As a company, BMW isn't particularly accustomed to adverse press reaction. Yes, there had been a few grouses about some of their more extravagantly styled cars and the iDrive control system has never been universally liked. Still, by and large the Munich company gorges itself on a glut of fawning press feedback. Imagine their surprise when they read the first reviews of the X3. They were, as my old editor used to say, real 'marmalade droppers'. Decried as too expensive, too limited and not built well enough, the X3 had a tough start, recovering sufficiently to notch up some respectable sales that provided a platform for the revised version we look at here.

Let's be clear about this. BMW has now completely repositioned the X3, lifting it out of the compact 4x4 mainstream and equipping it with jet heels. It's different because it's so much faster and more capable - on road at least - than any conceivable rival. Which is just as well given that prices start at £29,310. All models offer the choice of SE or M Sport trim.

BMW found themselves in a no win situation with the original version of the X3. When they introduced the Z3 roadster, the first cars imported were the entry-level 1.9-litre models after which the Z3 garnered an undeserved reputation as a hairdresser's car. Anxious to avoid this tag with the X3, BMW brought in powerful 2.5 and 3.0-litre models first, only for the press to moan that it was too expensive and priced too closely to the X5, a model BMW have now replaced with a bigger and more expensive successor. Since then, BMW have fleshed the X3 range out with more affordable models and boosted the value proposition still further. Slowly but surely the X3 has built a following.

Emboldened by this, BMW has now really gone to town on the car in recent times. Underwhelmed by the X3's modest off road abilities? Take a look at the 286bhp 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel engine and you won't care about mud plugging. Instead you'll just want to point it at the nearest set of high speed sweepers and let rip. There's also a 272bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine and a 218bhp 2.5-litre petrol unit that cements the X3's reputation as the compact 4x4 to choose if you want to go places fast. The 218bhp 3.0-litre diesel carries on much as before and BMW also now offer an improved 177bhp version of the 2.0-litre diesel that most buyers choose. With this car, as with the 3.0-litre diesel models, a programme of what the Bavarians call 'EfficientDynamics' has led to improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

"The X3 has, almost overnight, become aspirational. Who'd have thought that?"

With the X3 2.0d, this has also improved performance. A zero to 62mph time of 8.9 seconds compares to 10.2 seconds previously, while top speed has increased from 123mph to 128mph. Yet fuel economy has also improved. The X3 2.0d now records an 11 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, attaining 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. The vehicle's CO2 emissions also fall 10 per cent from 191g/km to 172g/km seeing it drop into Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty. All of this means that there may now be a more limited market for customers prepared to pay £4,000 more for the 218bhp 3.0d model but the twin turbo 286bhp 3.0sd variant is likely to continue to attract a following.

This headliner powerplant merits closer inspection. Borrowed from the 535d, this engine, fitted to the range-topping X3 3.0sd, will slingshot the car to 60mph in just 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph. With a combined economy figure of 36.2mpg, it's not as if you'll pay the penalty at the pumps either. A clue as to the potency of this engine comes when the torque figure is revealed. Packing 580Nm of torque, the X3 3.0sd has muscles the size of a Porsche 911 Turbo. Only marginally less brawny is the 500Nm generated by the 218bhp 3.0d, a model which hardly hangs around, getting to 60mph in 7.1 seconds and returning 38.2mpg.

Both of the petrol engines are respectably quick. The X3 is bigger and heavier than its styling suggests, the internal dimensions actually being more spacious than the X5, so a respectably torquey engine is a must, especially if you're planning on towing. While the diesel models are better in this regard, the petrol powerplants are lighter and even more fun, the 272bhp X3 3.0si notching off the sprint to 60mph in 7.2 seconds en route to a 142mph top speed . The 29.1mpg fuel figure proves that you don't get all the fun for free. If you need a better balance of power and economy, the 218bhp 2.5-litre car may be a better bet. Its headline figures are a 0-60 of 8.2 seconds, a max of 137mph and combined economy figures of 30.4mpg.

Along with the choice of engines, BMW has also tweaked the X3's styling, giving it a more upmarket look. The old X3 looked fine when specified in M-Sport trim with the body coloured side panelling but rather cheap with black parts, especially if the body was trimmed in a pale colour. The latest car reduces the size of the black side panels to mere running strips and a colour-keyed front spoiler sits below a redesigned bumper assembly. A bigger kidney grille reflects BMW's pride in the latest X3 and front foglights are now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. Move round to the back and there are LED tail lamps. Opt for the aggressive X3 3.0sd and you'll also get 18-inch alloy wheels and twin exhausts that poke out beneath a ground hugging rear valance. Don't be tempted to go off-roading.

The interior, the source of much of the X3's reputation for being built down to a price, has also been treated to a nip and tuck. The materials used on the centre console have been uprated and there's a better looking three-spoke steering wheel on offer. The 3.0sd gets stainless steel foot pedals, underlining its sporty credentials. Now that much of the technology that was introduced on the 5 Series has matured, BMW has been able to take a look at what's worth sticking with, what features will die a quiet death and, at the same time, has also introduced a few new ideas on the X3.

The Dynamic Stability Control + system (DCS+) is fitted to an X model for the first time, giving X3 drivers immense confidence as they explore the outer reaches of the car's handling envelope and acting as a reassuring safety net in the event of an evasive or emergency manoeuvre. The braking system has been given the most attention and the X3 comes with a series of braking functions that are beyond the ken of many cars costing three times as much. Brake Drying scrubs away the film of water on the brake discs that can reduce stopping power, while Brake Pretensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes to remove any slop in the system should the driver come sharply off the throttle pedal. Hill Start Assistant holds the brakes on a manual car until the driver can accelerate away while Brake Fade Compensation ramps up calliper pressure if the system detects that heat build up is causing brake fade. Switchable Dynamic Traction Control is also another first for an X model.

BMW has decided that the best way to rehabilitate the X3 is to turn it into a rocketship. Turning their back on the big volumes may well be the smartest move they've pulled. The X3 has, almost overnight, become aspirational. Who'd have thought that?

TOP 5 X3 DEALS

The results below show the top X3 deals on buyacar

	BMW X3 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Off Road
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £2,071	Price £30,969
	BMW X3 2.0d SE 5dr Step Auto Off Road
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,874	Price £29,006
	BMW X3 3.0sd M Sport 5dr Step Auto Off Road
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £2,610	Price £36,400
	BMW X3 2.0d M Sport 5dr [177] Off Road
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,937	Price £29,633
	BMW X3 2.0d SE 5dr [177] Off Road
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,740	Price £27,670