Overview & Reviews

New or used, the BMW X3 is a great option for premium crossover shoppers who want extra doses of sport and class. As expected in this segment, the two-row X3 offers a high seating position, all-wheel-drive traction and abundant equipment. However, it goes a few steps further with sweet performance-bred engines, above-average handling and genuinely upscale interior appointments.

Now in its second generation, the current BMW X3 is a much-improved vehicle, but it also has significantly more competitors than it used to. As such, the X3 isn't the easy choice it once was. It's still a class leader, though, and many years of the first-generation X3 are solid bets as well. If you're looking for a luxury crossover that's not too large, the BMW X3 certainly belongs on your short list.

Current BMW X3
The current X3 is available in sDrive28i, xDrive28i, xDrive 28d or xDrive35i trim. In BMW-speak, "sDrive" means rear-wheel drive and "xDrive" means all-wheel drive. The 28i models are motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 28d switches to a diesel-powered four-cylinder rated at 180 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 35i boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Every X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While the X3 may be smaller and cheaper than the hefty X5, you won't feel short-changed inside. The same high-quality materials and construction are present, while standard luxuries on the xDrive28i include a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with iPod/USB connectivity. The xDrive35i is similarly equipped but adds adaptive xenon headlights and a panoramic sunroof as standard. All X3s come standard with Driving Dynamics Control, which provides adjustable drive settings that alter the suspension, steering, transmission and throttle calibrations.

Options are largely grouped into packages. Highlights include adaptive suspension dampers, a performance-biased all-wheel-drive system, sport front seats, a head-up display, smartphone integration and a navigation system that brings a larger iDrive display screen.

In reviews, we've consistently found the current BMW X3 to be one of the most appealing luxury crossovers in its class. For those who want an ample dose of driving fun, it's very tough to beat -- especially if you're willing to pony up for the 35i's remarkably powerful and refined engine. For fuel economy fans, the xDrive28d delivers well over 30 mpg on the highway. Although the ride is rather firm, the X3 nonetheless excels at soaking up bumps, while its trademark sharp handling remains a strong suit. The competition's stiffer than ever in this segment, but the current X3 is definitely a top contender.

Used BMW X3 Models
The current, second-generation BMW X3 debuted for 2011. Styling changes from the first generation are subtle, but the X3 is a little bigger this time around, with a gentler ride, a considerably fancier interior and improved power and efficiency.

For its first two years of production, the xDrive28i featured a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (240 hp and 221 lb-ft) that was turbine-smooth but less fuel-efficient than the turbo-4. The new base engine arrived for 2013, as did standard Driving Dynamics Control and power operation for the liftgate (both previously optional). The xDrive28d and the rear-drive sDrive28i weren't introduced until the 2015 model year, which also marked the advent of a few new features and minor exterior styling changes.

The first-generation BMW X3 was produced from 2004-'10. Originally, there were two six-cylinder models: the 184-hp 2.5i and the 225-hp 3.0i. The 2.5i was discontinued after 2005. As part of a comprehensive update for 2007, the 3.0i became known as the 3.0si (which was subsequently changed to xDrive30i for '09) and gained 35 more hp for a total of 260. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic were available throughout.

Throughout its run, the first-gen BMW X3 provided generous seating space (even for taller adults) and a spacious cargo area. Like the current car, it was also known for being one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. However, earlier examples were criticized for their unyielding ride and austere interior appointments. Both shortcomings were addressed in the overhaul for 2007, which also brought mild styling tweaks. Accordingly, we advise admirers of this generation to focus on the 2007-'10 models.

User Reviews:

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  Sports Car not SUV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Mobile 12/28/09 - December 29 - 4:38 am

  I just bought the X3 with Sports Package with 34K miles as a certified used car. The car is under warranty and still smells and looks like new but I paid 15K less than buying a new X3. The X3 drives and handles like a sports car. The 260HP engine is perfect. I drove Lexus RX, Acura RDX, Mercedes GLK and they do not come close to the X3 handling.

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  Not so good - 2004 BMW X3
  By BML - December 29 - 2:00 am

  So little car for so much money. Still think I got the wrong car.

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  120,000 miles later - 2005 BMW X3
  By jerry - December 16 - 1:22 pm

  Consider this a VERY long term road test. Everybody loves their new car, but after 120,000 miles ours keeps getting better. It had some minor problems which developed under warranty and which were resolved while we drove new BMWs when ours was in service. Great in the snow, great long distance cruiser. Mpg annualizes at 21.7. All electrical stuff still performing well, gps probably ought to be updated but we dont use it all that much. Only possible drawback is it eats tires getting maybe 35k to a set.

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  Why had I been driving anything else? - 2006 BMW X3
  By TMA - December 3 - 11:04 pm

  After 130K in a Pathfinder, I was looking for something a little more sporty, solid, fun to drive but still large to haul kids. Looked at a lot of replacement options but fell in love with the X3 about five minutes off the dealer lot in a test drive. Transmission is great. Smooth ride. Its hard to take my foot off the accelerator. Only complaint is the weird/basic radio system and "always on" lighter outlets. Hate to replace the radio with an aftermarket, but I need satellite radio, USB port for I- pod and an AUX port. Just learned today that they have discontinued production on Sirius receivers for the factory radio. Im going to put the Ipod/AUX ports up in the top dash compartment.

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  X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Cug - November 24 - 4:40 pm

  This is my first "high performance" vehicle. I am enjoying the driving experience in a vehicle that allows me to still have the carrying capacity that I need. My previous SUV was a Trailblazer. These two are so different you really can not compare them. I am definitely hooked on a BMW.

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  A Sports Car In SUV Clothing - 2007 BMW X3
  By donja - November 10 - 10:08 am

  Got mine three years ago - Sports pkg, premium pkg, winter pkg. Sapphire black metallic with black interior, 18" all- weather tires (didnt want to have to swap summer tires every winter). Handles like a sports sedan, cargo area more than a wagon, great road visibility, excellent build quality. The sports pkg can be a rough ride, but I like it. Probably not the best family vehicle, because it feels more like a sports car. No mechanical issues, but I notice BMW has a software update regarding its AT problem that some people have experienced - I prefer driving in manual mode, to me its the best of both worlds. Tons of fun with superb handling!

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  Sport Activity Vehicle defined - 2007 BMW X3
  By EvergreenX3 - November 8 - 2:50 pm

  Now with the odometer rolling past the 50,000 mark, my compliments to the chef. I hate numb steering, overweight and too-big SUVs. This SUV really is a 3-series with a lot of road clearance and a big boost to the rear storage space. It does suffer from a higher center of gravity over the lower riding 3-series but that can be offset with a Sport Pkg option that helps to reduce the suspension give and body roll. Also, the sport seats are the best with what may be the best in the industry. In a nutshell, the X3 is clearly the most fun to drive in this segment. It is almost 1,000lbs less in weight than its X5 brethren and only 4 cu ft less in cargo--the 3.0 is the perfect small SUV.

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  New to BMW and loving it! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Ken - October 9 - 2:50 am

  Great driving experience. Respectable power on 2.5 liter 6-speed. Feels like more power than what its rated at.

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  Lots of horses under the hood - 2018 BMW X3
  By Rusd - September 25 - 8:41 pm

  This SAV can move! Ride is very comfortable, lots of options, great active driving assistance, and more....

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  Good car! - 2007 BMW X3
  By JJ - September 11 - 9:38 pm

  Its really a good car and all of a driving experience. I work home-office so do not use the car a lot - only 7,500 miles per year average, however, it is quite enjoyable to drive it every time I go the airport and go to pick up the kids at school.