After this video test drive from Autocar, it seems that the new BMW X3 ticks all the boxes in terms of improving what’s already a good, compact family SUV. It’s roomier compared to the previous model, making it more practical, and now has class-leading reduced fuel consumption, too. Other technological advancements include a more lightweight and powerful model (with this example having 182 hp), meaning the X3 is now more fun and easier to drive. In terms of fuel consumption, the new BMW X3 has the best value in its class, which is great for those already purchasing in the SUV segment but we still have our doubts about how that might lure new buyers concerned about fuel costs. Still, it’s good to see new efforts in making SUV models more environmentally (and wallet) friendly.
The BMW X3 M Sport package includes mostly stylistic modifications with a new aerodynamic kit, larger front air intakes, wider side skirts, chrome exhaust and 18-inch wheels (with 19 and 20 inch models available as options). Completing the exterior is a high-gloss trim and an optional Carbon Black metallic paint only available with the M Sport Package.
The interior of the X3 M Sport features new Pearlpoint fabric and leather mix upholstery, a sports steering wheel with cruise control command, a sports gear stick and brushed aluminium trim. All replete with the M badge, of course. On the technical front, while limited, there are some suspension modifications and an overall “Performance Control” system which works with the dynamic damper control and drive dynamic control. The BMW X3 M Sport will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show next month.
This BMW X3 commercial for the new generation is unashamedly lifestyle-oriented - get the car, get the life that goes with it. It’s a fun ad with lots happening and we like the take on the moon, too but overall it’s a bit overwhelming. BMW is using a new ‘Joy’ slogan, as seen in the BMW X1 commercial which you can view after the jump. It comes across as slightly more sophisticated and has a clear demographic of beautiful, young people to appeal to.
The 2011 BMW X3 gets a new look in line with the X1 and X5, gaining in sports character. Apart from some exterior changes, BMW has concentrated on upping its game on the inside, working on a more luxurious and modern interior in line with the rest of the BMW range and its renowned quality finishes.
The list of options includes GPS nav unit, head-up display, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cornering headlights, a panorama sunroof, ‘Connecteddrive’ internet connection and more. We obviously get the now indispensable smartphone integration and boot capacity can increase from the standard 550 litres to 1,600 litres on folding the rear seats.
There are a range of engine options, starting with the xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel. It has 181 hp and 380 Nm of torque, accelerating to 100 km/hr in 8.5 seconds and having a top speed of 210 km/hr. Fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 149 g/km. It’s the only diesel in the range and is joined by two petrol options.

Rumours that BMW could be developing a smaller BMW X4 model intended to represent a baby X6 are gaining momentum on BMW Blog with postings from a “BMW insider”. The rumour of the expanding X range to include a downsized X6 comes along with other models under consideration. The X4 would be an entirely new model with the same coupĂ©-SUV design of the X6 and much of the platform and engine range of the BMW X3. This is an example of the X6 success and how BMW plans to make the most of it.
The rumours of developments to the X model line-up include other models reportedly being considered: X3 M and an X3 35iS. The latter would be a model sharing the same engine as the BMW Z4 35iS: a straight-six twin turbo with 335 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Rather than replacing a possible X3 M, it would appear alongside the performance variant which would use the same powerplant as the upcoming 1M.
The new BMW X3 will also get an X3 M Sport package as seen in the pic above. It takes on the classic M Sport features we’re familiar with: new front and rear bumpers, 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and the ‘M’ logo which appears in the interior. The M Sport is fitted with a sports suspension with stiffer dampers and variable sports steering.
Where you’ll notice the difference though, is the ‘M’ world interior. The logo we mentioned about features on the M sports steering wheel, gear knob and M sport paddles are thrown in too. Sports seats, ‘pearlpoint’ leather upholstery and an anthracite roof liner complete the package.
Here are the first videos of the new BMW X3, with an infotainment video after the jump. While the new X3 has bulked up compared to the previous model, it has shades of green to it this time around with new start&stop technology which BMW says makes it the most environmental SUV around. At launch date the BMW has two engines: the two-litre diesel with 184 hp and the three-litre TwinPowerTurbo with 306 hp. Those engines will be followed at a later date by a three-litre diesel with 245 hp and a three-litre aspirated fuel engine with 240 hp.
The new BMW X3 is being released in the form of the second generation of the SUV since it first appeared in 2003. It’s been a successful model for the company, with more than 600,000 produced to date, and is now a key part in BMW’s focus on what it calls the ‘premium sports activity market’. The new BMW X3 will have start&stop technology and BMW claims it will have the lowest emissions of any car in the four-while-drive sector.
The new X3 will be a slightly larger model than the previous generation, taking on the same platform as the Series 3 and measuring 465 cm long, 188 cm wide and 171 cm high (those figures are up by 8.3 cm, 2.8 and 1.2 cm respectively). Clearly, the wheelbase is also longer, measuring 281 cm.
The X3 will have Variable Damper Control, online connectivity and a heads-up display as part of some of the new technological solutions on SUVs which are becoming ever more sophisticated. The damper control provides three settings: normal, sport and sport+. Electric power steering is included for the first time and the four wheel drive technology provides dynamic stability control. BMW has also thrown in its eight-speed ZF transmission, although four-cylinder models will have a six-speed manual gearbox.
The first two teaser pics of the new BMW X3 have emerged, showing that the new SUV is slowly revealing itself. The teaser shots show a detail of the X3 bonnet and some rear lights. The images don’t tell us much about the new X3, particularly whether it will be any larger than the current model, thus undergoing a repositioning in relation to the new BMW X1.
The new X3 should, however, be a longer model, with its length increased to 465 cm. The engine range should undergo some changes later in the life of the model, including a new ActiveHybrid version. The new X3 will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
Source | X3.bimmers.com
Here is a full gallery of the BMW X3 xDrive18d, the new entry level compact SAV from BMW. The engine is the same 2.0 litre diesel at 143hp, as the 118d and the 318d. With this unit, the X3 has a fuel consumption of about 6.2 litres per 100 km on a mixed circuit, and CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.
The X3 xDrive 18d performance is also valid, with a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,750 rpm, and a top speed of 195 km/hr. Reaching 100 km/hr takes 10.3 seconds. Despite being the entry level vehicle, this X3 version is still equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive and Efficient Dynamics.
The most significant news, perhaps, lies in its name: following the example of its older sisters, the BMW X3 will earn the xDrive appellation, indicating its engine roots. We’ll be seeing some new options though, to give lustre to a model which has fast grown old. Just as well they understood this over in Munich.
The 2009 range will be composed of the Lifestyle and Exclusive versions, both available with the addition of the Comfort Package Plus. The first version offers 17-inch alloy wheels with V design (18-inch for the xDrive35d version), leather and fabric seats with leather finish on the steering wheel - nothing particularly exceptional.
Continue reading: Bmw X3 xDrive: new name and details for model year 2009
The BMW group is set to invest a total of one billion US dollars over four years in the American market. The resources will be channelled towards a new adminstrative and training centre in New Jersey, increasing the sales network and broadening production in the Spartanburg facilities.
These are all strategies that should take advantage of the current weak dollar compared to the euro. Currently the BMW factory in South Carolina assembles about 160,000 vehicles a year, but with the new investment estimates are up arounf 240,000 vehicles by 2012. To the X5 and X6, produced only in the US, the new X3 will be added, currently manufactured in Austria. 500 new jobs should also be created in the new complex.
Continue reading: BMW will invest one billion dollars in the US