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:

Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be carried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW. It is stored with the tool kit under the cargo floor cover in the cargo a ...

General information
Do not adjust the seat while driving Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving, or the seat could respond with unexpected movement and the ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an ...

Hot exhaust system
Hot exhaust system High temperatures are generated in the exhaust system. Do not remove the heat shields installed and never apply undercoating to them. When driving, standing at idle and whi ...