[Mark]

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BMW X3 voted "Off-Roader of the Year 2011"

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Only weeks after its market launch it has already been hailed “Off-Roader of the Year”. The new BMW X3 has made an instant and lasting impression on fans of all-wheel-drive vehicles: readers of Germany’s Off Road magazine voted it their favourite in the “SUV” category. This accolade sees the new BMW X3 following in the tyre tracks of its predecessor model, which was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” twice in succession – in 2006 and 2007. The latest Off Road reader poll also conferred outstanding rankings on two other BMW X models: the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé was runner-up in the “Crossover” category while the new BMW X5 came third among the “Luxury Off-Roaders”.

This triple success for the family of BMW X models is further proof of just how attractive and popular a vehicle concept it is. Its triumphal career began in 1999 with the unveiling of the first-generation BMW X5, with which BMW called into being the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. This was soon followed by both the first BMW X3 and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Its electronically controlled drive distribution not only made for surefooted traction and maximum stability on slippery surfaces, but superior dynamics on the road as well, creating a unique rendition of hallmark BMW driving pleasure. With the BMW X6 and the BMW X1, this concept found its way into further vehicle segments. Both models remain unrivalled in the competitive field of premium automobiles.

By contrast, the new BMW X3 joins a segment that is already inhabited by other premium carmakers as well. Thanks to its systematically honed qualities, however, the BMW X3 once again sets benchmarks within that category – a fact reflected in its being voted “Off-Roader of the Year”. The engines available for this Sports Activity Vehicle deliver superior performance and, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, exemplarily low fuel consumption and emission figures as well. In spring 2011 the engine portfolio comprises two petrol and two diesel engines with output ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. Depending on the choice of engine, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. All-new suspension technology brings with it a palpable improvement in agility and ride comfort compared with the predecessor model.

With luggage capacity that can be extended from 550 to 1, 600 litres and a folding, 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrest the new BMW X3 boasts the greatest available space and flexibility in its segment. It also comes with a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique among the competition. As an example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class that has the option of a Head-Up Display and allows for in-car internet use.

The vote for “Off-Roader of the Year” ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany. Going back as far as 1982, readers of Off Road magazine have been invited annually to choose their favourite all-wheel-drive vehicles on the German car market. This year the selection was made from a line-up of 101 models in eight categories.

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[Pat2011X3]

Good article! Thanks for sharing.

[Diver]

One of my neighbors just brought one of these home in black to replace a Lexus ES 350 sedan. I really like the curve stamped into the side of the body.

[InTheNightKitchen]

Let's see what Mr. Clarkson has to say about that

[Yogijet]

I saw it in RHD for the first time about 2 weeks ago in Jamaica nicely optioned with that chestnut brown leather interior in 35i guise. Superb! It is definitely going to be a huge hit. Not an SUV guy but I love it!

[Ras550]

I would buy this in a heartbeat if it came with optional 3 row seating as BMW had originally contemplated. They said they dropped the idea because of the extra weight but I suspect it was because it would have cannibalized x5 sales.

[E60orBust]

Originally Posted by bbkg79

Let's see what Mr. Clarkson has to say about that

I don't really associate any X vehicle with high off-road performance. Good performance in bad on-road conditions, yes. But I can't envision a line of cherokee's and wranglers going off roading, with an X3 in the mix.

[Diver]

Originally Posted by bbkg79

Let's see what Mr. Clarkson has to say about that

LOL

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Ras550

I would buy this in a heartbeat if it came with optional 3 row seating as BMW had originally contemplated. They said they dropped the idea because of the extra weight but I suspect it was because it would have cannibalized x5 sales.

seriously? have you seen an X3? there is no room for a 3rd row, you have to go with a bigger SUV for that, no car in the market the size of the X3 has a third row...

[e90diesel]

I am a big fan of the new x3. It is a joke to suggest that it is an off road vehicle. I think estrogen has found its way into they water supply.

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by bbkg79

Let's see what Mr. Clarkson has to say about that

Clarkson, while sometimes entertaining, is an old man. Old people are creatures of habit, and thats why he only likes Range Rovers. Also, anyone that tries to climb a wet hill in an x6 with high-performance summer tires is a moron. There are plenty of videos on youtube of RR's stuck in similar situations wearing similar rubber...

All of that said, I hope my ZHP sells so I can get one of these.

[dencoop]

Originally Posted by Mako

no car in the market the size of the X3 has a third row...

Please take a look at the Toyota Rav4 it is in the same size category and DOES offer a 3rd row seat

[positiveions]

i think this design is far better than the outgoing model. I just hope they offer carbon leather trim and more wood trim options as well.

[kinan_sleiman2006]

Clarkson will say as usual that the new x3 is boring to look at,I really don"t care what that old english man will say about the new x3..Blah Blah Blah

[Bora20]

Originally Posted by dencoop

Please take a look at the Toyota Rav4 it is in the same size category and DOES offer a 3rd row seat

It is in the same SIZE category, but not class. One is premium, one is not.

The Dodge Journey also offers a 3rd row and is the same size.


HOWEVER, none of these 3rd rows are actually usable for anyone. Once folded out, the cargo room disappears. They are totally useless and are a marketing gimmick.

[Klier]

Saw my first X3 driving around in the streets after seeing it a couple of times at the delership....

Great car. Fantastic addition to the BMW SAV line up!!

[kaishang]

It's not an off roader.

No spare tyre, no low range gears, no center diff lock. Be good on a dirt road or the beach, but off road: bzzzzzt.

[BMWBoss]

I love BMWs just as much as the next man, but let's be real....the X3 is faaaaar from what an off-road vehicle should be. If I'm going off-roading I'd much rather have a Nissan X-terra, Toyota 4 Runner, Land Rover LR4, Grand Cherokee, just to name a few...

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Clarkson, while sometimes entertaining, is an old man. Old people are creatures of habit, and thats why he only likes Range Rovers.

Clarkson likes Volvo XC90's, he has had (I think) 3 of them.

[sfax]

Perhaps "Off-Roader of the Year 2011" is lost in translation. It might just be that readers of the German Off Roader magazine have voted the new X3 1st in their SUV category. Note SUV not Off Roader.

[Argent60]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Clarkson, while sometimes entertaining, is an old man. Old people are creatures of habit, and thats why he only likes Range Rovers.

Perfectly said.

[vladberca]

X3 will be sold the best this year from the entire X range models...
In Europe, the 2.0d variant will be the hit