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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-n20-twinpower/"><img alt="BMW N20 engine" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw-n20.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 423px;" /></a><br />
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As a relatively compact crossover, you might expect the BMW <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">X3</a> to be available - in this climate even in the United States - with a four-cylinder engine. But that wasn't the case until now, as <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> has announced the availability of its TwinPower Turbo four to replace the 3.0-liter six-cylinder mill in the X3 xDrive28i.<br />
<br />
The N20 engine is the same unit that's already available in the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/z4">Z4</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/5+series">528i</a> and new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/3+series">328i</a>, and joins the X3 along with a raft of upgrades for the 2013 model year. Auto Start Stop, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO Pro, and a power tailgate all join the list of standard equipment, while an optional Driver Assistance Package (with Lane Departure Warning) and an M Sport Package join the options list.<br />
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Production of the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i with the N20 turbo four is scheduled to begin in April, with prices starting at $37,995 (inclusive of destination), with MSRP on the carry-over X3 xDrive35i pegged at $43,595. <a href="/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/#continued">Follow the jump</a> for full details.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/">BMW adds four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo power to X3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20173456/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-adds-four-cylinder-twin-scroll-turbo-power-to-x3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 bmw x3 xdrive28i</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x3 xdrive28i</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Bucking trend, <em>Consumer Reports</em> gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/land+rover/" rel="tag">Land Rover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-xdrive28i-review/#photo-4434680/"><img alt="2012 BMW X3 in the grass" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bmwx3cr-award.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 418px; " /></a><br />
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The turn of the year didn't merely lead us into the Year of the Dragon, but also the year of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/land+rover/evoque/">Land Rover Range Rover Evoque</a>. Halewood's small softroader won a boodle of awards: <em>Autoweek</em>'s <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/autoweek-awards-audi-a7-and-land-rover-evoque-best-of-th/">Best of the Best</a>, <em>Top Gear</em> magazine's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/bmw-m1-fisker-karma-and-bac-mono-are-top-gear-stars-car/">and Jeremy Clarkson's choice</a> for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/range-rover-evoque-named-top-gear-magazines-car-of-the-y/">Car of the Year</a>, <em>Motor Trend </em>magazine's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/2012-land-rover-range-rover-evoque-named-motor-trend-suv-of-the/">SUV of the Year</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/hyundai-elantra-range-rover-evoque-named-2012-north-american-ca/">North American Truck of the Year</a>. For starters. <em>Consumer Reports</em>, however, isn't as swayed, saying that the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">BMW X3</a> "handily outpointed its European rival" in a head-to-head between the two compact luxury crossovers.<br />
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We expect there's an Evoque out there with a sore backside because <em>CR</em> did not spare the rod, saying the Evoque scored near the bottom of its category because of "a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering and troubling emergency handling." On top of that, its "rear view is poor," its "cargo area is small" and its interior is "noisy" albeit "well finished," and was outdone by the X3's "lavish interior." The baby <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/land+rover/">Land Rover</a> finished so far in the hole that <em>CR</em> couldn't give the vehicle its coveted Recommend rating.<br />
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That seems a bit harsh at first glance, especially since comparing interior measurements between the two seems disingenuous when the BMW is so much larger that it's basically in another class. That said, we haven't read the full piece yet, so we'll withhold further commentary. For CR's press release on the Evoque vs. X3 cage match and its comments on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/prius+v/">Toyota Prius V</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/tiguan">Volkswagen Tiguan</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jeep/wrangler">Jeep Wrangler</a>, look no further than <a href="/2012/01/25/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-x3-over-ev/#continued">after the jump</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Bucking trend, <em>Consumer Reports</em> gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/">Bucking trend, <em>Consumer Reports</em> gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20157105/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/bucking-trend-consumer-reports-gives-nod-to-bmw-x3-ove/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2012 bmw x3</category><category>2012 land rover range rover evoque</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>consumer reports</category><category>evoque</category><category>land rover evoque</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive"><img height="406"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/03bmwx32011fd.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw">BMW</a> is expanding its operations in <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/spartanburg/">Spartanburg</a>, South Carolina. The company has announced it will invest $990 million into the facility over the next three years to allow the plant to produce up to 350,000 vehicles annually. Currently, the Spartanburg assembly plant produces the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">BMW X3</a> (pictured), <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5">X5</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x6">X6</a>, and BMW says the company expects to see an increase in CUV demand in the coming years. BMW has already committed to broadening its presence in the crossover market with the introduction of the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bmw x4">X4</a> model.<br />
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The BMW X3 helped BMW grow to become the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in the company's history last year. The model saw a 156 percent increase in global sales to a total of 117,944 units, and 27,793 of those found homes in the States.<br />
