2011 BMW X3 Review by Mike Hanley

The BMW X3 may have been a pioneer among compact luxury crossovers, but a number of competitors — including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and Volvo XC60 — have entered the fray since its debut as a 2004 model. Now, with the second-generation X3, BMW has new metal to take them on.

The 2011 BMW X3 is still the small luxury crossover of choice for driving enthusiasts, but its substantially more forgiving suspension tuning should make the new version far more appealing.

I tested the base xDrive28i, which starts at $36,750; with options, our test car's sticker price was $43,875. For a side-by-side comparison with the competitors mentioned above, click here.

See also:

Switching the system on/off
Press the left or right side of the button on the CD/DVD player in the rear for the respective page. Rear entertainment and screens are switched on/off. After switching off the ignition, th ...

Breaking-in period
General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to each other. The following instructions will help achieve a long vehicle life and good economy. Engine and differential Always ...

Automatic tailgate operation
Adjusting opening height You can set how far the tailgate should open. Adjusting the opening height When adjusting the opening height, ensure that there is a clearance of at least 4 in/ 10 cm ...