First Drive: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i - VIDEO ENHANCED

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

SEE ALSO: BMW Buyers Guide

ATLANTA - October 15, 2010: Twenty five years ago, BMW introduced its first model with all-wheel drive. It was the 315 ix. But it lasted until 1999, that the company became serious about X-cars, when it introduced the X5. It was also the first X-model that rolled out of the plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The concept was controversial, but marked a new segment as well as a new era for BMW. More than a decade later, the Bavarians are building three more X-models, the X6, X3 and X1. The X3 was produced in the Magna Steyr plant in Austria, but production of the new, second generation has just started in the extended plant in Spartanburg, SC.

Fortunately, for the development of the new X3, BMW listened to its customers. They were not happy with the size, especially the interior space offered for rear passengers. They also criticized the looks of the interior of the current X3 and last but not least its uncomfortable ride. But times were different then and the first X3 had nothing to fear from its German competitors Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. In the meantime those brands are gaining market share in the X3’s segment and BMW was well aware those issues had to be seriously address during the development of the new generation X3.

Of the new model, the interior trim reflects that of the X5, the size has grown, and is on par with the ‘ Freude am Fahren’ character that you might expect from a Bavarian model.

With a new design the X3 looks better than before, more active to match the words Sports Activity Vehicle that BMW ‘invented’. As soon as you get into the car the use of better materials show that this new model now matches the company’s own premium standards. Standing out is the large, 8.8-inch screen of the navigation system, which, according to BMW, is the largest in its segment.

It is easy to find the right seating position behind the four-way adjustable steering wheel. Passengers in the rear now have plenty of leg room, while there is also enough head room for taller people. Since the backrest of the rear seats can be (optionally) split and folded down 40-20-40, the new X3 has good variability. Its luggage compartment offers 500 liter/17.7 cu.-ft. behind the rear seats and can be extended to 1600 liter/56.5 cu.-ft when the rear seats are all folded down.

Not bad at all.

Although the test cars were not equipped with the optional HUD, head-up display, it is good to know it is available. This is also a first in the segment. But that is not the only option: the new generation of the X3 is also available with ConnectedDrive, adaptive headlights in combination with Bi-Xenon head lights. Other interesting options are the top view reversing camera, improved smart phone integration, iPod and USB interfaces, as well as Bluetooth and internet access.

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On the road
Our test route takes us through the laid back area around Atlanta. On the winding roads lined with trees and farm land, the X3 needs not much time to make you aware of its completely new developed suspension. The development engineers have done an excellent job and the ride quality is much better now.

The ride height of the X3-models is always the same, but springs are different depending on the option list. Those of the xDrive 35i are heavy, and those of the 28i- and 20d-models are less stiff.

The wheel base of the new X3 is stretched by only 0.6 inch, but track is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3.0 inches wider at the back (63.6 and 64.3 inches respectively). The center of gravity is lower, but it is not announced how much. The top mounts of the suspension at the front and rear are in the same triple-way design as those of the new 7-series and the isolation between chassis and body has been improved. Also the general axle set up was changed. The X3 now has a combination of double ball joints on the front axle, that replace the McPerson struts, while BMW uses a five-link axle instead of 3-link set up at the rear. For small bumps the car has got special damper pistons.

The car is agile, feels stable and well balanced. The X3 is the first X-model that is available with Dynamic Drive Control in combination with Dynamic Damper Control. The system offers the possibility to choose a suspension setting by a push on the butting in the center console. Even in Sport+ the suspension does not feel extremely stiff, but very confident. In Comfort mode the X3 does feel firm while bad roads are nicely ‘ironed’ by the new suspension.

Off the road
We also drove the new generation on a moderate off-road loop. It showed that the xDrive system works well on unpaved roads, through puddles and up and down hills. The Hill descent system can be activated with a button in the center console, while the speed can be adjusted on the steering wheel up to 16 mph.

The electronically controlled xDrive system offers variable distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. The control system is linked to the dynamic stability control and addresses over- or understeer with quick response. The handling in bends off the track is really fun thanks to excellent traction. The optional Performance Control of the 35i test car decelerates the rear wheel that is closest to the inside of the bend, while increasing engine power.

The X3 is the first X-model that has electro mechanical power steering and I can say, it provides a sturdy and direct feel.

New Ttransmission
When the X3 arrives at the North American market, there will be two versions available: the xDrive 28i with 240 hp and the xDrive 35i with 300 hp. The 28i was not available for test drives, but instead there was the 184 hp strong 20d variant, that will not be available however on the North America markets. This is an excellent power plant with 380 Nm/280 lb-ft. of torque that is available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The four cylinder turbo diesel engine propels the 20d from 0-62 in 8.5 seconds. Its low average fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100 km in the European test cycle and a CO2 emission of 149 grams per kilometer are important benefits.

The diesel engine is teamed to a sic speed manual gearbox, but the new 8-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The 20d will be well sought after on the European market.

The 28i and 35i models come standard with the eight speed automatic transmission that works quickly and feels smooth. It offers shorter shift times in Sport and Sport+ mode. A sports automatic transmission with paddles on the steering wheel is optional on the 35i. The transmission is combined with a start-stop function, but that is not (yet) available for the U.S. models.

The 35i engine is powerful and reacts swiftly to input of the throttle. BMW says it does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, the fastest model in the segment. On the road, you indeed get the feeling it can. The 28i should be 1.2 seconds slower, but as I mentioned earlier, this model was not available.

The X3 xDrive 35i’s has base MSRP of $ 41.925, while the 28i model has a MSRP of $ 37,625. Both models will arrive at the market in the first quarter of next year.