Audi BMW

The folks over at InsideLine took their turn at driving the new 2011 BMW X3. While the car continues to be slightly camouflaged, our interest lies within the driving experience and what the new F25 X3 would bring into the U.S. market.

Let’s see an excerpt from their review.

Drives Like a Grown-Up Now
Even though the new X3 is set to be taken more seriously with all its bigger dimensions, the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i models weigh 45 pounds less than their corresponding outgoing models. We’ve still got loads of sheet steel on this small family-activity tank, but now the cast-aluminum, front and rear axle assemblies are lighter yet more rigid.

Thanks to less weight (the X3 is at about 4,000 pounds at the curb now), greater rigidity where needed, 17 percent more power and 31 percent more torque, the xDrive35i is a sincere piece of work that will have many more people in the X5 market thinking sort of smaller.

A smaller X5?

Family Cloning
In rough terms, the 2012 BMW X3 looks exactly like the new X5, only smaller. We like the more mature presence of the X3 in this version, since keeping a SUV from looking quite so honking huge is a healthy thing. At the same time, it’s substantial enough to keep traditional sport-utility buyers from thinking that they’re giving up very much.

Passenger cabin space has been increased to accommodate the demands of the U.S. market.

Inside, the room for more American-size bodies has been maximized with a veritable mile of headroom in front and back, plus eight-tenths of an inch more rear knee room. All of this is appreciated and should immediately put this X3 on more shopping lists than the outgoing model managed. Basic cargo room is up to 19.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, an increase of almost 3 cubic feet.

So far the reviews of the new 2011 BMW X3 are quite promising. The bar has been already raised by the first generation X3 which turned out to be a successful model for BMW, therefore, the expectations are higher this time.

Full review at InsideLine

According to our sources, BMW is less than two weeks away from unveiling their latest and second generation BMW X3. Built under the codename F25, the 2011 BMW X3 runs on the next generation 3 Series platform. The video below was captured in Munich by one of those BMW fans that understand and recognize a camouflaged prototype, and decided a call the bomb squad might not be appropriate at this time.

In a conversation recently with a BMW official, we learned that the new X3 will maintain its “boxy look”, but it will have more fluid design lines and increased design dynamics. The now usual convex and concave shapes will appear on the new X3 as well, including the more aggressive hood, as seen in the other new models.

The headlights will feature an unique design, with the double lamps sporting a more rectangular shape.

With sales dropping to just 6,067 X3s in the U.S. last year, BMW is looking to regain its status in the mid-SUV market where the competition from Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK has been fierce.

The 2011 X3, it measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model. The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic.

For the North American market, BMW will bring the xDrive28i and xDrive35i models.

Scheduled to be unveiled in June, the second generation BMW X3 continues its testing runs on U.S. soil. Just days ago, several X3 test mules have been spotted around a race track in Spartanburg, cruising along the first generation X3 and the bigger brother, X5.

The 2011 BMW X3 runs on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. The F25 is moving up in size with dimensions closer to the first generation BMW X5.

Judging by this spy photos, the sloping roof indicates that underneath the more dynamic appearance lies a new sporting character than seen in the first generation X3.

The interior design has drastically improved over the current E83 X3, with higher quality materials and build quality on the same level with the new 5 Series Sedan.

The wheels will be available as two-tone rims similar to the ones seen on the X1 and X5 models, but with an X3 specific design. Optional wheels will go as high as 20″ in size.

As indicated by us two weeks ago, the high-end model will be the xDrive35i, powered by the 3.0 liter turbocharged engine.  Customers in Europe will be given the X3xDrive40d .

No official word on diesel engines for the U.S. market, but we expect to see the xDrive35d model powered by the same powerplant as in the X5 35d and 335d Sedan.

European customers continue to have a wide-range of choices:  X3 xDrive 23i, X3 xDrive28i , X3 xDrive35i and in diesel specification- X3 xDrive20d , X3 xDrive2.5d , X3 xDrive30d and the previously mentioned, X3 xDrive40d.

The entry level model for the North American market will be the X3 xDrive28i.
[Photo: SecretNewCars ]

Scheduled to be unveiled in June, the second generation BMW X3 continues its testing runs on U.S. soil. Just days ago, several X3 test mules have been spotted around a race track in Spartanburg, cruising along the first generation X3 and the bigger brother, X5.

The 2011 BMW X3 runs on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. The F25 is moving up in size with dimensions closer to the first generation BMW X5.

Judging by this spy photos, the sloping roof indicates that underneath the more dynamic appearance lies a new sporting character than seen in the first generation X3.

