The 2011 BMW X3 Compact SUVs. The 2011 BMW X3 has higher fuel economy ratings, more standard features and more interior space than previous models, making it an all-around stronger contender.
For the 2011 model year, BMW has taken the luxury compact X3 back to the drawing board and returned with a SUV that the industry admires. Here's the good news: That all changes with the 2011 BMW X3.
Other Compact SUVs to Consider
Instead it offers rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option. The result, reviewers say, is that the EX is extremely fun to drive. Reviewers like the Q5’s car-like ride and handling, as well as its luxurious interior.
Details: BMW X3
All-wheel drive is standard on both trims. The 2011 model is bigger than the outgoing model, and has a new suspension and transmission, more passenger room and more cargo space.
While the base xDrive28i 3.0-liter inline-6 has a perfectly respectable 240 bhp, the top model that we drove—the xDrive35i—has the N55 3.0-liter direct-injected turbocharged six that packs a lusty 300 bhp, a significant 40-bhp increase from its predecessor’s top engine. Suspension is new as well, the rear 5-link setup derived from the 3 Series line, while the front MacPherson-strut suspension eschews the “boomerang” lower control arms for independently jointed links, for both a tighter turning radius and better steering axis geometry.
Our test vehicles were loaded with options, including Electronic Damping Control with Normal, Sport and Sport + modes, which includes what’s called the Performance Control feature that helps turn-in and cornering balance by applying the inside rear brake while simultaneously applying extra power to overcome the brake drag.
Inside, there’s a typical no-nonsense BMW gauge cluster, generously bolstered seats, a choice of three interior leather colors with contrasting stitching (Leatherette standard) and two wood trim choices (aluminum standard) and a pair of amply sized cupholders in front of the shift selector.
The 2011 BMW X3 has been fully redesigned. Thankfully, BMW softened the suspension and upped the power in successive years. An optional adaptive suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes calibrating suspension, throttle, transmission and stability control settings.
The xDrive28i ostensibly replaces last year's xDrive30i, and offers slightly less power, but also a slimmer entry fee.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW X3 is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover SUV available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i.
Standard features on the 28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, BMW's iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface.
The Sport Activity package varies slightly for each model, but includes 18-inch wheels, sport front seats, roof rails and a sport transmission with paddle shifters. Opting for the Dynamic Handling package gets you adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering and three driver-selectable drive modes. A Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
A 3.0-liter inline-6 engine powers both 2011 BMW X3 models. BMW estimates the x35i's fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.