2020 BMW X3 Review: Premium Practicality

The BMW X3 SUV blends luxury and practicality through an expertly designed recipe. As the German automaker's best-selling compact luxury SUV in the US, it boasts a host of standard features and spaciousness without sacrificing the sporty driving experience that BMW is so well-known for. The X3 is a good choice even at base-level, thanks to a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder which pairs ample performance with impressive real-world fuel economy, though if you have the budget, the M40i's unbridled power and extra features make it the best of the lot, with a singing 3.0-liter turbo-six developing 382 horsepower. Of course, for those who live life one racetrack at a time, the X3 M might be more up your alley, but this is a standalone model reviewed separately. BMW has made sure there are enough different trim levels in the X3 range to appeal to more than just one market, but with competition including the Audi Q5 and the Jaguar F-Pace, it's not all smooth sailing for the X3.

What's the Price of the new BMW X3 SUV?

The cost of the BMW X3 is simple, with only three trim levels to choose from. The base price of the sDrive30i differs only marginally in comparison to its all-wheel-drive equipped twin, the 30i xDrive. A starting MSRP of $41,950 is what you'll be in for when purchasing the X3 30i sDrive and opting for the 30i xDrive, this sees a small increase to $43,950. The M40i comes with a considerably heavier price tag of $55,900, though the extra thousands are accompanied by a much more powerful engine and an array of luxury and sport-focused features that aren't seen on lower models. The $995 destination fee has been excluded from the BMW X3 prices quoted here.

2020 X3 Exterior

Dimensions

2020 X3 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Unsurprisingly, the seasoned German SUV delivers a stellar performance on the road and manages to stand out in a sea of accomplished compact performance SUVs including the Audi Q5 and the Jaguar F-Pace. It's agile and zippy even when equipped with the smaller engine choice, but true sportiness is only achieved when the M40i is opted for. Both models provide responsive, sharp steering and BMW's reputation for suspensions that channel enough firmness for excitement without compromising on comfort is held up nicely on the X3. You can expect some additional jarring from the 19-inch wheels and M-Sport suspension found on the M40i, but the sportier X3 won't outwardly show this until it takes on particularly uneven surfaces.

The rear-wheel-drive 30i does a good job at handling the SUV and if you aren't likely to be exposed to a light dusting of snow, it will do just fine, however opting for an all-wheel-drive model will add some extra grip and capability, and who doesn't want that? While you're opting for more in favor of better handling and increased comfort, you may as well add the optional Dynamic Damper Control for $1,000 for an even better driving experience on 30i models. For the M40i, the M-Sport differential and Adaptive M Suspension are optional add-ons that will elevate the sport-focused experience for a combined cost of $2,000. If you're trying to avoid splashing out, any of the three X3 trim levels will do just fine on the road and comfort is a guarantee.

2020 X3 Interior

2020 X3 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 BMW X3 A Good car?

The 2020 BMW X3 is an excellent choice for a host of different markets; it will suit a small family looking for a more premium way to cart the kids around, but won't put off the likes of the single businessman. It takes a great amount of skill to appeal to so many, but BMW has done just that with its top-selling SUV in the USA. It comes with enough space to get the job done without giving off an overly-SUV feel and is more agile than one would expect. Trunk space is on the larger end of things for the class and premium materials are found throughout the handsome BMW, though rivals offer fantastically styled cabins. A comfortable ride is a given, even when the sportier M40i is opted for and fuel economy is something to write home about, as it bests most rivals, even when the thirstier inline-six is the engine in question. It's certainly one for the shortlist if you're after a luxurious SUV that delivers on performance, interior quality and an all-round pleasurable driving experience.

What BMW X3 Model Should I Buy?

If you're looking for a fuel-savvy daily SUV and aren't overly concerned about power and performance, the xDrive30i would be the model for you. We would recommend adding the Convenience Package to round the SUV off nicely. However, if you're looking for a more driver-focused performance SUV and you're willing to loosen the purse strings, the M40i is the winner. It offers all of the same features found on base models with added features such as a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry and adds a whole lot more power and agility thanks to the addition of the six-cylinder motor and M-Sport suspension. Add the Executive Package to this trim-level and you have a superb all-rounder.

2020 BMW X3 Comparisons

2020 BMW X3 vs BMW X5

At base-level the X5 carries a close on $20,000 price hike over the X3, but comes standard with a 335 hp variant of the inline-six engine from the M40i and more luxury. The X3's bigger, classier sibling boasts more standard features and a whole lot more space, which makes it a more suitable family-hauler, though trunk space figures aren't massively different between the two. The X3 is notably more fuel-savvy than its pricier sibling, thanks to its smaller engine options and lighter weight. If you're in the market for a well-rounded daily luxury SUV and aren't willing to fork out a whole lot of extra thousands, the X3 is the better choice for how much it offers, but if you have the budget for a larger luxury SUV, the X5 is the winner, even if it is a little less wieldy due to its size.

2020 BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV

The X3 and GLC-Class SUV share very similar pricing at the base level, and given Mercedes' reputation for delivering excellently designed large luxury vehicles, it's a tough one to choose between these two. The Merc offers a better interior, which isn't a surprise as its the class-leader in many segments for its near-flawless cabins, but offers a diminutive 19.4 cubic foot trunk in comparison to the X3's 28.7 cubic feet on offer. The GLC also offers slightly more power over the X3, but as expected, the BMW bests the Merc in terms of fuel economy and performance on the road, so the marginally better power on paper doesn't justify opting for the Mercedes. The GLC delivers some extra standard features that the BMW doesn't see, including a swathe of advanced safety features the X3 isn't privy to, and is an all-round better-performing luxury SUV. The GLC-Class is the better buy of the two, unless you prefer performance over luxury, in which case we'd get the X3.