BMW’s best-selling car is the X3, which recently received a midcycle update for the 2022 model year. The venerable little luxury SUV seats five passengers comfortably in two rows and has adequate storage and fuel efficiency. It is also plenty sporty and enjoyable to drive.
In This Article...
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i have a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, which gives them enough power to easily navigate practically any traffic situation but isn’t particularly thrilling. The xDrive 30i needed 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph on our test track; we haven’t tested a sDrive 30i variant. In our testing, the Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5 are both faster—the Porsche by a significant margin. The X3 M40i will suit crossover buyers who are looking for performance far better. In our testing, the powerful 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine achieved a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds. Although it doesn’t quite provide Macan levels of agility, the X3 feels more capable than other of BMW’s existing sedans; it’s enjoyable to drive and eager to arc around corners better than expected. The ride quality is perfectly adjusted, providing just the right amount of stiffness for a sporty sensation without making the ride uncomfortable on uneven road surfaces. The adaptive suspension was an option on our test car, which we heartily endorse. The xDrive30i now has Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro driving modes thanks to a feature called Dynamic Damper Control. The M40i’s adaptive M suspension lowers the chassis by 0.4 inches.
SERPRESULT
Yes, the BMW X3 is an excellent SUV.
The BMW X3 encapsulates the brand’s signature luxury and thrilling driving experience in a useful compact SUV.
BMW X3
The third-generation BMW X3 sports a luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology inside, and active safety measures.
Most X3s are the 30i model, which has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower.
Once learned, controls and infotainment duties are logical but require some getting accustomed to.
The third-generation, updated BMW X3 includes high-end passenger amenities, technology, and safety features.
Most X3s are the 30i model, which has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower.
All-wheel drive and its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission are included as previously.
Common features include low speed automatic emergency braking and blind-spot and lane-departure warnings.
With the 2020 model, Apple CarPlay became standard and the newest iDrive version was used.
Standard lane departure warning and blind spot warning were updated for 2021.
We were thrilled by the second-generation X3’s dynamic handling, smooth eight-speed automatic, and tastefully decorated inside.
It is a very alluring compact luxury SUV thanks to its supportive seats, simple entry, beautiful but discreet interior atmosphere, and manageable size.
The iDrive control scheme requires some getting accustomed to, but it eventually becomes clear.
Starting in 2013, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was installed in its place, producing the same 240 horsepower and with only marginally higher fuel efficiency (23 mpg vs.
A motorised lift gate and standard 18-inch wheels were also introduced for the 2013 model year.
Avoid the optional 19-inch wheels and be sure you purchase an X3 with the optional but necessary rear view camera.
The cabin of the first-generation X3 was subpar in terms of fit and finish and was narrow and stiff to ride.
These had a 2.5-liter engine with 184 horsepower and a 3.0-liter engine with 225 horsepower.
The 2007 models added a six-speed automated transmission, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with additional horsepower, and redesigned suspension that only slightly improved the ride.
Favorite BMW X3 Luxury SUV Features for 2022
In one of the most well-liked SUVs on the market, utility meets premium sportiness. Due to the driving qualities featured, the 2022 BMW X3 excels over rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Volvo XC60. The X3 gives owners the desired feeling on every road with the ideal fusion of enjoyment, sportiness, luxury, and versatility in one car. Let’s look at some of the factors that make this BMW a premium SUV that many people love driving rather than waxing poetic about it.
Is the BMW X3 a reliable vehicle?
When it comes to family SUVs, the BMW X3 stands out among its competitors. Over and above alternatives like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Mercedes GLC, it’s absolutely worth taking into consideration if you’re looking for practical transportation that doesn’t skimp on driving enjoyment.
The already attractive X3 has undergone updates that make it appear more chiseled than a young Tom Cruise, especially in the sportier M Sport and M Performance guises. A sharp new 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a clear digital instrument display have both been added to the upscale, leather-upholstered cabin’s list of improvements.
However, the X3 is still just as useful as it ever was despite this technical glow-up. The heated steering wheel is an optional feature, and electrically adjustable seats make it simple to get comfy behind it. Two adults will be more than content to ride in the second row and there is a lot of storage space throughout the cabin. However, unlike an Audi Q5, the rear bench cannot be moved forward and backward.
However, the X3’s 550-liter boot, which is the same size as that of the aforementioned Audi and Mercedes GLC, can easily accommodate a number of large baggage. Additionally, a hands-free tailgate comes standard on all X3 models.
It’s difficult to top the BMW X3. It’s attractive from the outside, plush and useful inside, and enjoyable to drive.
You can choose from a variety of gasoline and diesel engines. From a 190 horsepower four-cylinder diesel to a 510 horsepower six-cylinder petrol found in the high-performance (and gas-guzzling) X3 M Competition, there is something for everyone. Even a plug-in hybrid version is offered.
We put the potent M40d model—equipped with a 340 horsepower six-cylinder diesel engine—to the test. It is remarkably smooth, has a respectable amount of acceleration when you need it, and will get 45 mpg on a long stretch of highway. Even while this expensive model is impressive, the smaller, less expensive four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be ideal for the majority of individuals.
