Six years after the introduction of the first X3, BMW has lifted the wraps off the all-new second generation model that grows in dimensions and gains new engines. The new X3 will go on sale by the end of 2010, following its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in late September. It will be built at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
Although familiar in shape, the exterior design of the new BMW X3 is less complicated and more 'clean' than the outgoing model incorporating styling elements from the X1 and X5 as well as from the latest 5-Series including the more prominent double kidney grille and concave surfaces on the hood.
The interior has been redesigned from the ground up and now features a classic four-dial instrument layout along with a more driver orientated center console housing a large 8.8-inch high-resolution screen.
The new X3 makes use of the next 3-Series architecture. Dimension-wise, the 2011 X3 is a half an inch (12mm) taller, 3.36-inches (83mm) longer, 1.1-inches (28mm) wider, and features a half-inch (12mm) more ground clearance than the outgoing first-generation model. It also rides on a wheelbase which is 0.6-inches (15mm) longer, at 110.6 inches (2,810mm).
This should result to improved space for passengers. BMW says that the new X3 gets the largest boot in its segment with a luggage capacity between 19 and 56.6 cu.ft. (550 and 1,600 liters) - depending on the position of the split rear seat back.
In the U.S., the 2011 X3 will be offered at launch with two straight six-engines, both matted to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
The entry-level X3 xDrive28i features BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 240HP at 6,600 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm, enough to accelerate from 0 -60 mph in 6.7 seconds or half-a-second quicker than the previous X3 xDrive30i equipped with an automatic transmission.
The flagship X3 xDrive35i gets the Bavarian firm's newest turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six "N55" engine combining direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic. It produces an output of 300HP at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200--5,000 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm.
With this engine, the new X3 sprints from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in 5.5 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155mpg (250km/h) when fitted with the optional Sport Package.
In Europe, the 2011 X3 will be available with two engine variants at launch. The xDrive20d is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 184HP and 380Nm / 280.2 lb-ft, hooked up to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed auto.
It can accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds and top out at 210km/h (131mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 5.6 lt/100km (42mpg US or 50.4mpg UK).
The top-end X3 xDrive35i makes use of the same straight-six turbo found on the U.S.-spec model, however output is rated at 306HP and 400Nm / 295 lb-ft. This engine enables the X3 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 245 km/h (152mph). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.8 lt/100 km (26.7mpg US or 32.1mpg UK) and the CO2 emission level is 204 g/km.
More engine variants including four-cylinder gasoline engines and a 204HP 2.0-liter diesel will be introduced to the range in late 2011.
All xDrive models feature the latest generation of BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive that splits torque 40 per cent to the front wheels and 60 per cent at the rear under normal driving conditions.
All-New BMW X3 Driving + interior/exterior in HD
The design of the new BMW X3 combines the typical BMW X character with a dynamically stretched silhouette. The new BMW X3 offers a choice of two power units. The four-cylinder diesel featured in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d develops a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 bhp, exceeding that of its predecessor by 5 kW. At the same time, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has dropped by 14 percent to 5.6 litres/100 km. The new BMW X3 xDrive35i is powered by a 225 kW/306 bhp straight six-cylinder gas engine.
New BMW X3 xDrive - Driving / Interior / Exterior (HD)
The design of the new BMW X3 combines the typical BMW X character with a dynamically stretched silhouette. The new BMW X3 offers a choice of two power units. The four-cylinder diesel featured in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d develops a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 bhp, exceeding that of its predecessor by 5 kW. At the same time, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has dropped by 14 percent to 5.6 litres/100 km.
New 2011 BMW X3
More stylish and practical, the all-new BMW X3.
