The 2008 BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a combination of true BMW road manners and comfort with the versatility and practicality of a larger sports utility. Its single trim level is called the X3 3.0si, fittingly named for its standard 3.0 Liter in-line 6-cylinder engine which develops 260hp. Outfitted with xDrive, the latest 4-wheel drive configuration, the X3 achieves a greater degree of stability and control in situations where traction may be lost. The xDrive system is linked to the vehicle's Dynamic Stability Control and ABS to provide unparalleled traction under some pretty slippery situations. Add to this the X3's 71 cu-ft of cargo space and you have the better of two worlds.

The interior of the BMW X3 is tidy and trim, with numerous cargo bins and storage spaces. The instrument layout in the X3 is thoughtfully arranged and exceedingly intuitive. On a crisp fall day, driving through Golden Gate Park, the heated front seats will make the drive that much more enjoyable. Add to that the Dual-Panel Panoramic Moonroof and the excursion gets much more interesting.

Beyond equipping the X3 with a premium sound system, BMW uses a digital sound processor to shape the sound envelope inside to imitate the acoustics of the venue of your choice, from steamy jazz bodega, to open-air concert stadium, to cathedral. Finding the soundtrack for your driving adventures will be a lot easier with the free 1-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio, which has over 60 commercial-free stations

Of all of the abundant safety features aboard the 2008 BMW X3, the parking assistance feature is pleasing owners the most. Through the use of 8 sensors, the X3 will alert you when you are close to obstacles behind and along side. A monitor alerts you visually when you are about a foot from an obstacle. Whether you ski, surf, or sailboard, the rugged accessory racks make traveling with your sports equipment a snap. Altogether the X3 makes sense in a world of shrinking parking spaces, gas-guzzling road yachts, and too-short vacations.