The BMW X3 Overview

In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.

In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.

The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Overview

The GLK350 debuted in 2009. It is built on a C-class Sedan platform that has been shortened by 4 inches and raised for added ground clearance. In 2009, Car and Driver hosted a five vehicle comparison that included the GLK350 and the previous-generation X3. Despite being all-new, the GLK finished dead last, far behind the second-place, six-year-old X3.

The GLK is powered by an outdated and outgunned 3.5-liter V6 that hasn't received any noticeable improvements in five years. The X3 xDrive35i , however, features a powertrain that earned "2010 International Engine of the Year" honors for its unique blend of world-class acceleration, excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

The GLK350 produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque at 2400 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed automatic, it scoots to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. By comparison, the X3 xDrive35i generates 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque at an astonishingly low 1300 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed automatic (or optional 8-speed Sport automatic), the X3 sprints to 60 mph more than a second faster than the GLK.

The optional 4MATIC AWD system is available for $2,000. Under normal driving, 4MATIC has a 45:55 rear torque bias, but its mechanically-based set-up limits power transfer to 70% at either axle. By contrast, xDrive can send 100% of the available torque to either set of wheels, for improved grip in poor traction situations. And unlike xDrive, 4MATIC is unable to proactively prevent understeer or oversteer before they occur.

What BMW offers…

• First engine in the world to combine turbocharging, Valvetronic and High Precision direct fuel injection for increased power and reduced fuel consumption
• Powered by a 2010 "International Engine of the Year" award recipient in the 2.5 to 3.0-liter category
• Inline 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve a superior 50.4 / 49.6 weight balance
• 300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
• 300 lb-ft of torque @ an amazingly low 1,300 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
• 19 / 26 mpg
• Standard 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
• Optional 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle. xDrive can proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer
• Standard Brake Fade Compensation
• Standard Automatic Hold
• Electric Power Steering helps save fuel
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Massive 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
• Standard Hill Descent Control
• Standard Xenon Adaptive headlights
• Standard Cornering lights
• Standard LED brake lights
• Standard Adaptive Brake Lights
• Standard run-flat tires
• Standard rain-sensing wipers
• Noticeably more front head room
• 36.8 in. rear seat leg room
• Noticeably more front and rear shoulder room
• 27.6 cu-ft. of cargo space behind the 2nd row seats
• 63.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
• Standard Start/Stop button with keyless start
• Standard iDrive with 6.5-inch monitor and six Programmable Memory Keys
• Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
• Standard sport steering wheel
• Standard driver's seat and mirror memory system
• Standard HD Radio
• Standard 12-speaker audio system
• Standard iPod/USB adapter
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)

 

What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

• A legacy engine that lacks turbocharging, variable valve lift or direct fuel injection, instead relying on a larger 3.5-liter displacement to produce its power
• Powered by an outdated (2006) and outclassed V-6 that fails to match the X3's power and acceleration
• V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 52.1 / 47.9 nose-heavy weight bias
• 268 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
• 258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 6.5 seconds
• 18 / 24 mpg
• Standard 7-speed Touch Shift automatic
• An optional transmission is not available, nor are paddle shifters
• 4MATIC – 45:55 torque split during normal driving. Can only send up to 70% of the power to either axle. 4MATIC cannot proactively dial-out understeer or oversteer
• Brake Fade Compensation is not available
• Automatic Hold is not available
• Electric Power Steering is not available
• The ML350's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• 11.8-inch rear ventilated disc brakes result in longer stopping distances
• Hill Descent Control is not available
• Optional Xenon Adaptive headlights
• Optional Cornering lights
• Optional LED brake lights
• Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Run-flat tires are not available
• Optional rain-sensing wipers
• Limited front head room leads to a cramped feeling
• 35.1 in. rear seat leg room
• Tight shoulder room adds to the claustrophobic feel
• 23.3 cu-ft. of cargo space behind the 2nd row seats
• 54.7 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
• Optional Start/Stop button with keyless start
• Standard COMAND with 5.0-inch monitor. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
• An Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
• A sport steering wheel is not available
• Optional driver's seat and mirror memory
• HD Radio is not available
• Standard 8-speaker audio system
• Optional iPod/USB adapter
• 4 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs $59/month to maintain the GLK350 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)

 

With new-found suppleness to its suspension set-up, greater agility, stronger performance, reduced thirst and expanded

roominess, the new X3 feels much more like something conceived in Munich should. Motor Trend

 

Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.