Good-looking BMW X3 marks its spot

Revamped SUV takes its place in ever-impressive lineup, writes Julie Marshall

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BMW's fourth-generation X3 is a beautiful creature. Muscular but not overly aggressive, even with the striking front grille, which dominates the exterior.

All versions have an automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Powertrain choices are mild hybrid two-litre petrol and diesels (20 and 20d) and a plug-in hybrid, the 30e.

Then, there's the car we tested, the ultra-fast M50 with its three-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine.

The X3 is the most popular of BMW's models, with more than 3.5 million of them sold since the first generation was launched in 2003.

The interior has undergone a more striking makeover in this latest model and surprisingly doesn't feel as luxurious as it once did-not as much chrome as before, for one thing.