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:

Increasing or decreasing vehicle speed
You can specify your desired speed in the range from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/ 25 km/h using the rocker switch of the cruise control on the steering wheel. You can change the veh ...

Driving experience: benchmark dynamics and exceptional comfort.
Highly advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies combine agile handling for the driver and a high standard of riding comfort for passengers. When equipped with the Sport Package, the new BMW ...

External temperature
External temperature warning If the display drops to +37 ℉/ +3 ℃, a signal sounds. A Check Control message is displayed. There is the increased danger of ice. Ice on roads Even ...