2011 BMW X3 unveiled, Australian launch first half of 2011

By Tim Beissmann | July 15th, 2010

BMW has unveiled the all-new 2011 BMW X3 with a new engine line-up, eight-speed automatic transmissions and more tech features to make it safer, better on the road and kinder to the environment.

At 4648mm long, 1881mm wide and 1661mm tall, the new X3 is around 79mm longer, 28mm wider and 13mm lower than the model it replaces, while the wheelbase has also grown 15mm to 2810mm.

Luggage capacity is now 550 litres (up from 480 litres) and swells to 1600 litres with the 20:40:20 rear seats folded completely flat.

A petrol and a diesel variant of the new X3 will be offered from the vehicle’s launch, with more models set to follow in the future.

The 2.0-litre xDrive20d delivers 135kW of power and 380Nm of torque (up 5kW and 30Nm from the outgoing model), and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Available with both a standard six-speed manual transmission and the new eight-speed automatic, the Euro V-compliant xDrive20d uses a tidy 5.6 litres/100km of fuel on the European combined cycle and emits 149g/km CO2 (147g/km auto).

The xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which generates 225kW and 400Nm (up from 200kW and 315Nm of the xDrive30i). The eight-speed auto is standard and combines for a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds, fuel consumption of 8.8 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 204g/km. The xDrive35i’s 245km/h top speed is 35km/h faster than that of the diesel.

Teamed with the automatic transmission for the first time is Auto Start/Stop, which kills the engine when the vehicle stops and restarts when the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. Auto Start/Stop is also standard with the diesel engine.

Electronic power steering including BMW’s Servotronic function for speed-dependent power steering is also incorporated into the X3 for the first time, improving the vehicle’s handling and precision.

As expected, six airbags, stability control, dynamic traction control and hill descent control head a long list of standard safety and stability systems on the new model. Optional extras include adaptive cornering headlights, high beam assistant, reversing camera with Top View, head-up display, speed control with braking function and automatic/advanced emergency call.

Outside, the X3 maintains its urban yet capable appearance, combining a flatter front end, higher rear and more of BMW’s convex/concave surface highlights for a tidy, modern package.

The headlights contain bright white LED light rings while the taillights adopt the family LED “night-time” smokey design.

Inside, BMW says the seating position has been raised for more convenient entry while the new 8.8in high-resolution centre display is the largest on-board monitor in its segment.

Optional features include internet access, BMW Online with parking information, Google connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming and online.

BMW Australia has confirmed that the all-new 2011 BMW X3 will arrive in Australia in the first half of next year.

bruzzer

beautiful car, love it.
looks like a smaller version of the X5

im not a fan of the X1 though…looks kinda awkward.
Able

Why must they keep the X3 tradition of making it look really weird!? “Launch first half of 2011.” no i think they can keep this one…look at that dashboard!

smokin’R32

Has got a weird ‘chubby cheeks’ look I cant get over, with those arching headlights it looks like a chipmunk. The X5 is a much better looking car

wilson3339

exclellent!!! thats a very nice car i would defenatly consider buying one it looks way better then current one
Shak

Finally that pitiful excuse for a crossover has got a proper face.

Baddass

That pitiful excuse for a crossover was also an international sales success and the best driving in it’s category.

ox

Looks good but can’t help but think it’s to predictable and a bit boring. A mini X5.
Even tho the original X3 wasn’t mainstream pretty at least it was unique & interesting.

NotTheStig

I dunno, there a few styling differences so you can instantly see it isn’t a X5. Is there any issue in it being a mini X5 anyway ???

c3vzn

yeah umm who would buy this with the Q5 and XC60 on the market?

rocket_v6

ME

wilson3339

and ME

NotTheStig

Depending on price and spec, I would too…
Steve-Poyza

And ME!

Luke Brinsmead

I am not such a fan of the RAV4 type of softies like this, but compared to the old X3 this does look a little more macho and upmarket – a good thing then. Top marks for interior layout and quality. The BMW design signature many critisize are only now becoming more exepted, as the Toyota Kluger best represents.
t39

I find the new X3 very underwhelming:
- we have seen this interior on each and every bmw in the last several year.
- exterior is OK but certainly not great like the latest Jaguar / RR products.
- 8 speed auto is a highlight, but it does not talk about anythinging else to surprise and delight: no extra airbags, no adaptive shockers, no active crash-avoidance systems, etc.
If it priced between X1 and X5, it would be around 70K.

Jimmy

Agreed. Pretty bland on first impressions. The Volvo XC60 and Land Rover LRX look pretty attractive in every sense compared to this. Even the older Audi A5 looks better. It just doesn’t offer anything that new or exciting…

davie

Sounds like its grown a bit.

It must now be getting close in size to the original X5?
Vibe

So where does the X3 sit in regards to the Audi Q5? I though that’s what the X1 was supposed to rival.

This looks so much better than the current X3 though. I still can’t like BMW interiors though.

Steve-Poyza

The X1 essentially has no real rivals. Especially when you consider pricing.

X3 is up against the Q5, GLK (which doesn’t sell in Australia) and I’m thinking the Evoque too.

Baddass

Yeah that’s right Steve and the Q3 will rival the X1 when it comes out. X3, Q5, XC60 etc are considered medium, premium SUVs.
Cajun

That’s right. The X1 does not have any real rivals, because its targeting that unique, yet phoney segment, in the market where people buy a car to reflect their wealth (hence the badge) and sporty lifestyle rather than actually use the car. The rest just buy a Forester and pay off the credit card and go on a holiday. Or perhaps give to charity?

Luke Brinsmead

I forgot to mention excellent fuel economy, even a hybrid would find it difficult to beat that low figure.
Bender76

Agreed, Looks MUCH better than the current one (only reason I dont have one) and with AWD (not really a 4WD is it…) and that turbo6 I’m going to in line for it… IF and tis a big IF.. Handling/ride is improved so it doesn’t rupture my appendix..

..oh and if they bring out the twin turbo diesel (what do they call it? xdrive45d?)… that wins..

btw what the hell is it with the clumsy, illogical mouthful model names… I would have thought that a twin turbo 6 would sound better as (for instance) the 330tti or something like that… no?

theres my 2 cents worth..