I really like the exterior of the old X3 and the interior of the new X3. I prefer manual transmissions (MT) on cars because I think they are more fun to drive and I have a 6MT sedan. I think we will all agree that it is a preference. On SUVs/SAVs my opinion is that if you combine a sophisticated engine and auto transmission (AT) you get great results like an X3/X5/X6. I owned two manual Jeep Wranglers and you wanted the control off road and you needed the MT because they were underpowered. I do not plan to take my X3 off road perhaps a farm or dirt road but I would be curious if all of the electronics would assist off road like hill descent and so forth. I also believe the AT in the BMW provides stellar acceleration and fuel economy. Take a look at the new Grand Cherokee. It has a modern V6 engine but the old 5-speed AT slows it down while burning extra fuel.
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