Before BMW Had SUVs Everywhere, Someone Built This Lifted 3 Series Wagon

25 Years Ago, BMW Only Had One Crossover

BMW makes crossovers of every size, shape, and even propulsion these days, but that wasn't the case about 25 years ago. At the time, the folks from Munich made just one crossover model. More specifically, it's the folks from Spartanburg, South Carolina who made it — the first-generation X5.

In 2001, the X3 was still a couple of years away, and those who wanted a high-riding BMW had no other choice but the X5, or swallow their pride and go for a different marque. There was, however, a third way, and that was to go to the aftermarket crowd. That brings us neatly to the AC Schnitzer X-Road.

A Bavarian Outback

The AC Schnitzer X-Road was presented as a prototype back in late 2001, which was about the same time as the launch of the facelifted E46 3 Series. Its formula was relatively simple and similar to the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 (before last year's revival). That's to take a popular wagon, give it a bit more ground clearance, and some cosmetic changes to further differentiate it from its lower-riding counterparts.

In the case of the X-Road, it came with taller springs that raised the 3 Series Touring's body by about 1.2 inches, so there was over six inches of clearance available. It then rode on 17-inch ACS Type 3 wheels shod in all-terrain tires. Admittedly, though, it doesn't appear to wear aggressive off-road rubber in the press photos.

Also present was a healthy dose of body cladding, along with a very era-correct graphics package. Surprisingly, it came with underbody protection, and there were also unique touches added to the interior. As far as we know, the X-Road had the same basic mechanics as the Euro-spec 325xi from the same era, meaning the familiar 2.5-liter inline-six (the M54B25 for you Bimmer nerds) with 189 hp.

How Many Made?

Yes, this wagon on stilts did reach production, although in extremely limited numbers. However, the exact figures are unknown, although it is said that only 25 were ever built in 2003. We did see a few examples for sale, none of which breached the €10,000 mark.

Interestingly, the few owners on social media we saw really put their X-Roads to work. One Reddit user has one with about 186,000 miles on the clock, while Instagram page Coliba Motorsport treats them the way AC Schnitzer had intended from the start. Given its rarity, one would think it belongs in a museum, but we argue that cars are meant to be used.

It's unlikely that AC Schnitzer will revisit the idea. After all, the X3 exists, and the tuning house has fettled the popular crossover over the years. At the same time, it's also the most popular model that BMW makes these days, as it's been outselling the 3 Series for quite some time already, making the concept of a lifted 3 Series Touring moot. Still, we'd rather have this over a first-generation X3 any day of the week.

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