The 2011 BMW X3 is the all-new second-generation version of this compact crossover. It’s slightly larger than the 2004-2010 model but remains a performance- and sport-oriented on-road wagon rather than an off-road warrior. Styling is evolutionary. Engine choices are likely to quadruple to four. And BMW will make a concerted effort to hold down prices as it wrestles for sales with tough new rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK350.
BMW is rumored to have plans to revive the 8-Series name for a potential “four-door coupe,” much like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. New 8-series would compete closely with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.
Beginning of the year BMW placed Gerhard Richter in charge of development of its new Gran Turismo model, which is based on the popular CS concept car. New model will be called either simply GT, short for Gran Turismo or 8-series. Most likely the car will get the previous 8-series models name so that BMW can position it as the highest, most luxurious and expensive model.
This new GT/8-series model will be the first non M-series car to be built by the performance division. BMW M President, Herr Willisch said that the CS “It’s a car that doesn’t have any resemblance to the other cars built by BMW AG, so it was decided to give the project to us.”
Expected engines will be a V8 twin turbo engine or a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12. New 8-series will be introduced most likely in 2010 as a 2011 year model. Still a long time to go with lots of spy shots and rumors. As BMW has not started the testing of the new 8-series we don’t have any spy shots yet, what we have are two artist renderings of the new 8-series. Enjoy!
2011 BMW X3 Styling: BMW had not revealed the final design of the 2011 BMW X3 as of this review, but photos of camouflaged prototypes undergoing testing suggest this second-generation version will look slightly more aggressive and a lot more substantial than the 2004-2010 model. It’ll remain a five-passenger four-door wagon marked in front by BMW’s traditional twin-kidney grille, though the nose will give increased emphasis to lower air intakes. The brand’s trademark reverse-kink rear roof pillar will return and the body sides should retain some of the hollow-cheekbone look of the first-generation model. The 2011 X3 will grow in length, height, and width for more passenger and cargo volume. That addresses a deficit the first-generation model suffers compared to roomier new rivals. It also helps BMW distinguish the second-generation X3 from the all-new X1 set to launch some months after the 2011 X3. The X1 is smaller than the 2004-2010 X3 and gives BMW a new entry-level SUV. Like all BMW SUVs, the 2011 X3 qualifies as a crossover because it employs car-like construction in which body and frame essentially are one unit. Such “unibody” assembly is lighter than the separate body-and-frame design of truck-based SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner. Unibody SUVs can’t tow or haul as heavy a load as truck-type SUVs, but they deliver better fuel economy and have more car-like ride and handling characteristics.
Mechanical: The 2011 BMW X3 will remain focused on athletic road manners. The first-generation X3 emphasized that image by limiting its choice of engines to a lively 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder with 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It came only with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system calibrated to maximize dry-road handling and wet-weather traction in equal measure. True to BMW’s enthusiast-driver bent, the X3 was the only premium compact SUV available with a manual transmission. The 2011 X3 won’t dial back on sport-oriented suspension tuning, but will almost certainly take a more liberal approach to engine offerings. Among choices under consideration, sources say, are four- and six-cylinder units will less horsepower than the outgoing model, plus a turbocharged six with some 300 horsepower. Reports also say BMW is considering diesel-engine options similar to those popular in overseas-market X3s. Chances are strong BMW will continue to offer both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic – though whether the automatic will continue to be available at no extra charge is uncertain. Some premium compact crossovers, including the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Acura RDX, are available with two-wheel-drive in addition to AWD. BMW, however, is likely to equip all second-generation X3s with the handling-enhancing xDrive as part of a game plan to position it as a technically sophisticated driving machine.
Features: The 2011 X3 will continue following a BMW philosophy that emphasizes standard equipment heavy on fundamentals while relegating non-essentials to the options list. But BMW will also invite U.S. buyers of the second-generation X3 to cherry-pick options with the same freedom exercised by overseas customers. Two factors make possible this newfound power of choice: the transfer of X3 production from Austria to BMW’s plant in South Carolina; and a new ordering system that enables U.S. buyers to specify equipment within a week or so of their X3 starting down the assembly line. Expect the 2011 BMW X3 to count among its standard equipment a full array of traction and antiskid systems, large four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, suspension components tuned for optimal handling, and an assortment of airbags that includes head-protecting side curtains for both seating rows. A tilt/telescoping steering column, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, split/folding rear seats, and BMW’s “leatherette” upholstery also will be included. In packages or as stand-alone items, expected options would comprise a long list of functional, comfort, and convenience features, from leather, wood, and aluminum interior appointments; to a large panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and seats; xenon headlamps and special sport wheels, tires, suspension; to a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB iPod interfaces.
Prices for the 2011 BMW X3 won’t be announced until shortly before the vehicle goes on sale. However, BMW has recognized the competitive need to broaden the X3’s price spectrum. That’s one reason the wider choice of engines likely will include a lower-cost four-cylinder. It’s also why buyers will be given greater opportunity to equip X3s precisely as they prefer. BMW views that as a way to avoid loosing customers turned off by dealers’ tendency to stock mostly profit-padding loaded models.
