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:

The concept
▷ Most functions that are displayed on the Control Display can be operated by spoken commands via the voice activation system. The system prompts you to make your entries. ▷ Function ...

Mobile communication devices in the vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the vehicle It is advised that you do not use mobile communication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the vehicle without connecting them directly to the exte ...

Sound output
Switching on/off When the ignition is switched off: press ON/OFF button on the radio. Muting When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running: press the ON/OFF button on the radio. ...