2011 BMW X3 Is Introduced

Here comes the new BMW X3! It has surfaced a bit early too, courtesy of BMW fan website XBimmers. The new "F25" X3 is being debuted for 2011, with BMW counting it on it for growth in the hot compact luxury crossover segment.

The first-generation X3 is getting long in the tooth, and the styling is definitely Bangle-era. Does the new model improve things and better compete against models like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. Lets find out!

Stylistically, we were really looking forward to seeing the new X3. The original X3 was designed while Chris Bangle was in charge of design BMW. The next-generation X3 has been expected to be redesigned in the image of the handsome, toned-down styling language that debuted on the current 7-Series.

For the most part it does that, with one very big caveat. That would have to be the front end, which is dominated by headlights that are decidedly unlike BMW.

In the context of BMW's styling language, they are an anomaly and fit in with the rest of the BMW lineup. The boxy shape lacks style, with no definition and an overall impression that is a bit economy-car like.

Otherwise, the look works - there is a strong body line and side sculpting that flows into the rear haunches. The traditional Hoffmeister-kink is also retained. We just can't get over that front end.....

No big surprises in the interior, it is all modern BMW. The center stack is canted towards the driver, and like the new 5-Series, the dash design is asymmetrical, with horizontal lines meant to emphasize width.

The centerpiece of the interior is the new navigation system, with works in concert with the fourth generation iteration of BMW's much-maligned iDrive system.

BMW says the 8.8-inch high-resolution trans-reflective screen is the largest on-board monitor in the X3's segment.

There are two engines available for the X3 in the United States. The base model X3 xDrive28i (what a name) engine is now BMW's award-winning magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline-6.

BMW says the engine is the lightest six-cylinder engine in its size class. Using Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double-VANOS,  it is good for 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 230 pound feet of torque between 2,600 and 3,000 rpm.

That results in a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, nearly half a second quicker than the previous X3.

Next up is the new range-topping model, the X3 xDrive35i. It features a turbocharged version 3.0-liter inline-6 in the xDrive28i.

It employs direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic, developing 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm.

The xDrive35i hits 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The engines are coupled to BMW's eight-speed automatic, up from the 6-speed unit in the previous X3.

We'll see how the market responds to the new X3 when it goes on sale later this year. Given that the styling is better than the previous model, it likely will be an even bigger success than the first-generation model. The original X3, introduced in 2004, sold 600,000 units globally and 150,000 in the U.S.