2011 BMW X3 officially revealed, photos and videos included

It’s been a long time coming, but the next generation 2011 BMW X3 (F25) has been officially revealed to the public, ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

As you can see above and in the photo gallery below, the new X3 is quite different from the outgoing model, but still has the same overall function-over-form design.

The front fascia has been thoroughly overhauled, with new headlamps, a larger and straighter kidney grille, plus an aluminum-style lower air dam, reminiscent of the new X1. Looking from the side though, we can see a slight arch, starting from above the front wheel arch and continuing to the rear of the car, highlighting the increased size of the new X3. The taillights have also been restyled, and boast the same LED technology as the bigger 2011 X5.

On the inside, all of the new features that were available for its larger brothers, the X5 and X6, are now present. The center console boasts the same iDrive joystick, which lets you control the information displayed on the massive 8.8-inch LCD screen. Aluminum accents decorate the steering wheel, and can be extended to the rest of the interior, with special options. The space on the inside has also been increased, boasting a capacity of 19 cubic feet (538 liters) in the boot, and 56.6 cubic feet (1,600 liters) if the rear seats are folded.

From an engine standpoint, you will be able to enjoy the newest units from the BMW range on the 2011 X3. For Americans, two versions will be available, both powered by gasoline. The xDrive28i will develop 240 HP and 230 lb-ft of torque from the 3.0-liter inline-six, while the xDrive35i will output 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque from the new single-turbo N55 3.0-liter engine. The former will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, while the latter will achieve it in 5.5 seconds.

Europeans, on the other hand, will get the xDrive20d instead of the 28i. As its name suggests, it will use a 2.0-liter diesel engine capable of 184 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque.

All engines will be available with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox, or, for the 20d, with a six-speed manual. All X3 models will have three settings, Normal, Sport and Sport+, each offering a different experience. Power is split 40/60 with a bias to the rear, but using the new Performance Control technology, it can shift as much as 80% of power to the rear.

Overall, the new 2011 BMW X3 definitely brings some much needed change and will once again be a serious competitor on the luxury crossover market. What do you think?

Check out the photo gallery below, hit the jump to see a few videos and then share your thoughts about the new BMW X3.

Photo Gallery: 2011 BMW X3

Source: BMW

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