2013 BMW X3 to Get Four-Cylinder Option

An updated 2013 BMW X3 will go into production in April with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, more tech options and a new M performance package.

The 4xDrive28i will replace its 240-horsepower inline-six-cylinder with an equally powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder motor. The engine — already available on the 3 Series, 5 Series and Z4 — also comes with an auto stop/start feature for improved gas mileage. The current X3 xDrive28i gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.

The new four-cylinder won't make the X3 cheaper, but it won't make it any more expensive, either. At $37,995 including destination, the SUV costs the same as the outgoing 2012 trim. The xDrive28i gets more standard equipment, however, including a power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome tailpipes and a fuel-saving program BMW calls Driving Dynamics Control.

For folks who still prefer the sound of six-cylinder power, the xDrive35i soldiers on with its 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 300 hp. It also gets an auto start/stop feature that will improve fuel economy by up to 3% in certain conditions, BMW says. The xDrive35i will go on sale for $43,595, which is also the same as last year's model. An M Sport Package featuring 19-inch wheels is available on the xDrive35i.

A new lane departure warning system is optional. Additional trim, feature and fuel economy info will be made available closer to the SUV's launch early this summer.

Recall Alert: 2011 BMW X3

BMW is recalling approximately 50 2011 X3 SUVs over issues involving the electric power-steering system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In some X3s manufactured between April 27 and June 8, the control module for the power steering may malfunction. This could lead to a loss of power steering, making the vehicle harder to control at low speeds. If ESP is lost, a warning symbol will light on the driver’s instrument cluster.

BMW will notify affected customers. Dealers will replace the ESP unit. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

2012 BMW Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

For the 2012 model year, BMW has made iPod/USB integration virtually standard across its lineup. It used to be a pesky $400 option on most models. Also, BMW has reduced the cost of most of its transmissions, and in some cases, you can get either a manual or automatic at the same price. The new BMW Applications system, which is a $250 option across all models, adds Twitter, Facebook and internet radio support.

Continue reading below for more details:

2011 BMW X3 Video

When the BMW X3 debuted nearly seven years ago, it was one of the only compact luxury crossovers on the market. Today, the redesigned 2011 X3 enters a market crowded with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and the Audi Q5.The new X3 has a softer ride and better visibility than its predecessor, says Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. But will the so-so interior keep the Bimmer from competing with the best in the class?

Beachside Vacation with a 2011 BMW X3

The most important car in BMW's current lineup isn't a car; it’s the redesigned X3 SUV. Built in the U.S. and tailor-made for U.S. buyers, the 2011 X3 is seeing sales soar despite lukewarm reviews like the one by our own editor Mike Hanley.

While I had a few days with the X3 in Chicago, I was able to give it a real-world test drive during a recent vacation with my wife and two young children to see my family in south Florida. Getting five days and a few hundred miles with the X3, which was equipped almost identically to the one we had in Chicago, wasn’t eye-opening, but it made me appreciate it a lot more.

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 BMW X3

When the BMW X3 debuted nearly seven years ago, it was one of the only compact luxury crossovers on the market. Today, the redesigned 2011 X3 enters a market crowded with competitors, though the CUV holds its own against the newbies, Cars.com editor Mike Hanley says. The powertrain is a little busy and the interior is not as luxurious as you would expect, but a reduced price and good ride and handling make up for the downsides. Continue reading to find out more.

2011 BMW X3 Review

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 BMW X3

What do editors David Thomas, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley think of the redesigned BMW X3? You’ll have to listen to this week’s podcast to find out. You’ll also need to download the podcast to learn what the mystery car they recently tested turns out to be. Could it be an exciting model no one else has tested yet? Well, no. We need some reason to keep you listening after the trio weigh in on the X3.
 
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Saw it during the Super Bowl? Read the Car Review

Super Bowl XLV had more car commercials than recent Super Bowls. That’s partly due to GM getting back into the big game; the automaker hasn’t aired a Super Bowl ad since 2008.

With commercials highlighting the best that Chrysler, GM, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Suzuki have to offer, you may have seen cars and car names that are new to you, but they’re not to us. In fact, we’ve tested and reviewed many of the featured cars.

Below are links to our reviews of some of the cars that automakers thought were worth $100,000 per second of airtime.

The Best Pre-Super Bowl Car Commercials

It’s that time of year again: The Super Bowl is almost here, along with Cars.com’s newest commercials that will air during the big game. In honor of this ad-tastic season, we thought we’d give our take on some of the best car commercials airing now, before the year’s most-watched television event creates a whole new bumper crop for us to critique.

2011 BMW X3 Priced at $36,750

Today, BMW announced base pricing for its second-generation BMW X3 at $36,750 for the X3 xDrive28i trim. That’s $2,100 less compared with last year’s xDrive30i, and it also comes with more standard equipment, such as Bluetooth, iPod/USB interface and an alarm system.

The base BMW X3 comes with a 240-horespower, 3.0-liter inline-six mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. A new 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is offered on the top-of-the-line xDrive35 trim, which starts at $41,050. Neither price includes an $875 destination fee.

Compared with an all-wheel-drive 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class ($37,250) and 2011 Audi Q5 ($35,371), the new BMW is priced competitively.

The new X3 will be offered with options like a Dynamic Handling package and head-up display. Full pricing descriptions for the options or full specifications for each trim was not immediately available. We’ll keep you posted on that, and the fuel economy, when BMW announces it.

The model is still expected to go on sale by the end of this year. You can read our firsthand report on the new X3 here.