce trailer sway when towing.

Another offroad feature handy for towing is hill descent control, which regulates downhill speed to just 6kmh - in forward and reverse - without driver input on the throttle or brake pedal.

The X3's comfy interior is roomy enough for four adults; a squeeze for five. Climate-control air conditioning is standard fitment, along with a trip computer, CD player, electric windows and mirrors, and central locking.

One criticism of the interior is the storage options for things like keys, mobile phones and so on. There's only a very shallow cup holder in the centre; otherwise it's the two-stage-opening door pockets, or a broad reach to the glovebox.

The cargo area is more user friendly, with enough room for three mountain bikes (with rear seats folded) and two floor rails that take spring-loaded, sliding tie-down rings. A 12V power socket is fitted in the rear compartment.

So, how does it go? Trailer Boat has driven both the 2.5lt and 3.0lt models previously, and neither wants for power. The 3.0lt model is a no-brainer if you're likely to push the car's 1700kg towing capacity; but the 2.5lt, with 141kW/245Nm performance, doesn't exactly struggle near this limit.

Stability is a strongpoint, with very little wander induced by the trailer or any crosswinds. The X3's smooth-changing five-speed auto is nearly seamless in its operation, and it thoughtfully offers a StepTronic manual mode for times when you want to choose the gear.
The X3's brakes are well suited to towing needs, with big discs all round, equipped with the latest Bosch ABS system. Electronic additions like CBC corner brake control and brake-force assist endow the X3 with a level of braking competence that cheaper four-wheel drives can't match.

Some passengers felt the ride was too firm during our time with the car, but we felt it was acceptable given BMW's focus on delivering a sporty drive - when you're not dragging a boat, of course.

Overall, the X3 is a capable and competent car that, mechanically and physically, delivers everything we could expect of a prestige compact 4WD. It's a little below par on creature comforts and quality inside the cabin - take the clunky seat-adjustment controls, for instance - but that wouldn't be enough to drop it off our shopping list.

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