2022 BMW X3

The newly updated X3 looks demure compared to the latest additions to the BMW showroom; there’s no double-tall twin-kidney grille here like the one on the new M3. At least, not yet. The X3 contrasts its angled headlights and air intakes against a more discreet grille and slim air vents behind the front wheels. The body sides almost have a six-pack with their complex surfaces, which draw to a conclusion at handsome new keyhole-shaped taillights. M editions ride lower, have bigger wheels, and go overboard on some glossy trim.

Inside, an angular theme helps BMW organize the controls of the X3 without much complication. Big screens abound: a 10.3-inch touchscreen rides the dash, and can be upgraded to a 12.3-incher along with an identical display for digital gauges. Those pixels contrast the X3’s black or beige synthetic leather, which gets softer and more colorful in M models in shades of cognac, orange, or velvet-cake red paired with aluminum or wood or carbon-fiber panels. In general, BMW lets color and trim do the talking for the X3; the hues and textures get more adventurous with every step up the power ladder.

How fast is the BMW X3?

It’s quick, and earns one of its two extra points for performance for the thrust delivered by the base engine. It’s BMW’s excellent 2.0-liter turbo-4, which spools up to 248 hp in the crossover and puts it to the rear or to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic. The duo combine for remarkably refined power delivery: the engine’s efficient and steps brightly off the line, thanks in part to the gearbox’s crisply tuned shifts. BMW quotes 0-60 mph times of 6.0 seconds, and a top speed of 130 mph.

The all-wheel-drive system can ship power to the fronts to take advantage of better traction and of the X3’s 8.0 inches of ground clearance. Not that you’ll want to take it off-road very far, or often—it’s road manners that set this crossover apart. It’s shod with newly standard 19-inch wheels to complement a double-pivot front strut and five-link rear suspension. The X3 has well-weighted, relatively heavy steering and an absorbent ride, with strong braking; it’s even more comfortable with the available adaptive dampers.

Step up to the X3 M40i, and BMW drops its 382-hp turbo-6 into the X3, pulling down 0-60 mph times to 4.4 seconds and launching the engine note that’s been a hallmark of BMWs for decades. The sweet powertrain’s brapping exhaust note and its immense speed transforms the X3 into what we think is BMW’s best all-around car, one with effortless power, a firmly controlled ride with adaptive damping and variable-assist steering that don’t get flustered by rapid inputs; an optional M Sport rear differential puts power down with more precision and M Sport brakes shave it off with equal care.

If that’s not enough, BMW squeezes up to 503 hp out of the turbo-6 in the X3 M. With an even more dialed-down suspension, the M can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and twists out as much as 479 lb-ft in the Competition edition to ensure a flood of torque available just a paddle-shift tap away. It’s too much to ask to defy nature when you’re tossing about 4,400 lb around tightly kinked roads, and even canny suspension tuning leaves the X3 M Competition with an overly stiff ride, delivered in lockstep with unbelievable grip.

In the second row, passengers get 36.4 inches of leg room and 38.5 inches of head room, both enough to ensure 6-footers can ride comfortably behind other 6-footers. The seats themselves have good support and a cozy angle of recline, picking up another point. Shoulder room isn’t abundant enough for a third large passenger, though.

The X3 has 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats; folding them flat expands storage to 62.7 cubic feet. Those numbers bring it its final point here.

It nearly scores a 9 with its well-fitted cabin. Base models don basic black, but a few ticks on the configurator can bring a base X3 a tony beige look with aluminum trim; at the X3 M level, deep orange leather and aluminum trim strike a resonant style chord.

The NHTSA gives the X3 five stars overall, and the IIHS dubs all its crash scores “Good”—but with revised adaptive LED headlights now standard, the insurance industry-funded group hasn’t yet revised its X3 rating. We’ll update here when it does.

Meanwhile the X3 still carries standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display get bundled in pricey packages, though. Outward vision is good, which lessens the reliability on those systems.

Which BMW X3 should I buy?

The best bargain lies at the 30i trim level. With a base price of $44,695, it has 19-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, and a 10.3-inch display paired to the iDrive rotary-controller system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All-wheel drive costs $2,000; we’d add that, plus packages with a power sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, black leather upholstery, Phyton Blue metallic paint, and a digital gauge cluster, for $52,365.

How much is a fully loaded BMW X3?

The M40i is $58,795, which includes the M Sport suspension and brake package, the adaptive suspension and variable sport steering, a power sunroof, twin 12.3-inch displays, and M Sport brakes. Options include a surround-view camera system and automatic park assist. The $60,895 X3 M carries those features, with the option for the Competition package.

From there, the X3 dips lower. The M40i’s 21/26/23 mpg ratings make it look like a hypermiling hybrid compared to the X3 M’s 15/20/17 mpg. 

Oh, and by the way, all X3s call for premium unleaded.