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Right now, 70 percent of the vehicles built in Spartanburg are exported to other markets around the world. Last year, the facility built 276,065 vehicles, which marks an increase of 73 percent over 2010. The plant originally opened in 1994, and the German automaker is currently celebrating the 2 millionth vehicle produced since then. <a href="/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/#continued">Hit the jump</a> for the full press release.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/">BMW pouring $990M into Spartanburg plant to build more CUVs</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20147373/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/bmw-pouring-990m-into-spartanburg-plant-to-build-more-cuvs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>spartanburg</category><category>spartanburg expansion</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac/" rel="tag">Cadillac</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-cadillac-srx-first-drive/#photo-4338189"><img alt="2012 Cadillac SRX" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-cadillac-srx-628.jpg" style="margin: 4px 0px; width: 628px; height: 417px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://autoblog.com/cadillac">Cadillac</a> is gunning for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw">BMW</a>. The company's recently unveiled <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ats">ATS</a> is a clear shot across the bow of the German automaker's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/3 series">3 Series</a>, and <em>Bloomberg BusinessWeek</em><em> </em>reports the small sedan may be the first of a larger product offensive. Kurt McNeil, vice president of sales with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac">Cadillac</a>, said the luxury brand is currently looking into the possibility of a small CUV designed to lure in <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">BMW X3</a> buyers. The vehicle would be smaller than the current <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac/srx">Cadillac SRX</a>, which saw an 11 percent increase in sales last year.<br />
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The report makes it clear that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm">General Motors</a> hasn't given the go-ahead on the smaller crossover, though the fact that Cadillac is growing its presence globally will likely factor heavily in the final decision on whether or not to bring the vehicle to market. American buyers are always happy to welcome another tall-riding five-door into the fold, but CUVs don't enjoy the same level of prestige in European markets.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/">Cadillac considering smaller-than-SRX crossover?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20146499/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/cadillac-considering-smaller-than-srx-crossover/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>cadillac</category><category>cadillac srx</category><category>cadillac suv</category><category>srx</category><category>suv</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW leads global sales race among luxury brands through July, Audi second]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/" rel="tag">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/" target="_blank"><img alt="201 bmw x3" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/lead1bmwx32011fd.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 630px; height: 418px; " /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> is apparently the Ultimate Selling Machine. The German automaker has retained the title of top luxury brand after its most successful July in history, moving 108,721 units for the month. Overall sales are up 17.9 percent for the entire BMW Group through the first seven months of the year.<br />
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One of the BMW products moving off lots quickly is the redesigned <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3/">X3</a>. Sales of the compact crossover rose 193.2 percent, which equates to 9,763 units finding a new home in July. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5/">X5</a> also helped total volume numbers by improving 51.7 percent in July, with 24,196 examples sold.<br />
<br />
With 106,000 total sales in July, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> isn't very far behind, and it hopes to stand in the top spot ahead of BMW by 2015. BMW is aiming for 1.6 million in sales this year, while Audi is shooting for 1.2 million. <a href="http://autoblog.com/mercedes-benz">Mercedes-Benz</a> came in at number three with 100,391 units sold in July.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/">BMW leads global sales race among luxury brands through July, Audi second</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20012250/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/08/bmw-leads-global-sales-race-among-luxury-brands-through-july-au/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>audi</category><category>audi sales</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw sales</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>mercedes-benz</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeff Glucker]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-bmw-x3-by-ac-schnizter/" target="_blank"><img alt="ac schnitzer bmw x3" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/003-ac-schnitzer-2012-bmw-x3-lead.jpg" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; height: 385px; width: 630px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; " /></a><br />
<div class="iphone_hide" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
	AC Schnitzer BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery.</div>
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If you're one of the tens of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/24/bmw-x3-m-getting-ready-to-rumble/">BMW X3 M</a>, there may be an alternative that's ready to go right away. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ac+schnitzer/">AC Schnitzer</a> has gotten hold of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">X3</a> and applied its custom touches to the compact crossover. A body kit, wheels, rear spoiler and custom exhaust help the up-fitted fat wagon stand out in the crossover sea of similarity. AC Schnitzer's engine gurus have also bumped power from 184 horsepower up to 218. That's for the 20d, and an upgrade for the 30d is also in the works.<br />
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AC Schnitzer has taken an extra step with this particular X3. Rather than wait for a spoiled teenager to pilot the front end into tree, AC Schnitzer has subjected the car to a series of "crash tests." <a href="/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/#continued">Click past the jump</a> to watch a cylindrical projectile repeatedly fired at the nose of this X3, and turn up the speakers to enjoy some <em>How It's Made</em>-grade background music.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/">AC Schnitzer's take on 2012 BMW X3 includes amusing 'crash test' [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19980681/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/ac-schnitzers-take-on-2012-bmw-x3-includes-amusing-crash-test/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2012 bmw x3</category><category>ac schnitzer</category><category>ac schnitzer bmw x3</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>video</category><category>x3</category><category>x3 crash test</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeff Glucker]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><img alt="Happiness is the corner BMW ad" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/bmw-happiness.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /><br />
