The new BMW X3 xDrive20i will become the entry model of the X3 lineup and features a newly-developed  2.0-litre four cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology.

The new BMW X3 xDrive35d, with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel, joins the existing two diesel models, the X3 xDrive20d and xDrive30d. At the top of the X3 model range, it will offer an output of 313 hp (230 kW) and 465 pound-feet (630 Nm). This makes the new X3 xDrive35d the most powerful diesel variant in BMW’s SAV model range.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the latest common-rail direct fuel injection give the new X3 not only offer impressive pulling power but also best-in-class fuel economy. When driving with low engine speeds, only the smaller turbocharger is active and an electronic controller automatically engages the larger turbo-charger during heavier throttle activities.

The X3 xDrive35d comes with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (no other transmission is offered). We first saw the new transmission in the X3 xDrive20d which we reported on in December 2010 (2011 2011 BMW X3 Review and Road Test – The Road to Berchtesgaden) and in February in the X3 xDrive35i (BMW X3 xDrive35i Review and Road Test). The new X3 comes with numerous standard EfficientDynamics options such as the Auto start-stop function and the brake energy regeneration. Options include the Dynamic-Damper Control, a Head-Up Display and in-car internet access (the latter only available in specific markets).

The X3 came in an elegant space grey with beige interior leather.  The look is softer; sharp angles have been replaced by soft contours and the awkward appearance of the last generation is gone. The new X3 looks just right.

Our X3 was very well equipped including many options which were not available on the previous model, such as the rear-view camera with top-view option, which provides the driver with a birds-eye image of the vehicle’s surroundings, a heads-up display, and electronic damping control (Dynamische-Dämpfer-Kontrolle), which, using data that the X3 is constantly collecting ranging from the position of the steering wheel to the strength of lateral forces, calculates and constantly adjusts the suspension for a smooth and sporty ride.

________________

VOTE NOW FOR

THE 2011 DIESEL CAR OF THE YEAR

SPONSORED BY THE DIESEL DRIVER MAGAZINE
________________

Other features in the X3 included BMW Assist, adaptive Xenon headlights, the latest generation iDrive with navigation and BMW ConnectedDrive, and Bluetooth that supports streaming audio in addition to excellent connectivity with most mobile phones.

The 2011 X3 is the second generation of BMW’s smaller sports activity vehicle and officially premiered in U.S. and European markets at the beginning of November.  Two petrol versions of the X3, the X3 xDrive28i and the X3 xDrive35i, have so far been launched in the U.S. but a diesel version is rumored to be in the making.

My plan was to drive the X3 diesel from Munich to Berchtesgaden and then to Austria.  I actually started my trip from Gilching, a town outside Munich near Starnberg, Bavaria.  From there, I headed towards the A96 in the direction of Munich.

The heads-up display provided satnav directions and driving speed as we proceeded.  In case we needed any information along the way, ConnectedDrive provided in-car Internet access and Web browsing.

Click here to continue to Page 2 – Driving the BMW X3 to Berchtsgaden