The interior design has drastically improved over the current E83 X3, with higher quality materials and build quality on the same level with the new 5 Series Sedan.

The wheels will be available as two-tone rims similar to the ones seen on the X1 and X5 models, but with an X3 specific design. Optional wheels will go as high as 20″ in size.

As indicated by us two weeks ago, the high-end model will be the xDrive35i, powered by the 3.0 liter turbocharged engine.  Customers in Europe will be given the X3xDrive40d .

No official word on diesel engines for the U.S. market, but we expect to see the xDrive35d model powered by the same powerplant as in the X5 35d and 335d Sedan.

European customers continue to have a wide-range of choices:  X3 xDrive 23i, X3 xDrive28i , X3 xDrive35i and in diesel specification- X3 xDrive20d , X3 xDrive2.5d , X3 xDrive30d and the previously mentioned, X3 xDrive40d.

The entry level model for the North American market will be the X3 xDrive28i.
[Photo: SecretNewCars ]

With less than three months left before the first official photos will hit our inbox, the next and second generation BMW X3 continues to be in the center of attention. First Final Evaluation Phase photos were spotted last week by the fearless spy photographers.

Today, AutoWeek magazine publishes their latest rendering of the premium mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle. As portrayed in this rendering as well, the 2011 BMW X3 has grown in size, 15.15 feet in length. The redesigned/reinvented X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and features a more rounded design lines and a sleeker look.

Since the X1 is the new entry-level model in the X family, the 2011 X3 will move up a notch, both in size and style with similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. It will also have will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

The newly redesigned X3 will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV and United States remains the main market.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant, a move that will reduce some of the manufacturing costs.

The new BMW X3 will be introduced in late 2010 with sales beginning in 2011.

[Source: AutoWeek via GermanCarForum - Klier]

After years of inconclusive spy photos, the next and second generation BMW X3 enters the final evaluation phase, FEP as known internally. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year, the 2011 BMW X3 is looking to regain its status in the premium mid-compact SUV/SAV market. With Audi revealing their Q5 model, it was clear that a new and refreshed X3 is due.

The 2011 BMW X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. Since the X1 is the new entry-level model in the X family, the 2011 X3 will move up a notch, both in size and style with similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5.

Looking at the spy photo above we can see the headlights shape being similar to the BMW 5 Series GT featuring the same angel eyes with a “raised eyebrow”.

The kidneys are sitting lower than in the current model and below them, there is another air opening as seen on the X5.

Under the hood a wide range of engines will be available, from four cylinder petrol and diesels to the more powerful six-cylinder turbos. The entry level models are expected to be the xDrive18d and xDrive23d, while at the top, the xDrive35i will take the crown. A hybrid version based of the new X3 is also on BMW’s agenda.

The 2011 BMW X3 will continue to offer an all-wheel drive system and it is unknown at the moment if an optional rear-wheel drive, as in the X1 line-up, will be offered at the launch.

First photos of the BMW X3 are expected to be released at the beginning of summer with sales commencing early next year.

[Photos: SecretNewCars ]

Another highly expected BMW this year, is the second generation BMW X3, codename F25, due to launch later this year. According to sources close to the brand, the new X3 will be technologically more advanced than the first generation X3 E83 and will offer better steering and improved suspensions tailored to a car that plans to become even more dynamic and sporty than its predecessor.

Design wise, the rear kicked-up quarter light window, as introduced on the E83 model, gets a better integration thanks to the sloping roof which thankfully does not compromise headroom. The new design cues show a very dynamic sporting look, with rounder corners and better aerodynamics. At the rear-end, the window is now shorter, thanks to the glass area rising towards the rear of the car while the roof slopes downwards. This gives the new X3 a more cohesive appearance and dynamic look.

The rear arches are very reminiscent of how the first generation X5’s rear and front arches met with the shoulder line.

The interior has been an area where BMW spent a lot of time. One of the most common negative aspects in reviews revolved around the interior design of the car introduced in 2003. Although the 2006 facelift addressed some of these issues and offered better quality materials.

The new X3 takes the interior design to a new level, regaining the premium status seen in some of the newer models. High quality materials and components found in other latest BMW’s, such as the 5 and 7 Series , 5er GT and Z4, will make their way into the F25 model.

The first generation BMW X3 has surpassed 550,000 sold units since its introduction in 2003, a number that outlines the X3’s success and why BMW’s competitors were eager to introduce their own vehicles in the mid Premium SAV/SUV segment.

