Car Blog

BMW released some details about the 2011 X3 over the internet and also dropped some camouflaged photos. With the introduction of the X1 in Europe, the German carmaker is giving the X3 some additional cabin space so we can expect the 2011 X3 to be a bit longer and wider than its current version you see on the roads.

Although the new X3 is bigger, the vehicle slimmed down a bit by 55 pounds giving it some thumbs up to the fuel economy department. BMW also made the steering of the 2011 X3 electric instead of the pneumatic type to decease the drag on the powerplant.

Consumers can not expect surprises when they pop up the hood. Buyers in the UK will be able to select from 4 engine variants. The petrol engines will be marketed as a 3.0L naturally aspirated 6-cylinder with an ouput of 268 bhp and a twin turbocharged version that gives out 302 bhp. The bigger chunk of sales in the UK though will be on the diesel variants. One will have the 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel powerplant that gives out 181 bhp and the other will be the stronger 3.0L diesel engine that outputs 241 bhp.

BMW is also planning to add more engine options in the line up including an ActiveHybrid variant on the drawing board.

The entry level unit will have its engine paired with the 6-speed Getrag manual transmission while the rest gets the 8-speed automatic gearbox with a stop-start system.

BMW also equips the new X3 with a new steering system that uses mechanical-electric technology from Thryssen Krup replacing the ZF hyrdraulic system of its older sibling.

The 2011 X3 will also get VDC or variable damping controls to improve its ride.