General consensus on the X3 seems to be that it handles great but is a hard to live with. We didn't consider the X3 - it's just too cliche somehow. Even then I find the handling of the LR2 to be excellent so how much better can the X3 be?
Interesting comments on journalists. There has been a similar discussion on the MB forum about the 5th gear 'shoot out' between the C63 and the M3. The M3 came out on top because it handled better on a track, but we all know that the M3 is far harder to live with in the real world so what does it matter if the M3 can corner faster, anyone doing so in the real world should be arrested. What really matters is what it's like to live with on a daily commute. Something they rarely test. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!