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:

Sitting safely
The ideal seating position can make a vital contribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. The seating position plays an important role in an accident in combination with: ▷ Safety belts. ...

Comparison with ordinary remote control
The functions can be controlled by pressing the buttons or via Comfort Access. Should a short delay occur when opening or closing the windows or the glass sunroof/panoramic glass sunroof, the s ...

Selecting menu items
Menu items shown in white can be selected. 1. Turn the controller until the desired menu item is highlighted. 2. Press the controller. Menu items in the Owner's Manual In the Owner's Manual, ...