SINCE the arrival of its X5 large SUV pioneer, BMW has ridden the swelling Australian SUV wave.

While some manufacturers are still scrambling to catch up and claim a piece of the action from a high-rider hungry public, the German car-maker is a local stalwart.

To date, the Australian motorist has five BMW SUVs to choose from ranging from the smallest X1 up to the largest X5 and X6 twins, but sitting in the middle of the line-up we find the X3.

It might be technically classed as a mid-size SUV, but with dimensions close to the original X5, many shoppers regard the latest X3 as the Goldilocks of the BMW SUV range – just right.

In the mid-size SUV segment, shoppers are spoiled for choice with everything from capable 4WD off-road propositions to more showy urban-focused offerings, but where does the BMW fit in?

We threw the two diesel variants of the updated X3 range at a diverse range of environments and terrain to see if BMW's offering in the highly competitive segment is all big wheels and bodykit, or a genuine 4WD.

Click here for the full review...