The BMW X3 is a fairly simple car to operate in town. Despite the hefty steering and elevated driving position, it is easy to weave through traffic and into confined parking places because of the clear visibility out the front and back. Parking sensors that come as standard are helpful in this situation, but a full 360-degree parking camera will cost money.
However, the sportier M40d M Performance variant rides a little stiffly over bumps and feels a little uncomfortable on the highway. Additionally, there is substantial road noise, and you will probably be dismayed to learn that adaptive cruise control is an additional cost. The BMW X3 is still among the most entertaining family SUVs to drive on a winding country road, though.
Therefore, the BMW X3 should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a useful family SUV that looks the part both inside and out and is enjoyable to drive. Alternatives may be marginally more comfortable for daily driving, but none combine driving enjoyment and luxurious interiors quite like the X3.
Is the BMW X3 a sporty vehicle?
The BMW X3 sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i models have the luxury, performance, and usefulness you expect in a Sports Activity Vehicle, no matter the terrain (r)
Are BMW X3 vehicles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, the BMW X3 is ranked 10th among luxury small SUVs. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,034 average yearly repair cost. You might make a few more trips to your BMW shop than usual because X3 repairs are more common.
Are BMW X3 compact?
The X3 is a practical little SUV with good build quality and driving fun, but its interior isn’t quite as attractive as that of Mercedes or Audi’s competitors.
A BMW X3 is it an SUV?
Indeed, the BMW X3 is a top-notch SUV. It gives a typically pleasant ride, has a variety of powerful powertrains, and gets good gas mileage. Few other premium compact SUVs are as entertaining to drive as this BMW’s X3, which boasts excellent handling.
Where is the BMW X3 made?
The X3 is BMW’s top-selling vehicle both domestically and internationally. In 2010, BMW Spartanburg, the company’s first assembly factory outside of Germany and currently its largest production unit internationally, began producing the luxury small crossover SUV.
The BMW X3 and its coupe-like brother, the X4, will receive a mid-cycle facelift for 2022 after being last redesigned for the 2018 model year. The improvements are necessary, especially in the design area, to better visually match the X3 with other recently upgraded BMW vehicles.
The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model will no longer be available in the 2022 X3 portfolio, which is another significant change (PHEV). The X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the incredibly fast X3 M, which is in a completely other class, are the remaining trims.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, while the M40i gets a new mild-hybrid powerplant. The base sDrive30i variant is the only one with rear-wheel drive. The rest of the X3 lineup for 2022 exclusively comes with all-wheel drive (AWD).
BMW X3: Greater than 3?
Just keep in mind that it won’t be as enjoyable to drive as the 3 Series because of the X3’s taller body and greater weight. Because the X3 is only available with diesel engines, you must select the 3 Series if you prefer a gasoline engine.
Is a new BMW X3 on the way?
The next fourth-generation BMW X3 is being tested on the road for the first time, and it appears that the mid-size SUV will have a completely new look. Along with all-electric versions, we anticipate it to be the last X3 to include an internal combustion engine.
Compared to the existing X3, this test vehicle has a wider kidney grille and slimmer headlights up front. The new BMW 7 Series and X7’s split headlamp styling appears to be abandoned in the headlight design. The BMW badge, which is ridged in the bonnet and shared by the M3, i4, and XM, was also visible.
The wheel arch contour and upswept window line to the rear pillar, which creates the company’s renowned “Hofmeister kink,” are comparable to those of the present model. We anticipate that the rear lights, which are heavily camouflaged in our spy photos, will be two independent pieces rather than a single light bar. There are currently no distinguishing elements on the lower bumper, but the roof spoiler at the back appears to have gotten bigger.
The next-generation X3 received a redesign in June 2021, thus it’s unlikely that it will be unveiled until the end of 2023, with a 2024 release date. The timing of this arrival is tricky for BMW because the X3 would barely miss the introduction of the “Neue Klasse” platform, which is slated to debut in 2025.
It implies that the entirely electric iX3 (based on the current X3) will continue to be produced well into the life of the future X3. The redesigned CLAR platform from BMW, which is compatible with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-EV powertrains, will likely serve as the foundation for the next X3.
The majority of the range is anticipated to be made up of a combination of four-cylinder gasoline engines and six-cylinder gasoline engines with electric assistance. The current BMW X3 M employs the same 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine as the M3, so don’t be surprised if the X3 M does too. We’ll see the introduction of hybrid technology in a M automobile with the next BMW XM.
Although we haven’t yet seen inside the new X3, the infotainment system will undoubtedly be based on the company’s OS 8 operating system. It should appear on a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch infotainment screen from the iX with a 14.9-inch digital instrument cluster.
When the new BMW X3 goes on sale in the UK in 2024, it’s anticipated to inch closer to a PS50k entry price tag, once again competing against premium rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC, with the present BMW X3 starting at PS45,585.