2010 BMW X3

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The federal government has not yet tested the BMW X3. The insurance industry gives the 2010 X3 top scores of "Good" in frontal offset, side impact and rear crash protection tests. To help avoid crashes, the X3 comes standard with plenty of innovative safety systems. These include Dynamic Stability Control (which includes Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Start-off Assistant and Brake Fade Compensation), Dynamic Brake Control, Adaptive Brake Lights and front-door-mounted side-impact airbags.

The optional Park Distance Control ($750) uses ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to emit a beeping sound as your bumper approaches an object. BMW Assist with Bluetooth ($750) comes with four years of the BMW Assist Safety Plan, which provides emergency roadside and accident assistance. Rear side-impact airbags ($385) are also optional, which is disappointing on such a luxury vehicle.

These safety options aren't quite as innovative as some luxury SUVs. The Infiniti EX, for example, offers Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning systems, and an Around View Monitor. Even with the addition of many of these options, the EX still costs about $3,500 less than the X3.

• "Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) works to rein in the car when it's over-extended in cornering or emergency maneuvers; electronic throttle control reduces engine power when necessary to regain traction. The antilock brake system (ABS), allows the driver to maintain steering control in a panic braking situation. Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) improves braking performance by adjusting front/rear brake balance. Dynamic Brake Control, or Brake Assist, recognizes emergency brake application and maintains full braking force even if the driver mistakenly relaxes pressure on the brake pedal. -- Automotive.com
• "Up front, optional adaptive headlights can swivel several degrees during turns to illuminate oncoming bends. At lower speeds, additional parking lights illuminate nearby corners when the steering wheel is turned hard to the left or right." -- Cars.com