BMW X3

To some, the previous X3 represents the nadir of Chris Bangle's design tenure at BMW. The new X3 throws this into sharp perspective, to the extent that one comes away wishing this new car had some of the distinction of its predecessor.

This vehicle appears to represent all the tensions of the changing design philosophy at the brand. Whereas the 6 series coupe concept across the stand presents an alluring calm, yet distinct vision for BMW's future, the X3 occupies a no-mans land of design – cover up the twin kidney grilles and it could almost be a product of almost any manufacturer.

Conceptually, the X3 undergoes a subtle move towards the Audi Q5-patented tall hatchback (as opposed to tall estate) profile, but in its execution and perceived quality the X3 falls some way short of both its bigger brother, the X5 and its aforementioned competitor. This is a car of uneasy surface resolution; busy, yet with none of the rule breaking confidence or theoretical substantiation that characterized the previous model.

The hood, for instance, feels like a case of simply too many surfaces, its fender bone lines are more than a little reminiscent of the clumsy treatment we've witnessed on recent Mercedes sedans and looping surface around the indicator repeater feels over-wrought.

The corners of the car, meanwhile, are collisions of surfaces that were never intended to meet. The way the tailgate surface continues into the rear lamp cans and the surfacing at the intersection of front fender and bumper feeling particularly uncomfortable.

Regrettably, the car gets worse the closer you get and this continues as you move inside. BMW's return to a driver orientated IP is less successful here than throughout the sedan range, creating an uncomfortably pinched feeling in the forward cabin.

The material and trim choice are further let-downs, with surprisingly large amounts of cheap plastics present. The exposed screw heads in the trunk floor rails and the cheap door bins – scuffed irrecoverably after one day at the show, don't help. Finally, wood and metal fillets have none of the attention to gapping or radii that characterize Audi's production cars and which help to create a perception of quality that is sorely lacking in this new X3.