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"Happiness isn't around the corner. Happiness <em>IS</em> the corner." So said an ad for BMW created in 1996 for the Z3. In the TV version (see the video at the very bottom <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#continued">after the break</a>), a heavy-metal music track underlined the idea, which was carried over to magazines and billboards.<br />
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I'm reminded of that ad, one of the more perfect expressions of the BMW brand I have ever seen, this week as I take in the Bavarian automaker's plan to launch vehicles powered by "alternative" powertrains under the "i" sub-brand: as in, yes, iPad, iPod, iMac. So far, I'm not hearing about Apple filing trademark infractions. It is, I believe, also "i" as i <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/isetta">Isetta</a>, the last time BMW brought out a mini city car. "I" for innovation probably figures into the choice, as well.<br />
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<div style="border: 0px dotted black; margin: 5px; padding: 2px 3px; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); line-height: 120%; font-size: 1.5em; float: right; width: 220px; text-align: center;">
	<strong>The campaign was literally meant to attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.</strong></div>
BMW has brand issues. Take the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/video-bmw-super-bowl-commercials-champion-diesel-and-america/">BMW ran two ads</a> in the big game for a cost of between $5 and $6 million. One ad was to push diesel engines. Another was to push the fact that all <a href="http://autoblog.com/bmw/x3">X3</a> crossovers are now being built at BMW's plant in South Carolina. "Designed in America. Built in America," says the voiceover at the end of this ad. How about using the big game to push the core of your brand equity - driving excitement. How about an ad that says: "aspire to own and drive this marvelous machine."<br />
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Something has gone horribly wrong at BMW. And I think I know what it is. Back in 2006, then- BMW marketing director <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/breaking-jack-pitney-bmw-north-america-marketing-vp-dead-at-4/">Jack Pitney</a> (who tragically died in 2010) shared with me a Powerpoint strategy showing how far too many people, in his mind, weren't considering a BMW because they were intimidated or otherwise put off by the performance image of the brand. It was this finding that led BMW to first do a corporate ad campaign touting BMW's independent ownership, and then the softer "Joy of Driving" campaign that ran most of last year. It was literally meant to advance a "softer side" of BMW, and attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.<br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#continued">Continue reading...</a><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/">Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19858225/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>bmw advertising</category><category>bmw i</category><category>bmw marketing</category><category>bmw spartanburg plant</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>BMW Z3</category><category>david kiley</category><category>featured</category><category>mini</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Kiley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:29:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/celebrities/" rel="tag">Celebrities</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/#continued"><img hspace="0" height="364" border="0" width="630" vspace="4" alt="Martha Stewart BMW X3" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/martha-stewart-bmw-x3.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Martha Stewart picks up her customized BMW X3 - Click above to watch video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/#continued"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">after the jump</span></a> </small><br />
</strong></em></div>
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Martha Stewart and her crew descended on BMW's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/spartanburg">Spartanburg</a>, South Carolina production facility where the automaker builds its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">X3</a> crossover, as well as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5">X5</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x6">X6</a>. Stewart designed and built her own X3 through BMW's "Dream It. Build It. Drive it." program, allowing for more than 70 million unique configurations including a handful of exclusive hues.<br />
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When the show airs, viewers are able to enter a contest to win an X3 of their own, however it doesn't appear that Martha is looking to usurp Oprah in the you-get-a-car category of giveaways.<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/#continued"><br />
Hop the jump</a>  to watch Martha Stewart dive into the world of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a>.<br />
<br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/">Martha Stewart crafts BMW X3 of her very own [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19760469/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/martha-stewart-crafts-bmw-x3-of-her-very-own-w-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>bmw martha stewart</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>martha stewart</category><category>martha stewart bmw x3</category><category>martha stewart living</category><category>video</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeff Glucker]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/byo/default.aspx"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/x3-xdrive-35i.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
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The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x3">2011 BMW X3</a> is ready for prime time, with all-new sheet-metal and an equally new interior, a choice of efficient inline six engines and a standard eight-speed transmission. If that sounds like an enticing package, you can now head over to <a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/byo/default.aspx">BMW's official website</a> to build your own. The base X3 28i will set you back $37,625, but for that price you'll have to go with non-metallic black or white paint and a Leatherette interior. For another $550, there are eight different metallic paints from which to choose.<br />
<br />
On the interior front, there are four different leather options to choose, each of which will set you back $1,450. A fully loaded 28i comes in at $52,150 and includes several different option packages including a $3,450 Premium Package, which includes the $1,450 leather seats and a $3,200 Technology Package with navigation and audio inputs.<br />
