2020 BMW X3 review
BMW X3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plug-in model offers up to 18 miles of battery-only range
- Roomy, comfortable interior
Cons
- The X3 M is stiff to the point of being uncomfortable
- There's no option for Android Auto™, just Apple CarPlay®
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined
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2020 BMW X3 gains a plug-in hybrid and a range-topping X3 M model
BMW upped the ante with its popular X3 compact luxury SUV by adding two new models into the mix for 2020. Joining the existing sDrive30i, xDrive30i, and M40i models is a new plug-in hybrid, which wears an xDrive30e badge on its trunk. It mates an electric motor and battery pack to the 30i's 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine for a combined output of 288 hp. More important, that plug-in element allows battery-only driving for up to 18 miles for emissions-free short trips. The M40i gains some power from its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder, swelling to 382 hp from 355 hp, which you might think would top the X3 range. BMW thinks differently, though, as its other 2020 addition is a full-fat M model. The new X3 M uses its own 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder to pump out a muscular 473 hp in standard form, or 503 hp if you opt for the Competition model.
All these different flavors of X3 give it a broad sweep of ability, yet all provide plenty of interior cabin space for ample comfort—even if the X3 M's firm suspension might be a bit unsettling. The interior is high-quality and decently equipped, and you can personalize your vehicle with a number of individual options or bundled option packages. The X3 is priced to compete against alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5, and its expanded 2020 lineup only increases its standing as one of the luxury compact SUVs to beat.
All BMW X3 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each BMW X3 generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2020 BMW X3?
- The X3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Competition and M.
- X3 trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Adjustable Suspension, Head Up Display, Blind Spot Monitor, Front Seat Heaters, Leather Seats, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Navigation System, Apple CarPlay, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
- Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.
2020 BMW X3 trims
Curious how BMW X3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities30i: Includes tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, wireless Apple CarPlay capabilities, power-adjustable front seats, leatherette upholstery, and more.
30e: Adds a 288-hp plug-in-hybrid system and is similarly equipped as the 30i.
M40i: Adds heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, 10.3-inch touchscreen, M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, and more.
BMW X3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 BMW X3
1. Gas-powered options
The 2020 BMW X3 delivers lively performance from its gasoline powertrains that pair to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2020 X3 30i uses a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with RWD or AWD, which is great for around-town and highway driving. For more vigor, the 2020 X3 M40i AWD features a 382-hp turbocharged six-cylinder with potent acceleration that covers zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (according to the manufacturer when new). Regardless of the engine you choose, you can expect a powerful performance from the 2020 BMW X3.
2. Plug-in hybrid
If you're looking for a luxury compact SUV with great gas mileage, the 2020 BMW X3 introduced a plug-in hybrid to its line-up called the xDrive30e. This model uses a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that generates 288 combined horsepower. AWD also comes standard for enhanced traction year-round. With its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the 2020 BMW X3 PHEV ensures fuel-sipping performance with an EPA-estimated 60 combined MPGe (electric and gas), making it ideal for long road trips or commutes.
3. Athletic handling
The 2020 X3 features BMW's classic handling that's composed and enjoyable, and exceptionally agile. With this model, you can expect sharp steering and athletic cornering, as well as a smooth ride that evens out rough pavement. The 2020 X3 also includes selectable drive modes that alter the dynamics of the vehicle to your liking. With Comfort mode, you'll enjoy a softer suspension and lightener steering for errands around town, while Sport mode delivers quicker throttle and steering responses when you're eager for more excitement.
4. Comfortable cabin
Whether carpooling passengers or taking long road trips, the five-passenger 2020 BMW X3 features a stylish cabin with impressive comfort. The X3's supportive front seats provide ample space with 41.1 inches of headroom and 40.3 inches of legroom, while back-row passengers benefit from 36.4 inches of stretch-out space. Featuring standard leatherette and available leather upholstery, the 2020 X3's cabin feels classy without compromising practicality. The 2020 X3 M40i also boasts added luxuries with standard heated and ventilated front seats for four-season comfort.
