Did you read the X3 review on the opposite page? They could have swapped the cars over and you would hardly notice.
It seems that the motoring press have a series of things they just have to say about each marque. For BMW they have to hate:
The modern styling
RunFlats
iDrive
Standard equipment levels
Cost
Then, because the engines have received all sort of awards and accolades they have to love them.
To be honest, having test driven an E90 Msport I would have to say it is too stiff a ride for my taste, but then so was the E46 Sport. Having more recently driven a 1series on RFT's in SE trim (courtesy car) it was fine.
Of course it doesn't help that British roads are just falling apart. When they are into patching sections of road weekly instead of doing the job properly you know the system doesn't work!