Erin Riches-Wong | Jun 26, 2022
As consumers' tastes shifted to sport utility vehicles [SUVs], BMW responded quickly. The premium German automaker launched the midsize BMW X5 crossover in 2000. It was a huge hit, and the company added the compact BMW X3 in 2004. The X3 and X5 are now the brand's best-selling models. BMW builds both crossover SUVs at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
There are several factors to consider if you're trying to decide which BMW crossover is right for you. Both the X3 and X5 offer comfortable seating and ample cargo capacity for their respective classes, though the midsize 2023 BMW X5 is roomier. The compact 2023 BMW X3 has the advantage in fuel economy, but the availability of the plug-in hybrid [PHEV] BMW X5 xDrive45e partially offsets that. On the flip side, the riotously entertaining X3 M and X5 M offer more speed and agility than you'll ever need for commuting to work.
This 2023 BMW X3 vs. 2023 BMW X5 comparison will help you sort through the differences between the automaker's premium compact and midsize crossover SUVs.
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The following review is for a 2022 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.
Introduction
The BMW X3 is the second-smallest crossover SUV in the automaker's lineup, and it boasts a trio of turbocharged engine options each paired with its own unique suspension settings. This broad, varied lineup impresses in every form.
A light update for 2022 brings freshened exterior styling and a modified lineup that sees last year's plug-in hybrid model put back on the shelf in favor of mild-hybrid tech added to the mid-level M40i. New infotainment screens brighten up the X3's dash, and all models see a few small tweaks to their standard and optional equipment.
Every X3 leaves the factory with at least one turbocharger, while horsepower ratings range from 248 hp in base models up to more than 500 hp in the breathtaking X3 M Competition.
Fuel economy figures run the gamut, from a high of 23 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined for the least-expensive models with rear-wheel drive to as low as 15/20/17 mpg for the rorty X3 M. The most common X3 is the xDrive30i, which comes in at 21/28/24 mpg. All X3s use premium fuel.
Overall, the NHTSA rates the X3 at five stars for its crash-test safety. Ratings from the IIHS have been top notch, though the insurance industry-funded non-profit has not yet evaluated its latest headlight design. Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors are standard fare, while adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display are all optional.
Lineup
The X3 lineup comes in three basic variants, marketed by BMW as the sDrive30i [or xDrive30i with all-wheel drive] the M40i, and the X3 M.
Versions with the turbo-4 start at about $45,000 with a good array of features including synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a 10.3-inch display, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 more, and available equipment includes packages with a power sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, and a firmer suspension.
The M40i, meanwhile, starts at about $59,000, and it builds on a highly optioned xDrive30i with the 6-cylinder engine, an adaptive suspension, variable sport steering, a digital instrument cluster, and a sunroof. It's optionally available with a surround-view camera system and automatic park assist.
The X3 M starts around $71,000 with even more power and an especially firm suspension, plus the option to add the $7,000 Competition Package that includes a power bump and even stiffer underpinnings that grant this crossover spectacular grip.
Walkaround
Compared to other BMW models, the X3 is almost demure ? even with this year's styling tweaks. The X3 carries on BMW's traditional twin grill arrangement, but adds muscular toning to the side profile.
M versions ? even 4-cylinder models with the option package ? have a lower ride height, special body kits with more color-matched trim, and upsized wheels. They look the part.
BMW offers an unusually wide range of paint colors on the X3, including everything from various shades of gray to a tennis ball yellow option on the X3 M.
Interior
The angular theme inside gives the X3 a purposeful, organized look that manages to feel uncomplicated despite all the tech on board.
A 10.3-inch touchscreen is standard fare, while a 12.3-inch display is optional. Various interior hues range from typical blacks and beiges to various reds, tans and browns. The more you spend, the more trim options open up.
The X3 comes standard with power-adjustable front seats that offer good comfort. Second-row passengers will find 36.4 inches of leg room and 38.5 inches of head space, figures that help this SUV accommodate two rows of 6-footers.
The 28.7 cubic-foot cargo area expands to nearly 63 cubes with the second row folded down.
Driving Impression
This fully turbocharged lineup offers plenty of performance in every configuration.
Turbo-4 models put 248 hp to the rear or all four wheels via a fast-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. At around six seconds in the 0-60 mph sprint, the base X3 is hardly a slouch.
Drivers seeking a little more oomph will find more than that in the M40i, which delivers 382 hp from a turbo-6, good for a 4.4-second 0-60 mph time. While not everyone needs that kind of performance, those who can appreciate a performance car will certainly find the M40i's balance to be spectacular. Its adaptive dampers counter a stiffer suspension to provide a composed ride, and it's backed up by impressive model-specific brakes.
If the M40i is the Goldilocks of X3s, the X3 M is something else entirely. It offers as much as 503 hp, good for a 3.9-second run to 60 mph and blistering acceleration from any speed. The only downside? Its ride is too stiff for most drivers.
Summary
The supremely balanced BMW X3 comes in three distinct flavors, each with its own personality. Practical and polished in any form, the X3 is a compact luxury SUV worth its hefty price.
? By Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.