Good
Cosy back seat; powerful turbocharged engine; crisp handling; top notch interior.
Bad
Expensive as compared to rivals; abrupt power delivery.
Introduction
2011 BMW X3 is a versatile Sports Activity Vehicle that combines all road utility and capability with sportscar like handling and performance. In 2011, it enters its second generation with more prestigious interior, bolder styling and enhanced power along with a plethora of optional and standard features. It is an excellent choice for those who are in the market looking for sport sedan dynamics in a crossover sport utility vehicle. The X3 has been completely redesigned for 2011 model year with optional turbocharged engine, latest iDrive electronics interface, standard automatic eight-speed transmission, updated interior design, crisper exterior styling and revised suspension tuning. It is basically a compact luxury crossover’s first full redesign since its introduction in 2004.
With slightly bigger size, five-passenger seating capacity, eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system, the all new 2011 BMW X3 fuses the company’s utility of a crossover with signature driving prowess. The X3 is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle developed and designed by German automobile manufacturing company called BMW, based on 3 Series automobile platform, and is now in its second generation. The company engineered X3 in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria, who designed all X3 models under contract to BMW for first generation. Following the X5, X3 was the 2nd vehicle sold by BMW as SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). The X3 was originally revealed as concept car at Detroit Motor Show in the year 2003. It was huge sales success for the brand and inspired similar offerings from other manufacturer’s models including Acura RDX, Land Rover LR2, Audi Q5, Mercedes Benz GLK Class, Cadillac SRX and Infiniti EX35.
With subpar cabin, mediocre power and jarring ride, the 2011 BMW X3 almost seems like a corporate late addition as compared to fully realized compact crossover sport utility vehicle. However, the company softened suspension system and upped power in these recent years. The fully redesigned X3 is similar to the first generation model, but gets notable mechanical revisions. Under dynamic looking sheet metal, you will find a revised suspension that offers comfortable ride. The optional adaptive suspension system lets driver to choose from three modes calibrating suspension, stability control, throttle and transmission settings.
The 2011 BMW X3’s xDrive28i replaces xDrive30i and provides slightly less power, while the xDrive35i gets a turbocharged six-cylinder 300 horsepower engine. Both variants are equipped with eight-speed transmission. There are a number of small luxury crossover sport utility vehicles in the market that are smoother around edges, more family friendly and provide similar agility and power – Infiniti EX35, Mercedes Benz GLK Class, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, but the 2011 X3 is a fine choice in its segment.
Trim Levels, Body Styles and Optional Features
The 2011 BMW X3 is a compact premium luxury crossover sport utility vehicle that offers comfortable seating capacity for five passengers and is offered in two different trim levels called xDrive35i and xDrive28i. The 28i comes packed with standard equipments and features, these include 12-speaker surround sound stereo system with HD radio, CD player, iPod interface and auxiliary audio jack, 17 inch alloy wheels, iDrive electronics interface of BMW, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, foglights, cruise control, rain sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control, power front eight-way seats, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery and leather wrapped telescoping and tilt steering wheel.
The 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i gets adaptive xenon headlights and 18 inch alloy wheels. Options are largely combined in various packages, but several of the features are offered separately. The Sport Activity package includes sport front seats, 18 inch wheels, sport transmission with paddle shifters and roof rails, while the Premium package gets auto dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and sunroof. The Technology Package consists of rearview camera with top view functionality, hard drive based navigation system with real time traffic and voice commands, rear and front parking sensors and Bluetooth streaming audio.
The 2011 BMW X3’s Dynamic Handling Package comes with three driver selectable drive modes, adaptive suspension dampers and variable ratio steering, while the Cold Weather Package is equipped with heated steering wheels and heated rear and front seats. Standalone options on X3 are premium surround sound stereo system, 19 inch wheels, satellite radio, rearview camera, 40-20-40 split rear seat, head-up display, power liftgate, sunroof and keyless ignition..