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2011 BMW X3 Official Info and Pictures

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BMW has just presented the second generation of the X3, with the vehicle promising to top the compact SUV segment in terms of efficiency.

Both the exterior and the interior of the vehicle are rather an evolution than a revolution compared to the previous generation of the model.

The X3, which will debut in September at the Paris Auto Show, has grown in size and uses the same design language as the new 5 and 7 series. However, this has been applied in a way that can only spell “controversy”. The car is now 78 mm longer (4,684mm) and 14mm taller (1,675mm), with its width being decreased by 4mm (1,855mm). The wheelbase is now more generous (up 15mm to 2,810mm) with the boot capacity also being superior (it offers a 70-liter increase to 550 liters).

If we take a look inside the car, we see a traditional BMW mix between form and functionality. The features that catch the eye first are the joystick-design gearbox controller, the new multi-function steering wheel and the 8.8 inch screen for the iDrive system. The vehicle also comes with re-engineered seats and superior quality trimmings.

For Europe, the car will be launched with two engines (a diesel and a petrol), with all the versions of the car coming with four wheel drive as standard. The X3 xDrive2.0d uses a straight four diesel with an aluminum crankcase, delivering 184 hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. The entry-level model needs 8.5 seconds to reach 62 mph and tops at 130 mph (210 km/h), while returning a fuel economy of 42 mpg (5.6 liters/100 km) and emitting 149 g CO2/km.

The next model is the X3 xDrive35i that is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight six producing 306hp at 5,800 rpm and a torque of 400 Nm at 1,300 rpm. The powerplant pushes the SUV to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, allowing it to reach a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h), while returning a fuel economy of 26.7 mpg (8.8 liters/100 km) and emitting 204 grams of CO2/km.

North America also gets the top petrol engine but ditches the diesel in favor of another petrol unit. We are talking about the X3 xDrive28i that uses a naturally aspirated 3.0 liter straight six with 240 hp at 6,600 rpm and 311 Nm of torque from 2,600 rpm. The engine drives the car past the 62 mph in 6.7 seconds and offers a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h)

All the engines come with a ZF eight speed automatic gearbox (standard for the petrol units), while the diesel can also be matted to a six speed manual (standard). Both transmissions work with a braking energy recuperation system and offer a stop-start function.

The front suspension uses new double wishbones, with the rear multilink setup also being tweaked. The SUV also gets variable damping that works together with the Dynamic Control system (this also controls the throttle, steering and dynamic stability control).

While the first generation of the X3 came to the world via the Magna plant in Austria, the 2011 model (F25 generation) will join the X5 and X6 at the U.S. Spartanburg factory. The sales are scheduled to debut later this year for the U.S. market and in January for Europe.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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