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:
Controls
1 Change the entertainment source
2 CD/DVD drive
3 Eject CD/DVD
4 Change station/track
5 Programmable memory buttons
6 Volume, on/off ...
Automatic locking
The setting is stored for the remote control currently
in use.
1. "Settings"
2. "Door locks"
3. Select the desired function:
► "Lock if no door is opened"
T ...
Cabin Design & Roominess
In keeping with BMW tradition of late, the X5 M's cabin is somewhat austere.
High-grade materials are used, including great-looking available woven leather
trim that looks like carbon fiber. BMW c ...