DRIVEN: Is The 2011 BMW X3 The NEW King Of The Castle?

It was only this year that BMW finally introduced an all-new X3 sport-utility vehicle. And thank God. The first-generation vehicle wasn't all that great; however, plenty of people bought them. The car sold like mad!

Having had one myself I know all about the incredibly stiff suspension, underpowered motor and horrid interior. But it was one of the most car-like driving SUVs on the globe. Additionally, it did manage to make me smile when I heard that six-cylinder power rev up.

Now the 2011 BMW X3 didn't exactly have big shoes to fill since the first-gen had some pitfalls, but considering its competition -- namely the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and Audi Q5 -- has heated up, BMW couldn't rest on its laurels. Or could they?

**See what AutoWeek has to say about the 2011 BMW X3 by clicking "Read Article"


...EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: This 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i reminds me of all the things I used to love about the X5--back when the X5 seemed smarter and sportier than any SUV on the planet. Now the X3 is channeling the big brother, feeling highly maneuverable and providing great handling and power for this class of vehicles...

...ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I haven't been a big fan of the first-generation X3 in recent years. Maybe it was because it was showing its age and had an interior that wasn't put together with the greatest of materials, but it handled respectably well (like all BMWs do) and was a sales hit for the company...
[Source: AutoWeek]


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JRobUSC - 4/16/2011 9:52:50 PM

+5 Boost

from the review: "Here's my take: The new BMW X3 is tops when it comes to small luxury SUVs now." Not too shabby.

davide - 4/18/2011 10:19:17 PM

+3 Boost

we have owned a new x-3 for approx 3 months now. top notch suv...
great new trans. wonderful interior design. same size as the first gen. x-5 with all the things that were wrong with the earlier gen. x-3 changed out. Fit and designed for man or woman driver. They have a winner for sure with this model.

0to60 - 4/17/2011 12:43:38 AM

-4 Boost

Queen?

enthusiastx11 - 4/17/2011 12:34:09 PM

+3 Boost

says you. SUV buyers wildly disagree. the new X3 is a MASSIVE sales success already.

IamEvilHomer - 4/17/2011 2:59:05 PM

-6 Boost

AMERICAN built pos

JRobUSC - 4/17/2011 8:50:00 PM

+5 Boost

Wow, really? Grow up, Audi salesman.

IamEvilHomer - 4/17/2011 3:02:17 PM

-6 Boost

i know BMW is amazing that they were able to design a SUV with the same specs as the Q5.

JRobUSC - 4/17/2011 8:43:40 PM

+5 Boost

You work for Audi so it's expected you'd be a bit biased, but same specs? The X3 is bigger, faster, handles better, is more technologically advanced, has a more advanced AWD system, is at least as nice if not nicer inside, and is more fuel efficient, for similar money. That doesn't sound so same to me, it sounds more like the Audi salesman is a little envious. The Q5 had a couple of great years for Audi, and it's still a good vehicle. No need to be childish, it's beneath you.

david999 - 4/18/2011 9:30:22 PM

+3 Boost

A friend of mine has one and it is an improvement over the last one for sure.