2023 BMW X3 Interior and Cargo

SensaTec upholstery is standard fare in the X3, as is an Anthracite headliner and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 30i models are available with Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Cognac, or Black interior color schemes. For $1,500 more, the SensaTec seats can be replaced by Vernasca leather upholstery in colors like Black, Mocha, and Oyster, the latter two with contrast stitching. If you do select Vernasca leather, the true cost of the upgrade is much higher, as this upholstery is bundled together with the Premium Package ($1,000) and M Sport package at $4,100.

Dark Oak Wood, found in our tester, is standard in the 30i interior but can be replaced by aluminum, fine wood open-pored Ash Grain, or Smoke Grey aluminum rhombicle. The latter requires the expensive M Sport package upgrade, however.

The M40i also comes with SensaTec upholstery as standard but uses aluminum rhombicle trim by default. Unlike the 30i models, Cognac is an additional color scheme available for the cabin, whether in SensaTec or with the optional Vernasca leather. For $300, the standard trim inlays can be replaced by carbon fiber.

Overall, the X3's cabin is tightly screwed together, and the soft-touch materials leave you with no doubt that this is a premium product.

A 3 Series may be more enjoyable to drive, but it can't match the X3 in terms of cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats, the X3 has a generous 28.7 cubic feet of space, and you can access this space conveniently via the standard power tailgate. The square shape of the cargo area is welcome, and it can swallow all your stuff with ease. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat can be tumbled to open up a space with a volume of 62.7 cubes.

Inside, the X3 is equally practical, with thoughtful storage areas scattered around the cabin. The front center console is a decent size, there are four cupholders (two in front and two at the back), and a locking glovebox. All four doors have pockets for storing smaller belongings. BMW says up to seven carry-on bags can fit behind the second row. Supposedly, up to 20 bags fit when the rear seats are folded flat.

The base 30i models come with a host of comfort and convenience features. Power-adjustable seats are standard in front, and the driver also has access to a memory system for storing favored driving positions. Parking is simplified by a rearview camera, front/rear parking sensors, and a passenger-side mirror that automatically tilts down when reverse is selected. Other key standard items include multi-zone automatic climate control, push-button ignition, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power tailgate, and a universal garage door opener. The M40i adds a power panoramic sunroof and comfort access keyless entry.

BMW's standard safety suite extends to active-blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, speed limit information, and fatigue/focus alert to keep you from dozing off after long periods behind the wheel.

If all of that isn't enough, BMW will be happy to inflate the price via one of several options. Some are standalone features, while others come by way of package upgrade, including gesture control, heated front/rear seats, ventilated front seats, remote start, a head-up display, a surround-view monitor, and rear manual side window shades.

Like all new BMWs, the X3 comes standard with iDrive 7.0 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This can be activated via voice control or with the dial controller located on the center console. A 10.25-inch infotainment display comes standard (a 12.3-inch unit is optional and standard on M40i) and includes in-dash navigation, though we found the Waze App to be a more precise method for travel. Owners also receive Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Remote software upgrades are also included at no extra charge.

The standard sound system is a 12-speaker HiFi unit used throughout the range, although the M40i can be had with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system which includes two bass speakers under the front seats.