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.

BMW has now really gone to town on the car.

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, with an almost grudging nod to less well-heeled customers, BMW also offer a 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

Let’s be clear about this. BMW has repositioned the X3, lifting it out of the compact 4x4 mainstream and has equipped it with jet heels. It’s different because it’s so much faster and more capable - on road at least - than any conceivable rival.

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.

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?

Factfile:

BMW X3 range

Prices: £28,560 - £38,175 - on the road
Insurance groups: 15-17 [est]
CO2 emissions: 191-293g/km [est]
Performance: [3.0 sd) 0-60mph 6.6s/ Max Speed 149mph
Fuel consumption: (2.0d) (combined) 39.2mpg
Standard safety features: Twin front, side & window airbags, ABS, DSC+, ESP, DTC