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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  Disappointed! 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 Bimmer"!

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  X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By 54 maxwell - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Honda Pilot for the BMW X3 and so far I have no regrets. The size is perfect and I like the way it handles. The X3 looks sharp and feels solid.

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  bmw again great - 2018 BMW X3
  By Dave - February 28 - 8:37 pm

  Have had 2 x5d....downsized to the x3......that 4 cylinder turbo is almost as good as the 6 cylinder diesel....

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  Not good - 2005 BMW X3
  By Crappy Bmw - February 16 - 3:16 am

  Not a good experiance for what I paid for this crappy car. I think A hynduai santa fe has the same cheap looking interior of the the bmw x3. Plus a hynduai has a better warrenty

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  WOW - 2004 BMW X3
  By QUALITY ONLY - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great automobile - far better than I thought it would be.

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  great - 2004 BMW X3
  By stuart g - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The Best aotumobile I have ever purchased

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  Disappointed! - 2017 BMW X3
  By D. Gee - October 3 - 2:18 pm

  2017 BMWS ONLY COME WITH A 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY VS. PREVOUS YEARS 4 YEAR 50,000 WARRANTY!!!!! ALSO, NO SPARE TIRE!! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A FLAT TIRE ON A SUNDAY OR HOLIDAY? I JUST READ ONLINE THAT THE WARRANTY IS. OT TRANSFERRABLE! Think twice before buying a 2017 model!

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  I wish I bought the XC90 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Liau23 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good car with great handling. A little stiff though.

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  great new bmw - 2004 BMW X3
  By nss - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car---fun to drive, solid, strdy, handles remarkably well for a vehicle this size.

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  Right on the money - 2004 BMW X3
  By happy/pappy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Traditional BMW quality and performance delivered as promised.This vehicle is pure pleasure we love the performance,wow what brakes and handling.The five speed automatic is smooth as silk and what fun in manual mode.Engine performs very well and fuel economy of 18/26 helps also.