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:

Overview: indicator/warning lamps
Turn signal Parking brake Parking brake in Canadian models Automatic Hold* Front fog lamps* High beams High-beam Assistant Parking lamps, headlamp control Active Cruise Control Vehi ...

Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional equipment that is offered in the model series is described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment is also described that is not available in a vehicle, ...

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 ...