2014 Fiat 500L: Stylish, Room For Five, Starts Below $20,000
Considering the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke? You might want to hold out another few... Read More
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STYLING | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
the precursor's awkwardly tall proportions have morphed into a more confident, securely planted shape
Automobile Magazine
appearing much more like a baby brother to the X5 than the old model ever did
AutoWeek
oddly awkward front fascia, as if BMW's designers sculpted the new X3 and then realized they forgot to add headlights
Autoblog
a more athletic stance than before
Car and Driver
While most sport-utes have seen huge nose inflation (all the more canvas for hideous outsized grilles) the X3's nose tapers more quickly, its kidney-shaped nostrils flaring more widely. The contours are more pronounced over its longer body, and capped by pert little LED taillamps that could easily fit on any BMW passenger car.
Inside, the dash arcs to envelop controls and angles them at the driver, adding to the more sedan-like air surrounding the new SUV. BMW says it's paid special attention to upgrading the interior materials, too, and it's immediately obvious. Tough textures have gone soft, in the proper ways. A large LCD screen links into the connected-driving zeitgeist, and there's a head-up display on offer that projects all the information essential to driving in a discreet section of the windshield.
It's a calming influence at work. Whether it's the big, clear dials in the instrument pod, the simplified audio and climate switches, or even the off-centered iDrive controller, the X3's cabin seems more rested, de-cluttered, and at ease with its mission.
Conclusion
With a swoopy, attractive exterior, and a clean, uncluttered new look inside, the pert new 2011 BMW X3 is clearly differentiated from other blocky luxury crossovers.
