The BMW X3 is a compact 5-seat crossover that competes with the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Jaguar F-Pace. It was last redesigned in 2018. It carries over for 2020.
The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims return for 2020. Both feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder capable of 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i is rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i is all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel-economy ratings are as high as 25 mpg city, 29 highway and 27 combined with premium fuel.
If you’re in the market for more power, BMW also offers the X3 M40i. It packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that makes 382 hp and 365 lb-ft and pairs with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. It also benefits from an aggressive M Sport aerodynamics kit, beefier brakes, and a sport suspension. With fuel-economy numbers of 21/27/23, it doesn’t give up much efficiency to the 4-cylinder X3s.
The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims come in xLine, Luxury, and M Sport variants. But even the most basic X3 benefits from LED fog lights, LED headlights, leatherette upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat, a 12-speaker and 205-watt sound system, and keyless start. Satellite radio, a panoramic moonroof, cornering lights, heated front and rear seats, 3-zone climate control, navigation, adaptive dampers, and a head-up display (HUD) are among the list of options. The M40i features the M Sport content as standard equipment.
The X3’s standard list of safety equipment is pretty light, including a reversing camera and reversing sensors. However, you can add forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, forward cross-traffic alert, traffic-jam assist, evasion aid, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, and a parking assistant. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the X3 its highest scores for crashworthiness and crash prevention.
In the competitive field of luxury crossovers, the X3 remains a solid choice.
