BMW X3

The fourth-generation BMW X3 arrives with more technology and a smooth-sided design that borrows from the company’s electric iX SUV. The new X3 sports a wider track and a stiffer platform to improve upon its already excellent handling. 

BMW offers two turbocharged engines, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, both with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, both with strong power, and both hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is impressive given the X3’s power, topping out at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined for the four-cylinder, but the six-cylinder isn’t far behind at 27 mpg combined. All-wheel drive comes standard, denoted by BMW with the xDrive suffix in the model name. Rear-wheel-drive sDrive models may return. 

Inside, the X3 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with over-the-air update capability. The X3 boasts sufficient space for five passengers and plenty of cargo room.

Available driver-assist technology is plentiful and includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, parking sensors, automatic parking, and a system that handles the steering, throttle, and brake controls in traffic jams. 

The third-generation X3 grew slightly in wheelbase and width but kept its sporty character. 

Once again the X3 was powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder or an inline six-cylinder engine, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission. It initially came standard only with all-wheel drive, but a rear-wheel-drive sDrive model was added for 2019. The six-cylinder came in the M40i model, the first M Performance model in the X3 lineup. 

BMW added a full X3 M for the 2020 model year. It used a version of the turbocharged inline-six with up to 503 horsepower, and it came with additional performance features to delight enthusiasts who might even take it to a track. For 2020 and 2021, BMW offered a plug-in hybrid model with 18 miles of electric range.

Inside, BMW initially offered either a 6.5-inch or a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the larger screen became standard in 2022. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was also available.

After a successful first generation, the second-generation X3 hit dealers as a 2011 model with a larger footprint that made it almost as big as the initial midsize X5. That gave it more room for passengers and their cargo, which is the X3’s real job despite BMW’s sporty reputation.

The X3 initially came with a choice of 3.0-liter inline-six engines, one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged to make 300 horsepower, and both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder replaced the base inline-six for 2013. Along with revised exterior styling, a diesel engine arrived for 2015 and delivered fuel economy of 30 mpg combined, according to the EPA