The latter gives way to the N55-powered X3 xDrive35i. Using direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger, it generates 300 horsepower (+40) and 300 pounds-foot of torque (+70) from 1,200 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are completed in 5.8 seconds.
At the same time, BMW reports that these engines burn 8 and 7 percent less fuel, respectively.
Eight speeds is more fun than six!
The new 8-speed automatic transmission plays a key role in improving fuel economy. The longer top gear ratios also make the engine quieter and more responsive under acceleration. Yet, it is said to weigh less than the 6-speed unit of the 2010 model. The new autobox is so smooth and flexible, actually, that owners will have the impression of driving a CVT-equipped vehicle.
A perfectly-ergonomic shift lever controls the transmission in manual mode and delivers ultra-quick shifts to get the most out of the engine. Too bad there aren't any paddle shifters on the steering wheel as well. BMW engineers should also revise the lower gear ratios to eliminate the slight hesitations when taking off in manual mode. By the way, no conventional manual gearbox is available for 2011 since demand was too small.
Advanced AWD
All X3s benefit from BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system, which offers a rear-wheel bias (40/60) in normal driving conditions. However, as soon as the going gets tough, the system distributes torque accordingly and can even send it all to the front or rear axle. The X3 is the only one in its class to do that, and BMW reps were quick to point it out. With the Audi Q5, the maximum amount of torque the front and rear wheels can receive is 65 and 85 percent, respectively. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz GLK350, no more than 70 percent of the torque can be distributed to either end.
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| More power under the hood – the X3 xDrive28i now produces 240 horsepower and the X3 xDrive35i, 300 horsepower! (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
At the same time, BMW reports that these engines burn 8 and 7 percent less fuel, respectively.
Eight speeds is more fun than six!
The new 8-speed automatic transmission plays a key role in improving fuel economy. The longer top gear ratios also make the engine quieter and more responsive under acceleration. Yet, it is said to weigh less than the 6-speed unit of the 2010 model. The new autobox is so smooth and flexible, actually, that owners will have the impression of driving a CVT-equipped vehicle.
A perfectly-ergonomic shift lever controls the transmission in manual mode and delivers ultra-quick shifts to get the most out of the engine. Too bad there aren't any paddle shifters on the steering wheel as well. BMW engineers should also revise the lower gear ratios to eliminate the slight hesitations when taking off in manual mode. By the way, no conventional manual gearbox is available for 2011 since demand was too small.
Advanced AWD
All X3s benefit from BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system, which offers a rear-wheel bias (40/60) in normal driving conditions. However, as soon as the going gets tough, the system distributes torque accordingly and can even send it all to the front or rear axle. The X3 is the only one in its class to do that, and BMW reps were quick to point it out. With the Audi Q5, the maximum amount of torque the front and rear wheels can receive is 65 and 85 percent, respectively. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz GLK350, no more than 70 percent of the torque can be distributed to either end.
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| BMW gave the X3 a new 8-speed automatic transmission with a perfectly-ergonomic shift lever that makes the manual mode quite pleasant to use. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |