Overview

What's New for 2018

BMW only produces two trim levels of the X3: xDrive28i and xDrive35i. Standard features for the xDrive28i include a power liftgate, cruise control, automatic wipers, foglights, 18-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, dual zone automatic climate control, power adjustable front seats with driver’s memory settings, leatherette vinyl upholstery, 60/40 split folding rear seats, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, iDrive electronics interface and a sound system with twelve speakers, CD player, iPod/USB interface, auxiliary audio input and HD radio.

For the xDrive35i standard features include everything on the xDrive28i plus adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlights, wood trim and panoramic sunroof.

A Premium package comes with auto dimming mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, manual rear side sunshades, tie-down points and cargo nets. The Cold Weather package come with a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and 40/20/40 split folding rear seats. The Cold Weather II package also has heated rear seats and headlight washers. A Technology package brings navigation with real-time traffic info, rear and top view cameras, front and rear parking sensors and the BMW Assist communications center. A Premium Sound package adds satellite radio and a surround sound audio system with sixteen speakers. The Driver Assistance package brings a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams and a head-up display.

On the xDrive28i model there is a Convenience package comes with manual rear side sunshades, keyless entry and ignition and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

A Sport Activity package comes with a sport steering wheel, sport seats, shifter paddles, 19-inch wheels and special exterior trim pieces. A Dynamic Handling package adds a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and an enhanced speed-adjustable power steering. Finally an M Sport package adds the features of the two previous packages plus adjustable suspension dampers, M Division sport steering wheel, M Division 19-inch wheels and special exterior trim pieces.

An X3 comes with a factory invoice of about $38,000 for an xDrive28i model and an MSRP of about $41,000. The xDrive35i trim level adds about $5,000 to the vehicle’s MSRP. Your Certified Dealer will offer you as a member an upfront price with built-in savings, all without the usual car shopping hassles.

The BMW X3 xDrive28i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that puts out up to 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available. All-wheel-drive and an automatic stop/start engine system also come as standard equipment. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in combined driving.

As for the X3 xDrive35i, the vehicle comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The same driveline and transmission is available on the xDrive35i as on the xDrive28i. Fuel economy estimates measure an impressive 19 mpg for city driving, 26 mpg for highway driving and 21 mpg for combined driving.

As with other modern BMWs, the interior features a simple yet elegant design that has minimal controls. Instead, many of the electronic goodies are controlled by the iDrive system, which requires the driver to learn how to utilize the specialized controller and navigate the system. The benefit of this design is that drivers do not have to fumble their way through a series of controls while driving, which cuts down considerably on distracted driving.

Buyers get to choose from several different upholstery colors and interior trim types, including several different types of wood. All interior materials are high-quality and the interior is exceedingly quiet, both in town and on the highway. Fit and finish is up to BMW’s legendary status.

Even though the X3 is considered a compact crossover SUV, its interior dimensions are closer to a midsize crossover. Front seat occupants enjoy an ample amount of room as well as comfortable seats. The rear seats surprisingly accommodate even large adults thanks to the largest rear seating area in the X3’s class. The rear seats are also quite comfortable, instead of being almost entirely flat as is the case in most other compact crossovers. Cargo capacity is also generous at 63.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded down.