Ward’s announces their 10 Best Interior list for 2011. Three economy cars, three luxury brands, a sport sedan, minivan, upscale off-road SUV and family sedan round out this year’s Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list. Throughout February and March, Ward’s editors drove 51 vehicles that were all-new or featured significantly upgraded interiors in determining the 2011 winners.

Among the winners, the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i, the second generation mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle that was unveiled in late 2010. While the first generation X3 has been highly criticized for its lack of premium interior design, the new X3 comes to market to correct some of the shortcoming of the first model and to also set a new standard for the inside cabin quality. For more information on the new X3 interior design and features, here are a few of our previous articles: BMW X3 Test Drive, X3 Interior Designer and First Look BMW X3.

Ward’s 10 Best Interiors Winners:

  • Audi A8
  • BMW X3 xDrive35i
  • Chevy Cruze 2LT RS
  • Dodge Charger Rallye Plus
  • Ford Focus Titanium
  • Honda Odyssey Elite
  • Hyundai Elantra Limited
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
  • Kia Optima EX
  • Volvo S60

And the X3 review by the Ward’s editors:

The X3 xDrive35i successfully blends a black-and-cream color scheme with tastefully executed wood trim on the dashboard, center console and door panels.

Superb fit-and-finish, fold-flat seating and ample space for five occupants make the $52,025 X3 a worthy contender in the luxury cross/utility vehicle segment.

And the iDrive controller also has become easier to use and more intuitive, now allowing drivers simple access to the entire owner’s manual, all visible on the central display.

From BMW’s classic competitors’ pool, only Audi has been nominated as a winner in interior design with the new A8 model.

[Source: Ward’s ]