2015 BMW X3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$38,500 to $45,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(13 reviews)
2015 BMW X3 Preview summaryImage

This isn't a complete redesign (that came in 2011), but the 2015 BMW X3 gets a significant midlife makeover. There are some noteworthy updates under the hood of the luxury crossover, as well as some exterior and interior cosmetic changes and new technology. What stays the same is the X3's attractive mix of style, handling and utility.

The most substantial addition is the new xDrive28d model, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that sends 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels (and all that torque is available at just 1,750 rpm). This is the same turbodiesel that powers BMW's 328d. While the diesel option will appeal to those worried about fuel efficiency, there's also a new X3 trim for consumers who don't have to worry about slippery road conditions: the rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i. It's powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 engine (240 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque) that carries over from last year and also comes standard in the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i X3 model. The sDrive28i becomes the entry-level X3 with a price point starting under $40,000.

There's a third engine option for the X3, a turbocharged, 3.0-liter I6 (300 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque) that also carries over from last year and comes in the xDrive35i, which is available only with all-wheel drive. All the engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that's been praised for its smooth, timely shifts and can decouple the drivetrain in coasting situations for greater efficiency. Mileage ratings for the 2015 X3 have not been released, but the 2014 all-wheel-drive xDrive28i got 21 mpg city/28 highway, and the 2014 xDrive35i was listed at 19/26.

The exterior changes for the X3 start with the grille. The iconic twin kidneys protrude to give more of a 3-dimensional look, and their tops fold into the hood. The headlights, which are now fully LED, take on a slightly different shape and reach all the way to that redesigned grille. The X3 also has new LED fog lights and new LED turn signals that are integrated into the side mirrors. The bumpers have also been reshaped to give the front and rear a more angular appearance.

The 2015 X3 also comes with new paint choices, wheel designs and a pair of new option packages, M Sport and xLine. The M Sport package equips the X3 with sport-tuned suspension and steering, an aggressive bodykit, shadow line exterior trim, unique paint colors, various trim strip choices, 19- and 20-inch wheel options, sport front seats and an anthracite headliner. The xLine package adds satin aluminum side cladding, metallic bumper inserts, imitation underbody guards, exclusive leather upholstery choices, trim strip options and 19-inch wheels.

The X3's interior makeover delivers a more luxurious look and feel with little effort. Some new chrome accents, new paneling, a redesigned climate-control display and coverable cupholders all combine for a subtle, yet noticeable, upgrade. New standard features for all X3 models include a hands-free power tailgate, ambient lighting, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and a universal garage door opener. Other standard features include a next-generation iDrive infotainment control system, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth, automatic windshield wipers, auto on/off headlights, foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 12-speaker audio system with HD radio and auxiliary and USB ports. In addition to the 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, the xDrive35i upgrades with a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights and wood trim.

There are multiple option packages available for the X3 that carry over from last year. The Technology Package delivers a navigation system, full-color heads-up display and BMW's ConnectedDrive Services and Apps. The Premium Package adds remote start, leather upholstery, front seat lumbar support and satellite radio. The Cold Weather Package includes a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats. The Active Driving Assistance Plus Package adds an active cruise-control system, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and warning systems for frontal collision, city collision, pedestrians and lane departure.

Standard safety features for the X3 include BMW Assist eCall crash notification services, stability control and dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags.

Published May 31, 2022 by Tim O'Sullivan

User reviews for 2015 BMW X3

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User rating:
by Sully J
Aug 15, 2024
I love my X3, but the issues it has had have been very costly. Owning a BMW IS expensive, but I replacing the battery, turbo, infotainment screen (since it blacked out), have not been cheap. The power in the 35i is awesome though. 300hp in a somewhat compact SUV is fun!!!!!! Gas mileage could be better. I’m averaging around 18MPG. I don’t recommend the F25 X3 35i to those looking for one.Aug 15, 2024
by Sully J
Jul 19, 2023
The size is awesome! Visibility is a plus. Comfort is excellent. Safety technology is also really good. I highly recommend.Jul 19, 2023
by Anonymous
Jul 12, 2023
Seems like a solid car, but error codes keep coming back whenever we use the high beams. Jul 12, 2023

2015 BMW X3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$38,500 to $45,500
Price range
$11,340 to $11,909
Average price on CG
$11,340
YoY price change
$11,786 to $11,340

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)