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Move up to the 300-horsepower X3 xDrive 35i and the base price rockets to $41,925, or $4,300 more than the non-turbo 28i. Max out the available packages and add options like smart phone integration and rear camera and you're looking at an MSRP of $56,750. All prices include $875 destination...<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive">2011 BMW X3: First Drive</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/02bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/04bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/05bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL</small></strong></em><br />
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[Source: <a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/byo/default.aspx">BMW</a>]</div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/">Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/BYO/ByoHome.aspx?enc=wlfMAL18BI8fu7Uxo/SJRAZ0UH5RizgqHa7hvTiUHhrXPnjZ2f7x62tkXGQh+rP2NZWlQmnToo/PyS55Su0ieRxUFq4lLIBaVOJiyjCQZqNQq5lA4rng54ZbPA1jTdxN5V0x3YJVtGj2bvj8XYNac7fkhuWV9ej5+xG3KDZTwLE29n8avf4ndZ0WCQoMA63iR6Z>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19696735/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/bimmer-builder-2011-bmw-x3-configurator-comes-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011 BMW X3</category><category>2011 BMW X3 configurator</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>build and price bmw x3</category><category>x3</category><category>x3 configurator</category><category>x3 xdrive 28i</category><category>x3 xdrive 35i</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 BMW X3]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drives</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><em><big>Refined, Not Redefined</big></em><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img alt="2011 BMW X3" border="1" hspace="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/lead1bmwx32011fd.jpg" vspace="4" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
	<em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Long before the segment-bending <a href="http://autoblog.com/bmw/x6">X6</a>, BMW's crossover strategy was simple: offer the utility of a traditional SUV but in a package that's not only luxurious, but fun to drive. The original <a href="http://autoblog.com/bmw/x5">X5</a> Sport <strike>Utility</strike> <em>Activity</em> Vehicle kicked things off in 1999, and only a few years later, the smaller <a href="http://autoblog.com/bmw/x3">X3</a> arrived.<br />
<br />
Now, luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, and automakers are clamoring to be a part of the small CUV segment. In just the past few years, we've been introduced to the <a href="http://autoblog.com/audi/q5">Audi Q5</a>, <a href="http://autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/glk-class">Mercedes-Benz GLK</a>, <a href="http://autoblog.com/volvo/xc60">Volvo XC60</a> and <a href="http://autoblog.com/infiniti/ex">Infiniti EX35</a>, among others. But as the X3 aged, its unusually harsh suspension and not-so-great interior plagued sales. In 2004, BMW moved roughly 35,000 X3s off dealer lots, and just last year, that number dropped to less than 10,000. Things aren't looking good for 2010, either.<br />
<br />
Instead of trying to reinvent the formula, <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has improved on the X3's original idea by offering more refinement, top-notch driving dynamics and heaps of technology focused on efficiency and connectivity. The end result is a compact crossover ready to regain its spot at the head of the class. Find out if BMW succeeded <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/#continued">after the jump</a>.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive">2011 BMW X3: First Drive</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/02bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/03bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/04bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/05bmwx32011fd_thumbnail.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" title="2011 BMW X3" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>First Drive: 2011 BMW X3</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/">First Drive: 2011 BMW X3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19679258/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/2011-bmw-x3-first-drive-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011 bmw x3 xDrive28i</category><category>2011 bmw X3 xDrive35i</category><category>2011 x3</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x3 first drive</category><category>bmw x3 review</category><category>featured</category><category>first drive</category><category>FirstDrive</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Steven J. Ewing]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW announces pricing for 2011 X3]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img width="629" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="419" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/011-2011-bmw-x3-paris.jpg" alt="2011 BMW X3" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
We're about to drive the 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">BMW X3</a>, but before we get behind the wheel, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> has announced pricing for its next-gen. cute 'ute, and as before, the new CUV will be offered in two trims. The base X3 xDrive28i, which features a 240 horsepower inline-six, will start at $37,625. The more powerful xDrive35i, which boasts a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, starts $41,925. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and BMW's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/eight-speed">eight-speed</a> automatic transmission. The 2011 BMW X3 will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of 2010, and both models will be available at launch.<br />
<br />
Additionally,  <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/blackberry">Blackberry</a> users will have something to be excited about. The X3 is fitted with technology to pull loads of utility out of its smartphone integration. The navigation screen can display emails when the car is stationary, and when it's in motion, the system utilizes a text-to-speech program to read messages through the audio system.<br />
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The base price of the 2011 BMW X3, even though the car has been refreshed and features more standard items, is less than the 2010 model it replaces. It's a $2,100 price drop down from the 2010 base MSRP of $39,725.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3">Paris 2010: BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/011-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/000-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/002-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/003-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/004-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<b><i><small>Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL</small> </i></b>[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW announces pricing for 2011 X3</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/">BMW announces pricing for 2011 X3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19672560/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2011-x3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011 bmw</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>All-wheel drive</category><category>blackberry</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>eight-speed</category><category>eight-speed transmission</category><category>x3</category><category>x3 pricing</category><category>x3 xdrive28i</category><category>x3 xdrive35i</category><category>xdrive</category><category>xDrive28i</category><category>xDrive35i</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeff Glucker]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="BMW X3" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/011-2011-bmw-x3-parisopt.jpg" /></a><br />
</small></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small> 2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> has whisked the sheets off its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">2011 X3</a>, and the second-generation crossover looks suspiciously like its predecessor. Beyond a seemingly endless parade of spy shots over the last couple of years, that's predictable, as the X3 has been a considerable sales success for the German automaker. <br />
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While the sheetmetal stays largely the same, the lineup receives new engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that's set to spread like kudzu throughout the automaker's offerings. The X3 also becomes the first model in BMW's growing X franchise to adopt electric power steering (the automaker's controversial variable sports steering rack is optional), as well as optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control (as seen on its range of sedans and sports cars). <br />
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In addition to the new sheetmetal, BMW promises added rear seat room, addressing one of the vehicle's key shortcomings for the North American market.<br />
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Power will come from BMW's Twinpower Turbo (Bimmerese for twin-scroll turbo) inline six-cylinder engine that gives the XDrive35i model 306 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm with max torque of 295 pound-feet of torque at just 1,300 rpm. That's good enough for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph, though it's not clear if that figure will be governed when it reaches us Yanks. An entry-level xDrive28i model will also receive I-6 power, with 240 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, diesel mills will also be available in other areas of the globe, but as of yet, BMW officials haven't committed to bringing an oil burner to the States. The gas model, however, should be in showrooms before year's end, and for U.S. buyers, it'll have a shorter distance to travel, as it will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.<br />
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Check out our gallery of live shots below, and hop the jump for the official press release.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3">Paris 2010: BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/011-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/000-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/002-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/003-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/paris-2010-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/004-2011-bmw-x3-paris_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4">2011 BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/001-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/002-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/003-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/004-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/005-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em><font size="1">Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL</font></em></strong><br />
<br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/">Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19654882/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/paris-2010-bmw-x3-is-new-yet-familiar/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010 paris</category><category>2010 paris motor show</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>paris</category><category>paris auto salon</category><category>paris motor show</category><category>paris motor show 2010</category><category>x3</category><category>xdrive35i</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Paukert]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/#3173974"><img hspace="0" border="0" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/bmw-x3.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Behold the 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">BMW X3</a>. It's longer, wider and taller than its predecessors, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it looks remarkably similar to the last X3.<br />
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Naturally, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW's</a> twin-kidney grille is affixed up front, but like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/5+series">new 5</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/7+series">7 Series</a>, it's more upright and slightly larger than before. The lower air dam is slightly chiseled while staying true to BMW's recent organic shapes, and the wider headlamps come equipped with "Corona Rings" and optional Xenon bulbs.<br />
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Viewed in profile, the outgoing X3's slab sides have been augmented with a character line running aft of the front wheels and kicking up over the rear fenders, while an upswept D-pillar compliments the redesigned LED taillamps and subtle crease over the rear-mounted Roundel. All in, the new X3 (F25) is half an inch taller, 3.36 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider with a half-inch increase in ground clearance. In keeping with tradition, it's a "lifestyle" vehicle first with no pretenses of hardcore off-roading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/#3174052"><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/206-2011-bmw-x3-250op.jpg" alt="" /></a>Like the outside, the interior is a subtle evolution of its forebear, with a staid German style balancing functionality and form. The joystick-style transmission lever carries over from BMW's most recent models, along with an 8.8-inch iDrive-controlled screen and a redesigned steering wheel with aluminum accents on the paddle shifters and lower spoke. With the rear seats set in place, rear cargo volume comes in at 19 cubic feet, growing to 56.6 cubes with the 60:40 rear seats folded flat.<br />
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The entry-level X3 xDrive28i comes equipped with BMW's naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six rated at 240 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, allowing BMW's best-selling 'ute to sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds - about a half second quicker than the outgoing model. Step up for the X3 xDrive35i and you're basking in 300 hp and 300 lb-ft provided by BMW's new single-turbo N55 inline-six. The 0-60 run clocks in at a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph when kitted out with the optional Sport package.<br />
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Channeling that power to the ground is a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with wider spreads and taller cruising gears to keep fuel economy in check, while standard all-wheel drive splits torque 40:60 front-to-rear thanks to an electronically controlled multi-disc diff and a host of other gizmos.<br />
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The MacPherson front struts have been redeveloped along with the multi-link rear suspension, while an optional electronic damping control adapts to the road and driver inputs. Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes are mounted next to the gear selector, tweaking throttle response, transmission shifts, steering assist, DSC settings and suspension firmness.<br />
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The newest electronic system for the X3 is the Performance Control feature, which shuffles 80 percent of the torque to the rear under steady-state throttle. Like <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/acura">Acura's</a> Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the BMW's system brakes the inside rear wheel and powers the outside roller to curb understeer and provide a more neutral driving feeling.<br />
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Production of the X3 will remain at BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant and sales are set to begin towards the end of the year. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/">Hit the jump</a> for the full details and check out the positively massive gallery of images below.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4">2011 BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/001-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/002-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/003-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/004-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-4/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/005-2011-bmw-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/">2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:50:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19554734/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/2011-bmw-x3-fills-out-adds-a-dash-of-sport/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011 bmw x3 xDrive28i</category><category>2011 bmw X3 xDrive35i</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>2011BmwX3Xdrive28i</category><category>2011BmwX3Xdrive35i</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x3 xdrive28i</category><category>bmw x3 xdrive35i</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>BmwX3Xdrive28i</category><category>BmwX3Xdrive35i</category><category>x3 xdrive28i</category><category>x3 xdrive35i</category><category>X3Xdrive28i</category><category>X3Xdrive35i</category><category>xdrive28i</category><category>xdrive35i</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/off-road/" rel="tag">Off-Road</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/02-2011-x3-1275586514.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 - Click above for image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> has just dropped a few juicy details about the 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">X3</a> on the web along with a few camo'd photos. With the addition of the X1 in European markets, the Bavarian automaker is looking to give its middle child a little extra interior space, so the 2011 X3 will be slightly wider and longer than the beasts currently prowling the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/more-bulk-store-buying-costco-and-volvo-team-up-to-sell-cars/">Costco</a> parking lot. Even so, weight has been slimmed by around 55 pounds and in a nod to ever-increasing fuel economy concerns, the automaker has also decided to switch the power steering on the X3 from pneumatic to electric to reduce drag on the engine.<br />
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Speaking of engines, there won't be any major surprises under the hood. UK buyers will be able to choose between a total of four engines - the standard fair available here in the land of the free plus two turbo-diesel mills. We wouldn't exactly hold our breath waiting for those to show up in our neck of the woods at launch.<br />
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Interestingly enough, <em>Autocar</em> reports that BMW is currently investigating a turbocharged four-cylinder variant as well as an AcitveHybrid flavor, though who knows if either of those are slated for U.S. consumption. Look for a full unveil at this year's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/paris-motor-show/">Paris Motor Show</a>. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0">2011 BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/02-2011-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/06-2011-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/07-2011-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/08-2011-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-0/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/01-2011-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/BMW-X3/250219/">Autocar</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/">First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19502183/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/first-details-on-2011-bmw-x3-leak-out/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 BMW X3</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>BMW</category><category>BMW X3</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>Paris Motor Show</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>X3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW teasing 2011 X3 well in advance]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/01-x3-630.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 teaser shots - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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The 2010 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/paris-motor-show/">Paris Motor Show</a> may be five months out at this point, but that isn't stopping manufacturers like <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> from getting the ball rolling on the long, slow, aggravating striptease of new models. The German manufacturer has just dropped a few sneaky shots of the all-new 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">X3</a> for the motoring world to start speculating over. So what do we see? A hood, a taillight, a few body lines and not much else. <br />
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It's clear that the hood now wears similar styling to what you'll find on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/3+series">3 Series</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/5+series">5 Series</a> thanks to a few more contours than the previous piece. Beyond that, we don't know too much about the new Bavarian high-rider other than it can whip up a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/">bomb scare</a> in a hurry.<br />
