Whatever the actual energy output, all BMW engines exude a equally robust and refined character. Whereas the M40i’s 382-hp six-cylinder motivates it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, we advise patrons stick to the four-cylinder, which is a lot highly effective. The turbocharged four-cylinder collaborates with the wonderful eight-speed automated to make simple passes in site visitors and sip gas on the freeway. The entry X3 sDrive30i solely drives the rear wheels. That will not be an issue for anybody dwelling within the Solar Belt, however patrons in snowy states will need to improve to the all-wheel drive xDrive30i mannequin.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

With the 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder underneath its hood, the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i present sufficient energy to comfortably negotiate nearly any site visitors scenario, however they’re hardly exhilarating. At our check monitor, the xDrive 30i required 6.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph; we’ve not examined an sDrive30i mannequin. The Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5 are each faster in our testing—the Porsche is considerably so. These searching for a performance-oriented crossover will discover the X3 M40i much more to their liking. Its muscular 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine offers nearly brutish energy, delivering a 4.1-second zero-to-60-mph time in our testing. The X3 really feels extra competent than a few of BMW’s present sedans; it is enjoyable to drive and prepared to arc round corners higher than anticipated, though it does not fairly provide Macan ranges of athleticism. The journey high quality is nicely balanced with simply sufficient firmness for a sporty really feel with out leading to a tough journey over bumpy highway surfaces. Our check automobile got here with an possibility we extremely advocate, the adaptive suspension. Known as Dynamic Damper Management; it provides Consolation, Sport, and Eco Professional driving modes to the xDrive30i. An adaptive M suspension, accessible on the M40i, lowers the chassis by 0.4 inches.

Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG

Judging the X3 by its EPA scores locations it solely mid-pack amongst its rivals. However each of our check automobiles, an xDrive30i and an M40i, outperformed their effectivity estimates in our real-world testing. The upper-powered M40i (29 mpg) got here in surprisingly near the four-cylinder xDrive30i (31 mpg), which means there’s little freeway fuel-economy penalty for all that additional energy. For extra details about the X3’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The X3’s trendy inside comes nicely outfitted earlier than you examine a single possibility field; 10-way power-adjustable entrance seats, which embody adjustable facet bolsters, make it simple to discover a comfy place. Rear-seat occupants are handled to reclining seatbacks, and the cushioning on all seats is plush sufficient for lengthy journeys. The remainder of the X3’s cabin is good-looking and put collectively competently, with well-chosen supplies and tight panel gaps. The shiny woodgrain trim on our check automobile seemed and felt actual regardless of being plastic; the stitched fake leather-based sprint and door coverings add an additional ingredient of luxurious, as do the nickel-finish steel trim. The X3 is about common for the section in our carry-on suitcase check. Seven carry-ons match behind the second row—sufficient for every occupant to have one, with room left over for 2 extras— and 20 slot in whole with the rear seats folded. The cargo-hauling champ on this section, nonetheless, is the Cadillac XT5; heavy haulers ought to put that one on their shortlist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

BMW’s iDrive interface offers all the pieces a contemporary luxurious automobile’s infotainment system ought to. A ten.3-inch infotainment show is customary and options in-dash navigation in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A bigger 12.3-inch infotainment show is optionally available. Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and one USB port are customary, however each different infotainment characteristic is obtainable as an optionally available additional; for these trying to juice two gadgets without delay, a second USB port is optionally available as is a wi-fi smartphone charging pad.

Security and Driver-Help Options

A full suite of driver-assistance options is out there, however BMW affords the fundamentals as customary tools. For extra details about the X3’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Customary automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Customary lane-departure warning
• Obtainable adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

BMW’s guarantee choices on the X3 do not stand out amongst its rivals; a four-year or 50,000-mile primary guarantee is par for the course on this section. Three years of complimentary scheduled upkeep is good, however it’s one thing that the GV70 and the XC60 additionally provide.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled upkeep lined for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs