Road Test: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i

The words, "Hey, that's a good price," seldom occur to me when I test a new BMW. Lots of other words do. Mostly expressions of driving pleasure -- "Wow," "Yes," "Oooh" -- interspersed with foul language and inarticulate groans of frustration at its complicated controls.

The new 2011 X3 xDrive 35i broke the mold. First, it delighted me with BMW's hallmark style, efficiency, power and handling. Then it surprised me with a sweet price. And, yes, its controls occasionally made me curse and shake my head.

Prices for the new BMW X3 xDrive start at $36,750 for the 28i model. It has a normally aspirated, 240-horsepower 3.0-liter straight-six engine. All X3s have BMW's performance-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 35i adds a turbocharger to crank power to 300 hp. It stickers at $41,050.

I tested a well-equipped X3 xDrive 35i that cost $52,140. All prices exclude destination charges. Features on the X3 I tested included parking assist, backup camera, navigation system, Bluetooth compatibility for phones and music players, and a large sunroof.

The X3 competes with midsize luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX 350, Lincoln MKX and Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. The one I tested cost a bit less than a comparably equipped Q5 or RX 350 and slightly more than a comparable Cadillac SRX.

The X3 35i's EPA rating of 21 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving beat all the competitors handily. The BMW has significantly more power than all but the SRX and FX35. Its fuel economy so far exceeds the competition that the EPA predicts the premium-fueled BMW will cost less to fuel every year than even the SRX and MKX, which use less-expensive regular gasoline.

The smooth and fast-shifting eight-speed contributes significantly to the X3's impressive fuel economy acceleration.

BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six engine is one of the auto industry's great power plants. The turbocharged version generates 300 pound-feet of torque from 1,300 rpm to 5,000 rpm, producing power for acceleration at all speeds.

The X3 has a smooth, comfortable ride. Wind noise is minimal. The SUV's near 50/50 weight distribution contributes to excellent handling and road holding. Adjustable sport settings reset the engine, transmission, steering and electronic controls for quicker response.

The 2011 X3 is longer, wider and taller than the previous model. The cabin has plenty of passenger room and a useful 27.6 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear seat. Unusual for a BMW, the front seat has plenty of storage cubbies for glasses, iPods, phones, chargers, etc.

The materials in the leather-upholstered X3 I tested looked and felt good, with tasteful wood and soft-touch surfaces. The gauges are large and legible. BMW's signature iDrive rotary control manages many systems. I think a touch screen would be simpler and easier, but BMW continues to improve iDrive.

The voice-recognition system for hands-free phones is good. The voice-controlled navigation system never got it right, though. I eventually gave up and entered them by hand.

With its combination of value, performance, comfort and efficiency, the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i leaps to the head of the class of luxury SUVs.

BMW X3 xDrive 35i

Base price: $41,050 (excludes destination charge)

Price as tested: $52,140 (excluding destination charge)

Powertrain: 3.0-liter direct-injection variable-timing DOHC 24-valve inline-six. Eight-speed automatic transmission.

Horsepower: 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm.; 300 pound-feet of torque at 1,300-5,000 rpm.

EPA fuel economy rating: 19 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined

Wheelbase: 110.5 inches

Length: 183.0 inches

Curb weight: 4,222 pounds

Where assembled: Spartanburg, S.C.

Bottom line: Value, performance, room, practicality