I went to a local BMW dealer today as they have received the 2.8 and 3.5 2011 X3.

2011 Model is much better looking than the 2010. It also comes with a 3.5 dual turbo engine, which does 0-100 in 5.5s

Price is around 64k, all in, with similar Q5 options (a little more options in the Q5, but the X3 engine is a freaking bomb.) X3 2.8 offers similar performance as the 2.0

Question is : anybody has experience with BMW products?

Your thoughts please.

 

Jlr_1304 -Are you looking to buy either a Q5 or X3 ?

Just my opinion.. -I would go for a really long test drive for both vehicles. In the end it's all about how well the car drives. Need to see how well the engines are mated to the 8 speed, (down shifting & quick accelaerations while in motion) and how well balanced the car is. Take some quick turns, don't be shy.. it's a big investment your entitled to know how well the car performs.

For me, I still don't like what BMW did with the styling. I find the Q5 displays alot of class & beauty in any angle you look at it. And the drive is simply amazing.

Only thing that sparks my interest in the X3 is the twin turbo 3.5 and the 8 speed. However, I'd be alot more excited when Audi / BMW introduce a twin-turbo Diesel version.

Keep us posted..

 

Couldn't agree more...........
Coming from a BMW background (had a 3 series sedan, coupe, and then an X5) loved all the cars. Engines were the particular strong points on all the vehicles.
Styling on the X3 is still in my opinion "hit and miss".
Love the tail end of the car, very nice
Love the interior of the car, very nice
Mixed on the front nose of the car - not quite right and not as "elegant" as the Q5
Hate the side profile.........what a let down.

Most people that I know also generally hated the ride of BMW's - "too hard", this was primarily due due to their love of run-flat tyres (just FYI, these puppies will cost you an arm and a leg to replace if you get a flat.......you'll then need to sell a kidney if you have the 20" rims on a run-flat, they are not cheap and are hard to locate depending on where you are!).

We opted for the Q5 because it was more of a complete package
Plus the wife hated the look of the X3 and the ride of our "old" cars.

BUT bear this in mind a friend has recently signed up for the new X3 in Dec, her car is due in Feb. We ordered our Q5 in Sept and it is due to be picked up tomorrow after a lengthy 4 mth wait!?!?!?
I guess thats the advantage of having your car built and shipped from South Carolina and not Inglostadt, Germany!

You need to look at both cars and makes a choice