2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i

What's it?

The 2011-model-year BMW X3 was revealed on the Paris motor show. A complete redesign, it replaces the first-generation X3, which racked up 614,824 gross sales worldwide given that its introduction in 2004. About 150,000 of those sales took place in North America.

The exterior styling has the redesigned X3 appearing considerably extra like a baby brother to the X5 than the previous model ever did. With highly detailed elements, which include light-emitting-diode headlight and taillight graphics plus a more-cohesive shutline architecture, it looks a great deal classier, as well.

The X3 has grown but not by a lot. Overall length is up by 3.four inches to 183 inches, the width grows by 1.1 inches to 74.one inches and height in increased 0.five inch to 65.four inches. The growth results in a slightly roomier interior that gains a newly created dashboard, controls and trim--all of a substantially larger high quality to present the X3 having a more upmarket really feel.

There's added functionality, too. The rear seat comes with an optional three-section backrest that could fold down in a 40:20:40 split. Trunk capacity increases by 2.0 cubic toes to a nominal 19 cubic feet--expandable to 56.six cubic toes using the rear seat stowed.

Two X3 models are planned for sale in North America by the finish of the year. The lineup begins with the $37,625 xDrive28i running BMW's N52 naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 240 hp. Positioned above it really is the $41,925 xDrive35i with the N55 turbocharged three.0-liter inline six-cylinder motor that puts out 300 hp. It is the identical powerplant utilized within the X5 xDrive35i.

Both engines come standard with a new eight-speed automatic transmission along with the third era of BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive process that delivers a nominal 40:60 split of drive front to rear. BMW says the X3's off-road capability is enhanced since of quicker reaction instances for your stability- and traction-control systems which are aspect of your “Integrated Chassis Management” electronics package.

The 2011 X3 is fitted with the aluminum-intensive suspension that uses a double-wishbone setup at the front, replacing the MacPherson-strut design utilised by the first-generation X3. Engineers kept BMW's patented five-link arrangement for the rear suspension. Also new is electronic damping control, which adjusts the stiffness from the shocks in three distinct levels--normal, sport and sport plus.

The wheelbase has been stretched 0.six inch and track width is up by three.2 inches in front to 63.six inches and 3.0 inches out back to 64.three inches.

Although the first-generation X3 was constructed by Magna in Graz, Austria, the 2011 X3 rolls out of BMW's factory in Spartanburg, S.C., which also builds the X5 and the X6.

How's it generate?

It does not take long behind the steering wheel to figure out that the second-generation X3 can be a far a lot more rounded proposition than its common predecessor. In each and every dynamic discipline it displays the sort of improvement to see it a lot more closely challenge premium-priced rivals such as the Audi Q5 plus the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Performance-wise, the brand new BMW leaves little to be desired. With a sturdy 300 lb-ft of torque at just 1,300 rpm, the xDrive35i's engine makes light work of the four,222-pound curb weight. BMW claims 0 to 60 mph in five.5 seconds, about one.2 seconds quicker than the xDrive28i, to make it the fastest-accelerating SUV in its class.

The solid reserves of torque also enhance the X3's cruising potential. The early production instance we drove in Atlanta this week wasn't rather as refined as we expected, which has a somewhat gruff nature to your engine below full throttle loads. But with remarkable mid-range flexibility and only a distant hum to your motor in top gear at legal limits, its part throttle qualities were exemplary. You'll find no official North American consumption figures for that xDrive35i just yet. Going around the remarkable European numbers, although, it truly is likely to become 1 from the most economical SUVs in its class despite the truth that North American versions go devoid of the regular stop/start of their European siblings.

This is 1 well-sorted chassis. From the meaty feeling with the new electromechanical steering, for the low ranges of roll and the tenacious grip, the X3 is more entertaining to dr difficult than either the Q5 or the GLK. Part of this could be traced for the optional “Dynamic Overall performance Control” program found on our test car. It uses an digital differential comparable to that available around the smaller X1 to alter the level of push being apportioned to every individual rear wheel for much more neutral cornering.

The greatest improvement, nonetheless, concerns the ride. Though the outdated X3 punished occupants with an overly firm and, at occasions, harsh experience, the new a person is considerably far more supple. It now feels more controlled and superior riding in activity plus than the previous design did with on its common chassis settings.

Do I want one?

The redesigned X3 is often a more-rounded proposition compared to mannequin it replaces. In the event you like the X5 but are put off by its $46,300 price tag tag, there is now a correct alternative within the BMW lineup. Be cautious ticking off the alternative boxes, although. Having a seemingly endless list of high-priced choices, the xDrive35i can easily turn into a very much extra high-priced SUV than its $41,925 base cost suggests.