BMW's X3 "Sport Activity Vehicle" debuted in 2003 and has undergone a steady series of improvements year after year. Equipped with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X3 offers all the safety and security of the larger X5 in a smaller, more nimble package. Like the X5, the 2009 BMW X3's claim to fame is successfully wedding SUV attributes (aggressive tall-wagon look, utility, all-weather security, "command" seating position) to BMW attributes of performance and fun-to-drive handing agility.