5. Top-tier tech
You get a whole lot of tech when you choose the 2020 X3. All trims come standard with BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay® capabilities for seamless smartphone integration and Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity. An 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation comes standard on the 30i, while the M40i includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with gesture control. Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking round out the 2020 X3's standard driver technologies.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 BMW X3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017–2021 Mercedes GLC-Class is a five-passenger luxury compact SUV that uses a base turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that flies from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds (according to the manufacturer when new; 2020–2021 models). A more potent turbocharged 3.0L V6 is also available on 2017–2021 models, which covers zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer when new; 2019–2021 models). Standard features on the 2017–2021 GLC300 include:
18-inch alloy wheels
Leatherette upholstery
Power liftgate
If you're shopping for a luxury compact SUV with family-friendly features, the 2017–2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers an available third-row to increase passenger capacity to seven. This model is also deceptively roomy with 34.6 cu-ft of cargo room behind the second row for luggage or a stroller (2017–2020 models). Standard features on 2017–2021 Discover Sport base models include:
18-inch alloy wheels
Power folding and heated exterior mirrors with approach lights
Rearview camera
Bordering the compact and midsize luxury SUV classes, the 2017–2021 Jaguar F-Pace is a five-passenger ride with sports car appeal. 2017–2020 models feature a choice of engines, including a 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel and a 3.0L supercharged V6, while the 2021 F-Pace SVR features a 550-hp 5.0L supercharged V8 that covers zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches top speeds of 178 mph (according to the manufacturer when new). Standard features on the base 2017–2021 F-Pace include:
Panoramic sunroof
Leatherette upholstery
Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW X3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X3 16th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X3BMW X3 features and specs
Curious how BMW X3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
sDrive30i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
248
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.2
Wheelbase
112.8"
Overall length
185.9"
Width
74.4"
Height
66"
Leg room
F 40.3"/R 36.4"
Head room
F 41.1"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 BMW X3 FAQ
The 2020 and 2021 BMW X3 are part of the third generation, which was introduced in 2018. The 2021 model now comes standard with Android Auto™ smartphone capabilities, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Yes, the 2020 BMW X3 is a good family car. It can accommodate two child seats and 28.7 cu-ft of cargo with the rear row in place. Seating capacity is for five passengers, which is ideal for the average family or larger groups that need more space.
Yes, the 2020 BMW X3 M40i comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, perfect for driving with the top open on good weather days or for nighttime star gazing adventures. This feature is available on all other BMW X3 trims, too.
The 2020 BMW X3 offers an Executive package, which adds a heads-up display, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. A 360-degree camera system, enhanced front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parking feature are included as well.
More about the 2020 BMW X3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Carbon Black Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Dark Olive Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Terra Brown Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Canberra Beige/Black
Cognac
Mocha
Oyster
Interior details
The 2020 BMW X3 provides five-passenger seating across its two rows. Base models come standard with leatherette upholstery and power-adjustable front seats, while genuine leather upholstery and heated/ventilated front seats are found in the M40i trim. The 2020 X3 features a versatile cabin with 28.7 cu-ft of cargo volume behind the second row or 62.7 cubes with it folded. The front seats have generous head and legroom (41.1 inches and 40.3 inches, respectively), while the second row delivers adult-friendly comfort with 36.4 inches of legroom.
Child seat details
The 2020 BMW X3 can fit up to two car seats in the rear row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. The 2020 model has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, as well as a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. Parents may find that the lower anchors are difficult to maneuver around when securing child seats in the 2020 X3.
Performance
The 2020 BWM X3 comes standard with a 248-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. sDrive 30i models feature rear-wheel drive, while 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i models have all-wheel drive.
If you prioritize gas mileage, the 2020 X3 sDrive 30i returns an EPA estimated 27 mpg combined.
Stepping up to the 2020 BMW X3 M40i unlocks a 382-horsepower 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder, which covers zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (according to the manufacturer when new) and returns an EPA estimated 23 mpg combined with standard all-wheel drive. This model year also includes a 2020 BMW X3 PHEV, which is a 288-hp (combined) plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that delivers an EPA-estimated 60 combined MPGe (electric and gas).Year comparison
2004–2017 BMW X3 (First Generation)
The BMW X3 was introduced in 2004 as a smaller sibling of the X5. Fast forward to 2013, the X3 gained some notable features, including a new base turbocharged four-cylinder and an available turbo six-cylinder, along with auto stop-start engine technology. 2015 also saw a new turbocharged diesel four-cylinder added to the powertrain line-up, as well as a motion-activated power liftgate.
2018–Present BMW X3 (Second Generation)
BMW redesigned the X3 for its second generation in 2018 with the launch of the xDrive30i with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder and the M40i with a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder. In 2020, the PHEV xDrive30e joined the line-up with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. These powertrains carried into 2021 when Android Auto™ smartphone capabilities, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring became standard equipment.
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