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Judging from the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/">spy shots</a> we've come across thus far, we aren't expecting particularly dramatic changes to the X3's exterior. A reworked fascia is likely to join the new hood and taillights, and there is some talk of a four-cylinder engine making its way under the hood for the first time. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser">2011 BMW X3 Teaser</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/01-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/02-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/04-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-x3-teaser/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/05-x3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: BMW]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/">BMW teasing 2011 X3 well in advance</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:39:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19488706/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/bmw-teasing-2011-x3-well-in-advance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010 Paris Motor Show</category><category>2010ParisMotorShow</category><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw</category><category>2011 BMW X3</category><category>2011 BMW X3 Teaser</category><category>2011 x3</category><category>2011Bmw</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>2011BmwX3Teaser</category><category>2011X3</category><category>BMW</category><category>BMW X3</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>Paris Motor Show</category><category>Paris Motor Show 2010</category><category>ParisMotorShow</category><category>ParisMotorShow2010</category><category>Teaser</category><category>X3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 10:39:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW wants more people to custom-order X3s with high-margin options]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><img hspace="0" border="00" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/p90046337.jpg" /><br />
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When the second generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">X3</a> goes on sale early next year <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> wants more of its American customers to start special ordering the crossovers rather than buying them off the lot. Custom orders are more the norm in Europe where about half of all BMWs are spec'd up before being delivered to the buyer, and BMW has been promoting its Individual program which allows customers to pick and choose the colors and materials in their vehicles.<br />
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The advantage to BMW is that these optioned vehicles have much higher profit margins than the standard configurations typically stocked by dealers. If BMW can succeed in getting more custom orders for the X3 and other models it will improve the bottom line for both its dealers and the automaker as lots won't have to stock nearly as much inventory. The biggest problem is changing American's desire to show up at a dealer and drive something off the lot that day.<br />
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Promoting build-to-order will be much easier with the new X3 because production of the new model will be moved from Austria to the recently expanded Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Building the crossovers here will allow BMW to drastically cut delivery times and BMW will also be more heavily promoting its factory delivery program and the<a href="http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/experience/events/pds/default.aspx"> driving classes it offers at the adjacent Performance Center</a>. <br />
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[Source: <a href="http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100514/CARNEWS/100519923">AutoWeek</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/">BMW wants more people to custom-order X3s with high-margin options</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19478976/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/bmw-wants-more-people-to-custom-order-x3s-with-high-margin-optio/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011Bmw</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>bmw</category><category>BMW Individual</category><category>BMW Performance</category><category>BMW Performance Center</category><category>bmw performance driving school</category><category>BMW Performance School</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x3 built to order</category><category>BmwIndividual</category><category>BmwPerformance</category><category>BmwPerformanceCenter</category><category>BmwPerformanceDrivingSchool</category><category>BmwPerformanceSchool</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>BmwX3BuiltToOrder</category><category>built to order</category><category>BuiltToOrder</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 08:29:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[BREAKING: BMW X3 prototype reportedly causes bomb scare outside NY museum]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/" rel="tag">Safety</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/#4"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bmw-x3-3-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Note To Self: Don't leave camouflaged prototypes parked with the engine running next to Central Park in Manhattan. Just a week after a failed car bomb attempt in Times Square, Manhattan is understandably still a bit jittery. An apparent error in judgement by Martin Birkmann, head of product planning for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> North America, reportedly triggered a bomb scare and the resulting evacuation of several blocks along Central Park West near the American Museum of Natural History this afternoon. <br />
<br />
Birkmann was out evaluating a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/">prototype 2011 BMW X3</a> covered in camouflage when he stopped to enjoy a bit of fresh air in the park. He inadvertently left the engine running and a woman walking her dog rightly thought the vehicle looked suspicious - particularly understandable given that New Yorkers are not as used to seeing such prototypes out and about as much as, say, your average Detroiter.<br />
<br />
Police responded to investigate, and after clearing the area of bystanders, found no reason for alarm. Everyone was safe, although the back window of the X3 prototype was apparently shattered in the process. No doubt Birkmann will think twice about where he parks such vehicles in the future. <em>Hat tip to Michael!</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3">Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/02-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/03-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/04-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/05-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/05/09/2010-05-09_suspicious_car_sparks_bomb_scare_at_american_museum_of_natural_history.html#ixzz0nTJDYx8O">New York Daily News</a> | Image: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/">BREAKING: BMW X3 prototype reportedly causes bomb scare outside NY museum</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sun, 09 May 2010 18:18:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19470359/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/breaking-bmw-x3-prototype-reportedly-causes-bomb-scare-outside/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011Bmw</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x3 prototype</category><category>bmw x3 spy shots</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>BmwX3Prototype</category><category>BmwX3SpyShots</category><category>bomb scare</category><category>BombScare</category><category>breaking</category><category>breaking news</category><category>BreakingNews</category><category>camo</category><category>camo prototype causes bomb scare</category><category>camoflage</category><category>CamoPrototypeCausesBombScare</category><category>camouflage</category><category>central park</category><category>central park west</category><category>central park west bomb scare</category><category>CentralPark</category><category>CentralParkWest</category><category>CentralParkWestBombScare</category><category>evacuation</category><category>martin birkmann</category><category>MartinBirkmann</category><category>X3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 18:18:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: BMW X4 back on the table?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=249146"><img hspace="0" border="0" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-x-coupe.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Were you, like us, just thinking that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>'s U.S. lineup would be fully complete if only it had just one more <strike>crossover utility </strike>Sports Activity Vehicle that slotted in somewhere between the small <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">X3</a> and midsize <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5">X5</a>? If so, we have good news. Just such a vehicle - logically and tentatively named the X4 - is rumored to be in development. Again.<br />
