The Globe and Mail

Despite what some say, less can never actually be more - but it can be enough.

And that turns out to be the case with the latest entry in BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle lineup, the new-for-2010 X3 xDrive28i, which has a little less engine, a little less stuff and a price tag that's a little less than $40,000, which is some $6,000 less than the previous starting point for an X3.

Making do with "less" in the xDrive28i's case turns out to be a surprisingly pleasant experience, which might actually bring "more" into this equation after all.

By lowering the step-in price X3 ownership has been opened to a larger group of buyers. Which, big surprise, is just what BMW has in mind - as it comes off its best sales year yet and it's keeping the marketing gas pedal floored.

The new xDrive28i is priced at $39,900, while its better-endowed sibling, the xDrive30i, starts at $45,900.

What are you missing if you opt for this base-model X3 Bimmer? In reality, not very much. Virtually all the essential components and systems that make up this sophisticated vehicle remain in place. All you'll be doing without are a few of the more advanced features available on the xDrive30i and an appreciable, but not deal-breaking, degree of performance.

The xDrive28i's engine is the same super-smooth, 3.0-litre, double-overhead camshaft, inline-six fitted to the xDrive30i but tuned to produce 215 hp at 6,600 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm, compared with 260 hp and 225 lb-ft for the xDrive30i. Both have the same six-speed automatic transmission, which distributes drive through BMWs full-time all-wheel-drive system.

The quick- and slick-shifting transmission makes the best use of what really isn't an abundance of torque to move a 1,845-kilogram vehicle, and the result is performance that will meet most needs, if not all expectations. BMW's numbers show 0-100 km/h times for the pair at a brisk 7.6 seconds for the xDrive30i and a 1.3 ticks slower time of 8.9 seconds for the less-powerful version. Both are governed to a top speed of 210 km/h.

In a week of driving the xDrive28i, I didn't feel particularly hard done by in terms of its accelerative abilities meeting driving requirements, either around town or for passing or highway merging. But, of course, more is always better and, in the case of these two vehicles, I'd definitely spend a little time in each to make sure the former will meet your needs.

While driving it may not be like wearing a performance hair shirt, it's not something you should consider purchasing to colour your automotive wardrobe green either, as its fuel economy is only marginally better.

The xDrive28i's thirst for premium fuel is rated at 10.4 L/100 km city and 8.3 highway versus 10.5 city/8.4 highway for the xDrive30i.

The two models are virtually identical mechanically, with the same tuning for the independent suspension, but the xDrive28i is shod with P235/55R17 in tires, while the xDrive30i gets P235/50R18s, which likely give it a bit of a handling edge. Brakes are the same on both, and you also get the same full suites of both active and passive electronic safety and airbag systems.

The suspension is set up with control in mind, and delivers a ride some might consider to border on excessively hard, but I didn't find it so. Yes, it does react very "positively" to bumps and does pitch you around a bit, but this is an acceptable trade-off for positive response and a fair degree of agility.

On the outside, only the worst BMW snob will be able to tell that you've saved a few thousand dollars on your X3, other than the most obvious difference in badges. Although the xDrive28i does come with graphite rather than titanium grill bars, and that extra inch of wheel diameter. The alloy wheels are a different, but no less attractive, design.

On the inside, about the most significant convenience feature missing is the power driver's seat. But the one you get is comfortable, supportive and can be easily adjusted to suit your shape and set up a good driving position. There's also a manual versus automatic climate control system and a somewhat more basic, but still fine, audio system with CD and MP3 capability. No Bluetooth though. You don't get the xDrive30i's heated steering wheel either, although heated seats are included.

The test car came with an Executive Edition package that for $1,100 added that heated wheel - which heats up fairly quickly and is a nice feature, but not as important as the heated seats on a cold winter morning - plus a Panorama sunroof that stretches over the back-seat area.

Otherwise, the X3, in either form, is what it has always been since its introduction, a crossover-style vehicle with seats for five (four in practical terms). It has 480 litres of room behind the split (with pass-through) rear seatback and a total with the seat folded of 1,560 litres.

Both are rated to tow 1,700 kg, but the xDrive28i obviously wouldn't be the best choice for this chore.

I actually quite enjoyed the lack of electronic gadgetry in the xDrive28i, which harkens back to a time when you weren't being distracted by a multiplicity of often superfluous systems.

All the xDrive28i's good stuff, stability control, ABS, etc., is where it should be, hidden under the carpets. In this case, less is definitely enough.

globedrive@globeandmail.com

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2010 BMW X-3 xDRIVE28i

Type: Luxury SUV

Base price: $39,900; as tested, $41,000

Engine: 3.0-litre, DOHC, inline-six

Horsepower/torque: 215 hp/ 185 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 10.4 city/8.3 highway; premium fuel

Alternatives: Volvo XC90, Lexus RX, Audi Q5, Subaru Tribeca, Buick Enclave, Lincoln MKX, Volkswagen Touareg, Saab 9-7X, Nissan Murano, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Infiniti EX, Land Rover LR2, Cadillac SRX, Acura MDX