2011 BMW X3 xDrive20d Interior design
http://www.eurocarnews.com - BMW Group- A generous and variable spatial concept, high-grade materials and a characteristic three-dimensional surface design provide the interior of the new BMW X3 with a modern, premium ambience and intelligent functionality. Brand-typical driver orientation is emphasised by the asymmetrically designed centre console. The raised seating position facilitates convenient entry, whilst optimising the overview of the traffic situation. The 8.8-inch high-resolution screen of the navigation system Professional featured in the new BMW X3 is the largest on-board monitor in its segment.
Both up front and at the rear the new BMW X3 has a multitude of large storage compartments, trays and cup holders. The three rear seats offer outstanding comfort for travelling long distances. With a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is the best in its segment. At the same time, the variability with which available space can be adapted to suit each personal requirement, is also unrivalled. The rear seat backrest can be split at a ratio of 40 : 20 : 40 and the three segments can be folded down either individually or together.
2011 BMW X3 vs Audi Q5 - xDrive vs Quattro!
Try and try as it might, Audis Q5 keeps losing to the 2011 BMW X3. XDrive technology allows for superior traction control and the utmost distribution of weight and traction to any wheel that needs it. The X3 easily conquers the toughest of inclines, while the Q5 keeps trying and trying and trying. .
ZhiQing testing BMW X3 offroad
ZhiQing Yao test his BMW X3's offroad capacity in a sand dune along Oregon coast near Florence
2011 BMW X3 - WINDING ROAD Quick Drive
This week Winding Road drives the 2011 BMW X3. For comparison, check out our video of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 http://youtu.be/ahumydorlIM
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2011 BMW X3 by AC Schnitzer
A BMW remix by AC Schnitzer.
-Info-
For the all new second generation 2011 BMW X3, German tuner AC Schnitzer is starting with a modest tuning package that focuses on subtle styling accessories and modest performance upgrades.
Starting under the hood, AC Schnitzer gives the X3 xDrive20d a decent bump in horsepower from 184 to 218 PS (160 kW / 215 bhp) while a performance upgrade for the X3 xDrive30d is currently under development. Also being developed is a stainless steel sports Exhaust systems for the 2.8i and 3.5i 6-cylinder petrol models.
For the styling kit, which has been crash tested, AC Schnitzer adds a front spoiler, the rear roof spoiler and the AC Schnitzer protective film for the rear skirt. As seen in the video, the front spoiler maintains its form quite well while allowing for collision absorption of a pedestrian.
Inside AC Schnitzer provides many accesories such as an AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel, aluminium gear knobs with digital gear display, i-Drive controller aluminium cover, aluminium pedal set and AC Schnitzer velours foot mats.
For the suspension, a selection of wheels sets can be capped off with a sports spring kit. Wheels sets include Type VIII forged racing rims in 22 inch, or Type VII racing rims in BiColor or silver in 22 inch. One-piece rims of Type VI (BiColor), Type VIII (BiColor) and Type IV (BiColor or Silver) are also available in sizes 18, 19 or 20 inch. Forged alloy wheels Type V in 20 inch are also part of the range.
New BMW X3 xDrive 20d F25 (2011) 0-200 km/h acceleration
Today, I finally passed 2000 kilometers. So as I promised two weeks ago, I upload a video showing BMW Performance Control settings and 0-200 km/h acceleration. BMW Performance Control in my X3 includes also Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Driving Control. Gearbox was in DS mode, Performance Control in SPORT+ mode (with limited traction - DTC on).
I hope you enjoy this video :)
Greetings from Poland
2011 BMW X3 M Sport @ 2010 Paris Motor Show
more at http://www.bimmerpost.com
2011 BMW X3 with M Sport package from 2010 Paris Motor Show
See all photos here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437674
New BMW X3 xDrive 35i F25 (2011) Acceleration 0-256 km/h (V-max)
Video showing 0-256 km/h acceleration of new BMW X3 xDrive 35i. Gearbox was in DS mode, Performance Control in SPORT mode. At the end I've tried to show you Head Up Display, but it's not visible...
This car was simply astonishing :)
I hope you enjoy this video :)