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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  The X3 Better Than Expected - 2004 BMW X3
  By hjones - October 7 - 10:00 am

  The handling, fuel economy, build quality, transmission, 2.5 liter engine are terrific. This is a great machine! The negative review items are not evident in my X3.

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  John B Review - 2004 BMW X3
  By John B Jr. - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a superb car-like SUV. It handles like a 5 series auto, but has the advantages of an SUV.

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  Driving the Best - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMW X3 - June 20 - 11:16 am

  I have owner Mercedes M Class, and Porcshe 944 as well as first 64 Mustang...needing an SUV due to reisidng in the mountains...my wife and I drove 20 different vehicles, before selecting this one. The second to start to drive it, you are impressed with the tightness, it feels like you are driving a sports car. Plenty of pep, and over all enjoyable ride.

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  Amazing X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Alex Ciocilteu - May 18 - 6:00 am

  We purchased the X3 as a familly vehicle. We regularly transport our 2 (young) children in it. The reason we chose it is that we do not need a third row yet and we wanted as much as possible to get a vehicle that handles like a car without getting a station wagon. As you can imagine we also wanted at all costs to avoid the dreaded van. The X3 is just large enough not to feel cramped and yet remin nimble for city driving. The build quality is excellent; however the texture of the dash is questionable and the door handles could stand to look less like they were made in China. Handling is simply amazing: the truck handles like a (sports) sedan. We have found it comfortable (no sports package).

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  Safe, fun, good looking - 2005 BMW X3
  By ed - May 4 - 9:30 pm

  With this car I have yet to have a backache. I have the basic X3. People think that the car cost 10k more than what i paid for it - even without leather seats. Turning corners is a rush especially feeling very secure with the vehicle. Cant rave enough about the steering. My 2.5i is enough.

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  Typical 1st year Bimmer - 2004 BMW X3
  By Skater - April 19 - 10:00 am

  BMW tends to use the 1st model year out as a beta tester, and the X3 seems no different. Im not a BMW basher, just someone who had an E36, then an E39, collectively, for 10 years. My suggestion is to wait a year or two, BMW will get the X3 right.

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  BMW Hit a Home Run With The 2018 X3 - 2018 BMW X3
  By Tom Ivey - April 17 - 5:20 am

  If you are looking for a SUV with a real transmission (not a CVT), excellent acceleration and handling, good MPG, comfortable ride, and all the high tech anyone could desire, then the 2018 BMW X3 is your car. I drove the CRV and the CX5, and while they are considerably cheaper than the X3, they do not deliver the overall satisfactory driving experience of the X3. The X3 is very solid and quite inside, with little road noise, and while it is not as sporty as a BMW 3 series, it does a great job in balancing between comfort, performance and technology.

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  Much more fun than X5! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Beine - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle feels roomier than the first generation of X5s, has a better sunroof, and its definitely got a nice price. The drive is beyond amazing and there are no blind spots whatsoever. My only issue is that at low speeds, the entire vehicle creaks whenever I make a turn. Maybe its an SUV/4WD thing. After 6 great years with Audi, it was tough to leave, but they are currently lacking an SUV in their line-up. I love my X3-what a great introduction to BMW!

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  WHAT A CAR! - 2004 BMW X3
  By MASAJIRO1 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Today, I bought a BMW 2.5i. The best choice I ever made. What a great car to keep my kid, and my wife safe on the road. It grips the road like the tires are glued to the pavement. Its very good.

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  Disapointed! BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By sean - March 2 - 6:10 pm

  Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans"Womens Bimmer"!