 2011 BMW X3. Click image to enlarge |
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2011 BMW X3
Mont Tremblant, Quebec – All-new for 2011, the BMW X3 “Sports Activity Vehicle” (SAV) grows in height, width and length to closely match the size of the previous generation BMW X5. It also evolves toward a more luxurious interpretation of the SAV.
Introduced in 2004, the X3 raised the bar in the nascent premium SAV segment that saw numerous manufacturers subsequently offer similar vehicles. Chief competitors, according to Joe Weirda, X3 Product Manager, are the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX, but others include the Infiniti EX, Volkswagen Tiguan, Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60.
BMW is countering by offering comprehensive improvements and maintaining a price that’s close to the outgoing model, while adding features and refinements.
 2011 BMW X3. Click image to enlarge |
Starting at $41,900, the 2011 X3 28i features a 240-horsepower, 3.0-litre, inline-six cylinder engine that propels the X3 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Generating its peak horsepower at 6,600 r.p.m., this engine develops 230 pound-feet of torque at between 2,600 and 3,000 r.p.m. Acceleration to 100 km/h is a half-second quicker than the outgoing model using an automatic transmission. This is the lightest six-cylinder engine for its size in the world, according to BMW Canada.
The $44,900 2011 X3 35i is equipped with BMW’s “twin-scroll” turbocharged 3.0-litre inline, six-cylinder engine whose maximum output is 300 hp at 5,800 r.p.m. and 300 lb.-ft. torque. Peak torque is generated from 1,200 to 5,000 r.p.m. Preliminary acceleration tests produce 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds with the automatic transmission.
Speaking of the transmission, no manual is available, but the automatic is now an eight-speed that has “taller” cruising gears designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The eight-speed transmission also has a wider spread of ratios to enhance acceleration and response, and can shift directly from eighth to second gear if required.
   2011 BMW X3. Click image to enlarge |
Ride and handling are enhanced by fitting a new five-link rear suspension and a double-joint spring-strut suspension at the front. All-wheel drive, supplied by BMW’s third generation xDrive is standard, and has been revised to improve handling characteristics and quicker response to changing driving conditions. Torque in this system is normally split 40/60 per cent front/rear, but torque can be sent 100 per cent to the front or rear if conditions warrant, and at all times is steplessly variable. Track is increased by a significant 92 millimetres compared with the 2010 model, which improves road holding and comfort, and also gives the X3 a more formidable appearance at the rear.
Inside, the 2011 X3 is notably more luxurious, and provides (finally) a pair of cupholders in the centre console. Storage containers in the doors are larger and will now hold good-sized bottles, and the rear cargo area gains 26 litres of storage capacity. Rear seat passengers gain about an inch of foot and knee room, and the interior environment is altogether more upscale than the original X3.
Standard equipment for both models is comprehensive, including automatic headlights, fog lights, hill descent control, trailer stability control (included, with other electronic aids, in the DSC-X extended Dynamic Stability Control system), rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated mirrors and windshield washer jets, ambiance lighting, heated leather steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable and heated seats with driver memory, automatic climate control, iDrive system with eight programmable memory keys and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The two models — X3 28i and X3 35i — are virtually the same except for the engine, but there are some features that set them apart. The X3 35i adds chrome finished exhaust tips, a sport steering wheel, 12-speaker audio with two subwoofers, xenon headlights and a 10-spoke, 18-inch wheel that while the same size, differs in design from the X3 28i.
 2011 BMW X3. Click image to enlarge |
Our X3 28i and 35i test vehicles both included packages and stand-alone options which raised their base prices to $46,585 and $53,700 respectively, and both arrived with the standard leatherette (vinyl) upholstery. Leather is a stand-alone option at $1,900, as is metallic paint for $800. Other available features are a head-up display, power liftgate, navigation with rear camera, panorama sunroof, wood trim, satellite radio and aluminum roof rails. Freight for the X3 is a hefty $1,995.
There’s no shortage of snow and ice in the Mont Tremblant area in January. An overnight snowfall pleased the BMW organizers, who were keen to show off the X3’s prowess on slippery surfaces. Wearing Pirelli winter tires, the X3 was more than a match for local conditions, handling corners and hills as if on dry pavement. Indeed, the driver had to push the X3 to get an intervention from the stability control systems, and even then it was the briefest correction.
On smooth pavement the X3 ride is quiet and controlled, but there is some chop when road conditions become uneven. The reason? The X3 is not a sedan; it’s an SUV-style of vehicle with a firm suspension tuned more for performance than comfort. It’s just as well. With the firm suspension comes precise handling and a genuinely sporty driving experience.
 2011 BMW X3. Click image to enlarge |
On dry pavement (what little we could find), the X3 28i put its power to the ground with authority, suggesting that for many owners this would be all the engine they’d need. The X3 35i, in contrast, provides a genuine rush of acceleration from standstill, and is one very quick vehicle.
Both X3 models have steering and brakes to match their formidable power, although the X3 35i can be ordered with an optional Dynamic Comfort Package for $1,500. The package includes driver-selectable Dynamic Damping Control, Performance Control and Normal, Sport and Sport+ dynamic control modes. The X3 35i is also available with an $1,800 Sport Package that includes 19-inch wheels, performance tires and sport seats.
A popular vehicle for BMW, the 2011 X3 becomes one of three Sport Activity Vehicles from which to choose, as this year the BMW X1 is introduced as an entry to the brand and the vehicle type. Now the X5, X3 and X1 establish a nuclear family of BMW SAVs.
The BMW X3 is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
