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This is the latest test mule of the 2011 BMW X3. As you can see, it's not all that different form the current X3. It's your basic compact SUV with a high seating position, all-wheel drive and a little bit of cargo room out back. From what we hear, this X3 will go on sale toward the end of this year just before the slightly smaller X1 arrives in early 2011.
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blueguydotcom says:
02:40 PM, 02/22/10
The X3 doesn't get the props it deserves. I looked at cute-utes when I bought 3 months ago. The Rav4, CRV, CX7 and Rogue are undriveable compared to the X3. The RDX was decent but that turbo 4 is junk compared to the X3's inline 6. Really it may be taller than a 3 and weigh more but push that X3 hard in corners and it responds by hunkering down and gripping in ways the competition don't. It's a pretty decent compromise.
Just this weekend my wife commented that she felt the X3 was a livable vehicle hoped the X1 was even better as she could see moving to a used BMW X model when her A3 is about 7 years old. That's mindblowing to me but she really felt like the X3 wasn't really a compromise from the A3 or my BMWs.
roadburner says:
03:58 PM, 02/22/10
"The X3 doesn't get the props it deserves."
Aside from an SRS passenger sensor my wife's X3 has been totally reliable over 91,000 miles. It's still tight and rattle free. It does an excellent job of mimicking the handling and feel of a 3 Series. Like me, my wife prefers smaller and lighter vehicles, so I'm thinking that the X3 will be replaced by an X1 or Countryman in a couple of years.
notabigdeal says:
09:35 PM, 02/22/10
I wish we got the 4 cyl diesel for this car.
blueguydotcom says:
07:02 AM, 02/23/10
Agreed about the diesel. The inline 6 is great but 30 MPGs with the interior space of the X3 is a hard proposition to ignore.
cr_driver says:
03:59 PM, 02/23/10
The current gen X3 is dated and surpassed by its competition.
Their competition is no toyotas or cute CRVs, is the GLK mercedes, volvo XC 60, and of course the real dominant player in the category (given how many comparos has won), the Audi Q5.
blueguydotcom says:
06:48 AM, 02/25/10
cr_driver,
The GLK is a joke and not fun to drive. The Volvo is a laughable car through and through - as it everything made by Volvo which is essentially the GM of europe (not owned by GM but GM like quality, design, crap engineering). And the Q5 isn't on the same planet in my experience with Audi (poor handling, poor dealers, poor interior space). Nope, in my time looking the only legit competition for the X3 came from the RDX. The R is the only one that provided balance and power in a package like the X3. The others simply felt like top-heavy blandfests.
gerald325i says:
03:11 PM, 04/ 5/10
In December of 2007 I sold my BMW 325i due to my military transfer to Italy and in order to pay for my wife's upside down car loan. I bought a Mazda CX-7 through military sales...I have hated driving this thing for 2.5 years and can't wait to go back to the US so that I can get a BMW again. Luckily it will coincide with the new 2011 model. Does anyone have experience with pentagon_car_sales in Europe and savings compared to US purchase if delivered to US dealership. I guess I would have to pay import taxes? Savings are $3,000 off MSRP but no other incentives or discounts as in the US. Any suggestions?