<br />
Just as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x6">X6</a> was designed as a sportier take on the more traditional SUV-shaped X5, the new X4 would inject a bit more Bavarian flavor into the plain ol' X3. Citing an unnamed source within the company, <em>Autocar</em> reports, "We haven't made any firm decision... however, the X6's success shows there is a continued demand for sporty off-roaders."<br />
<br />
Yes, we've <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/BMW+X4/">heard this rumor before</a>, but not since 2008. Why the possible change of heart? Despite drawing ire from what seems to be a vocal minority, BMW reports that the X6 is handily outpacing its own initial sales projections. In fact, it's 80,000 sales worldwide is twice what the automaker had expected to sell. And one good turn deserves... something.<br />
<br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=249146">Autocar</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/">Report: BMW X4 back on the table?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=249146>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19460510/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/report-bmw-x4-back-on-the-table/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>bmw x4</category><category>BMW X5</category><category>BMW X6</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>BmwX4</category><category>BmwX5</category><category>BmwX6</category><category>x4</category><category>x5</category><category>x6</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:31:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 out and about in Munich]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/#4"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-x3-3-630op.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
We're expecting the 2011 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x3">BMW X3</a> to debut sometime this year and judging by this latest crop of spy shots out of Munich, Bimmer's mid-level 'ute should be ready for prime-time when the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/paris-motor-show/">Paris Motor Show</a> rolls around this Fall.<br />
<br />
Although the prototype appears slightly larger than the current model, the changes will be largely cosmetic, particularly up front, where the outgoing X3's plebeian proboscis has been dispatched in favor of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW's</a> new upright fascia. The headlamps appear to have grown in size and we're particularly digging the sculpted bumper, with its larger lower grille, more dramatic lip and angular air intakes.<br />
<br />
The styling appears more standard on the sides and out back, although BMW is sure to redesign the D-pillar and fit new LED taillamps inspired by the rest of the range.<br />
<br />
Naturally, the 2011 X3 will feature BMW's 3.0-liter six-cylinder powerplants - either naturally aspirated or turbocharged - with a handful of diesel mills available to our friends abroad. However, don't be surprised to hear about some kind of four-cylinder fitted to the X3 after its initial launch, and here's hoping that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/3+series">335d</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5">X5 xDrive35d's</a> impressive oilburner finds its way under the hood of the X3 in the U.S. in short order.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3">Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/02-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/03-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/04-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/05-2011-bmw-x3-spy-april_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/">Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 out and about in Munich</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19429068/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/06/spy-shots-2011-bmw-x3-out-and-about-in-munich/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>spy photos</category><category>spy pics</category><category>spy shots</category><category>SpyPhotos</category><category>SpyPics</category><category>SpyShots</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[REPORT: BMW X3 U.S. launch delayed by up to 6 months for custom order effort]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="www.autoweek.com/article/20091116/CARNEWS/911169997"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p90046334_highres-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
According to BMW of North America's president, Jim O'Donnell, the Roundel crew will delay the launch of the 2011 BMW X3 by six months to establish a new customer ordering program and iron out which engines will be available in the States.<br />
<br />
The move will apparently make the customization of the X3 both easier for consumers and less expensive for BMW, which plans to offer models with the top ten options on dealer lots. Production of the X3 will move from Magna Steyr's facility in Austria to the automaker's Spartanburg, S.C. plant, where it will be built along side the X5 and X6.<br />
<br />
Traditionally, the X3 would be available with the bigger and more expensive inline-six at launch, but BMW plans to make four engines available at the onset, likely a naturally aspirated inline six, turbocharged six and possibly a diesel four-cylinder and the recently introduced six-pot from the 335d. <br />
<br />
The delay means we won't be seeing the redesigned X3 in showrooms until the middle of 2011 -- some six months after BMW's U.S-built cute 'ute goes on sale in Europe. However, BMW plans to allow customers to begin ordering their X3s in October of 2010, so expect to see the revamped crossover unveiled in production (or light "concept" guise) early next year.<br />
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[Source: <a href="http://www.autoweek.com/article/20091116/CARNEWS/911169997">Autoweek</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/">REPORT: BMW X3 U.S. launch delayed by up to 6 months for custom order effort</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19241549/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-bmw-x3-u-s-launch-delayed-by-up-to-6-months-for-custom/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2011</category><category>2011 bmw x3</category><category>2011BmwX3</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw x3</category><category>BmwX3</category><category>x3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST</pubDate>
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