- BMW unveils its 2011 BMW X3.
- The new X3 is available in xDrive28i and xDrive35i models.
- Turbocharged xDrive35i is rated at 300 horsepower.
WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW has revealed its all-new second-generation X3. The all-wheel-drive "Sports Activity Vehicle" gets a new top-end model, the X3 xDrive35i. The X3 will be built in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant and will be on sale at U.S. dealerships by year's end.
The entry-level X3, the xDrive28i, has BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. BMW says the magnesium/aluminum power plant is the lightest six-cylinder engine in its size class in the world.
The top-end X3, the new xDrive35i, has a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo and Valvetronic. It makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The top X3 has a 0-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds and, with the optional Sport package, is electronically limited to 150 mph. The engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous six-speed.
The 2011 X3 is a half-inch taller, 3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the outgoing model and features flared wheel arches and other more aggressive design cues. The revised suspension is a combination of a double-joint spring-strut suspension at front and a multilink at the rear. BMW's Electronic Damping Control technology is optional and includes Driving Dynamics Control with three settings — Normal, Sport and Sport Plus — accessible from the center console, to adjust shock firmness, throttle response and shifting characteristics.
The interior gets an 8.8-inch high-resolution screen — the largest onboard screen in the segment, says BMW — and an optional navigation system with BMW's fourth-generation iDrive technology in the central display.
Inside Line says: BMW was obviously satisfied with the previous-generation X3, since the new version remains similar in shape and size. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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geebee says:
11:27 PM, 07/31/2010
Hmmm...BMW builds a Kia Sportage. I think I'll take the Sportage once the turbo-engine arrives for 1/2 the price of the BMW and better residual value. Yes, I said that.
nyccarguy is worried about affording the new 2011 X3...I say with any German it is better to go pre-owned...after you turn in that X3, why not try a 2009 Q5 or a 2007 X5 4.8? I bet either could be had for $40K if you get the right deal. That 2011 X3 loaded up with decent options is going to be over $50K new and believe me, there will be no price breaks on a new model.
My own choice was the 2009 Q5 and I have no regrets, especially since somebody else paid the initial depreciation.
audirs4 says:
08:25 AM, 07/28/2010
It's nice looking and will help compete more with the Q5, which is currently a class leader.
The 240hp will be the volume seller. I can see the 300hp AWD model being expensive loaded up.
nyccarguy says:
12:40 PM, 07/16/2010
Fitting that BMW is releasing photos of its new X3 just a few weeks shy of when we have to return our beloved 2007 Montego Blue X3 3.0Si. I like the new front end styling. The twin kidneys protruding out like a snout give it an aggressive look. The front 3/4 & side profiles are very masculine. I'm sure the interior will be nice too.
My problem with the new X3 (like every other BMW) is that I'm probably going to want one, really bad. It is going to be too expensive once you put a few options in it. I'm sure the 240 hp will be fine for most people, but the 0-60 time is probably going to be close to 7 seconds (maybe 6.9). I don't think it will be enough for a 4000 something pound vehicle. With the X1 slated to be the entry level BMW truck, I'm sure an X3 2.8i with a few options (premium, cold weather, nav... that the dealers order) is going to sticker for well into the $40K range. 0-60 mph in 5.5 for the turbo X3, now we're talking. But alas, I'm sure those will be have sticker prices well north of $50K.
I love BMW, they are my my favorite auto manufacturer. I love our 2007 X3. My only hope to afford one of these gems is if they don't sell particularly well & BMW puts massive Z4 type incentives on the X3.
dnoodles says:
09:45 AM, 07/16/2010
this is what happens when an X3 f**ks a kia rondo.
another "99% the same as last years model" style attempt by bmw.
patrickw says:
11:16 PM, 07/15/2010
The front end definitely looks more fluid and well-integrated than the outgoing model. From the side, the lower character line is attractive, but the discontinuity of the upper line at the front quarter-panel looks like someone literally fell asleep at the drawing board. The rear bumper is less Jeep-like but not really BMW-ish, the taillights and reflectors turn me off, and the rear window seems considerably shorter (rear visibility in the current X3 is just about the minimum full view, so this is a concern). Is there some aerodynamic reason the roof needs to slope down like the GT? I guess I could put up with a slightly larger exterior in order to have a little more elbow and shoulder room, but that slope in the roof makes me skeptical it will hold any more gear.
Looks aside, the critical question is whether it will deliver a better city ride (read: potholes and speed bumps) while maintaining its off-road competence. Can't wait to drive one.
morey000 says:
03:49 PM, 07/15/2010
Where is that beach where you can drive on it, and it's good for beach access scuba diving... with a supermodel.
alpine6speed says:
01:37 PM, 07/15/2010
My wif loved her old 2008 X3 3.0si M Sport 6 speed manual and I really liked it too. The GLK interior is by FAR the worst interior of all of the utes. The new X3 and Q5 are light years ahead of the GLK now. The GLK looks like an older suraru forester from the side. 0-60 in 5.5 (which is almost 1.5 sec quicker than the Q5 and GLK) with gas mileage that will easily better the compeition? I say GREAT JOB BMW
rex21 says:
11:04 AM, 07/15/2010
Why is it ok for the X3 to have the same turbo I6 engine as the X5, the X3 costs less and goes faster? Why punish the people who pay more? Are you happy at seething your higher end customers? No purchase.....thanks.
motolust says:
10:52 AM, 07/15/2010
With the twin turbo gas engine, that's some serious performance from a crossover. Put the 3.0 liter tt diesel in this thing (with the 8 speed auto) and everyone else goes - back to the drawing board...
aston_dbs says:
08:38 AM, 07/15/2010
The usual 'bad tricks' from BMW remains...
This new X3 may look nice (and pretty cool) here in the picture.
But in reality, without that 'premium package' bumper/fog lights, the nice wheels and the sport accent next to the muffler, this X3 will look hideous.
I was totally sold (on the 1st sight) to the $71k 2011 BMW 550i with 'everything' on it.
Then I look at the 528i and I wonder... What the? It looks pretty awful without the 'jewelry' that was added on to the 550i
BMW way: They nickel and dime you to death...