The first generation X3, for all its typically fleet-footed BMW handling, wasn't the most handsome vehicle in the Beemer family.
It was the gawky cousin with the monobrow and prominent overbite, the one who'd always be discreetly stuck in the back row for family photographs.
The new X3, launched in South Africa this week, is a lot easier on the eye and the nerdy teenager has grown into something more self-assured and masculine-looking.
The upsized new kidney grille in particular makes the mid-sized SUV look more like the bully who will steal your school lunch (rather than the geek it's being stolen from), while the old X3's ghastly rear end has been reshaped into an altogether smoother, sexier derriere.
Beemer's mid-size SUV has also had a slight growth spurt to position it exactly between the larger X5 and the recently-launched compact X1. The expanded cabin is spacious and takes four or five adults without a squeeze, while the spacious 550 litre boot can expand to 1600 litres with the seats folded.
This is the first X model to come with optional Dynamic Damper Control which adjusts suspension firmness; and Dynamic Drive Control which also varies the throttle, steering and traction control thresholds.
As part of BMW's fuel- and environment-saving EfficientDynamics measures the X3 for the first time features electric power steering, brake energy regeneration and an automatic start/stop system.
The two variants available at market launch are the xDrive20d (selling for R465 308) with BMW's gutsy and fuel-sipping 135kW/380Nm four cylinder turbodiesel engine, and the xDrive35i with the muscular 225kW/400Nm six cylinder twinpower turbo petrol retailing at R605 182. A 3-litre turbodiesel will follow next year.
The flagship xDrive 35i comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, one of the smoothest-shifting gearboxes in existence. The same 8-speeder is an option in the 2-litre turbodiesel, which by default comes with a 6-speed manual.
Traction needs in both derivatives are served by xDrive permanent all wheel drive linked to Dynamic Stability Control, which gives the X3 the ability to cling doggedly (cattedly?) to tar and dirt alike. These abilities were repeatedly tested on the media launch held in Mpumalanga last week, and the X3, which also has revamped suspension and a wider track, felt impressively surefooted on twisty tar and dirt stage alike.
For a top-heavy SUV it really does handle pretty decently, especially with the Dynamic Damper Control on its firmest setting. Mild-to-medium off-road excursions are also in its repertoire although the ground clearance is too limited for hardcore bundu bashing.
Some of Beemer's newest James Bond toys become available in the X3 for the first time, including a head-up display, high-end audio and satnav with hard-disk storage, automatic boot door operation, and a tow coupling with electronically pivoting ball head. They're all extra-cost options, as is a reversing camera including top view.
Nice one, BMW, the last ugly duckling has disappeared from your line up.