The latest rumor around the Munich HQ says that an “is” version is being considered, but everything is in a planning stage at the moment. A similar aerodynamic packages as on the Z4 could indeed be available in the future.

While BMW has not confirmed the launch date, we expect the 2011 BMW X3 to debut at the Paris Auto Show this fall.

Another model coming back into focus in the second generation BMW X3. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year, the 2011 BMW X3 is looking to regain its status in the premium mid-compact SUV/SAV market. With Audi revealing their Q5 model, it was clear that a new and refreshed X3 is due and a new approach needed to be taken.

The recently launched BMW X1 takes the entry-level spot in the X-models line-up, while the 2011 BMW X3 moves up a notch, both in size and style. With similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5, the newly redesigned X3 will be aimed at customers looking for a dynamic SAV and United States remains the main market.

The 2011 BMW X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. As illustrated in this rendering also, it will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

Under the hood is already clear that efficiency will play a big role, thanks to the EfficientDynamics program. Sources close to the Bavarian automaker state that the new BMW X3 will bring lower fuel consumption numbers that its competing models from Stuttgart and Ingolstadt. A wide range of engines will be available, from four cylinder petrol and diesels to the more powerful six-cylinder turbos. The entry level models are expected to be the xDrive18d and xDrive23d, while at the top, the xDrive35i will take the crown.

A hybrid version based of the new X3 is also on BMW’s agenda.

The 2011 BMW X3 will continue to offer an all-wheel drive system and it is unknown at the moment if an optional rear-wheel drive, as in the X1 line-up, will be offered at the launch.

2011 BMW X3 is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the Spring of next year.

Earlier today, several auto publications reported that the second generation BMW X3 is being delayed by at least six months. While we were lead to believe that the new X3 will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, truth is that BMW has never officially acknowledged the X3 launch at the first auto show of the year.

MotorAuthority reports, based on an information from BMW North America CEO, Jim O’Donnell, that the six months push back will allow the company to offer a new ordering system that allows customers to pick and match their vehicles to their exact specifications.

At the same time, the article reports that initially the new X3 will be offered with four engine variants and the complete X3 lineup will feature four-cylinder units as well. BMW is considering both gasoline and diesel engines for their U.S. models.

Rendering by Auto Motor und SportWe reached out BMW USA Communication for confirmation on these news, but what we learned instead was that the redesigned X3 has always been scheduled to go on sale in early 2011 and will launch with only two engine variants.

The current BMW X3 production has not ended yet and the Magna Steyer manufacturer is still producing them at the Austrian plant. The changeover from the X3 to the new MINI Crossover will occur in the future as the X3 production line moves to Spartanburg.

On a different note, some reports indicate that associates in Spartanburg are being trained on the new X3 and more hiring will commence for the X3 production lines.

With a launch scheduled for 2011, we expect the new X3 to make its debut at one of the auto shows in the second half of 2010. The Detroit Auto Show in January will host the unveiling of the BMW X5 facelift.

BMW’s second generation X3 is getting ready for its official launch at the Detroit Motor Show next January. With a new bodystyle and increased overall dimensions, the redesign X3 is looking to regain its supremacy in the premium compact Sports Activity Vehicle segment. Before we take a look at the new rendering by Auto Motor und Sport, let’s recap some of the things we learned about the new 2011 BMW X3.

According to unofficial numbers, the second generation X3 will have similar proportions as the first X5 SAV allowing the new BMW X1 to position itself as the entry level BMW SAV.

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the daylight in the X3 will be again evident and it will be seen as an X3 characteristic, a design element that will be associated with the model. It will also have will have a roof line slightly lower than the current mode, giving the car a sportier look.

The interior design receives a much needed upgrade as well and according to sources close to BMW, the new design is a step up from the current model and it will be similar to the one in the new X1. As seen in some of the previous spy photos, the AC control buttons resembles the one seen in the E9x 3 Series models, another indication that many interior elements are being used across the line-up.

To successfully compete in its market, the new 2011 BMW X3 is rumored to feature some of the gadgets seen in higher-end models: Night Vision System, Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display and seats with ventilation.

The six cylinder engines missing from the X1 line-up, will find their way into the new X3. Various turbocharged gasoline and petrol powerplants will be available, based on the market where the vehicle will be sold. Later after the launch, BMW plans to offer an ActiveHybrid X3 which will use a mid-line diesel powerplant.

The future X3 is moving its production from the Magna factories in Graz, Austria, to the U.S soil at the Spartanburg plant.

2011 BMW  X3 models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of next year and it will be slotted between the X1 and the 3 Series, with the base price set accordingly