Pros

• Both of the engines that are offered are strong and cheap.
• A lot of customizing options, both regular and extra.
• A big cabin for all the guests.

Cons

• Interior design has a different high-end look than some rivals.

How do you move the X3? It was put through its paces with the X3 xDrive30i. When going around town, the four-cylinder engine stays at the center of the eight-speed transmission’s power distribution. The high 6-second time we recorded for going from 0 to 60 mph should be enough for most people. When you drive often, the brakes are solid and easy to use in case of an accident.

The X3 has the smooth and quiet driving that BMW is known for. The steering is also typical of a current BMW, which could be better. The Comfort setting makes turning the wheel too easy, reducing accuracy. Even though the Sport setting makes the wheel heavier and more agile, it still doesn’t feel much.

How comfortable is the X3? When you spend a long time behind the wheel, the front seats give you the support and warmth you need. Because it can be changed in so many ways, the vast majority of users will be able to find a good fit. Our test X3 had a lively ride on bumpy roads. This is because the extra Dynamic Handling package was installed. Due to the high level of control, you can feel hits, but they don’t make your head move or make noise throughout the chamber.

Because the engine is so quiet, you should look at the tachometer to see if it’s going at idle. When traveling at highway speeds, the window on the driver’s side makes a very faint wind noise. When going from slow to fast, you can hear the engine, but it doesn’t bother you.

How does the inside look? The interior of the X3 is roomy and well-made. The settings are easy to understand for the most part. The big doors make big openings, and the low sills mean you don’t have to step up to get into the house. The ability to change the driver’s seat and steering wheel ensures that all instruments are easy to see. There is more than enough space for everyone’s feet and legs, including tall folks, and there is also sufficient area for everyone’s head.

The tall roof makes big windows, so you can see a good view of the outside no matter where you look. The headrests in the back are short so that they don’t get in the way of your opinion in the rearview mirror. Changing lanes is safe and easy with the broad side mirrors and available blind-spot alert.

How good is the tech? The touchscreen and dial controls make it easy to use the entertainment choices. The navigation method is easy to use, and the images are clear, but the audio prompts don’t work. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used to connect to a smartphone.

What about putting things away? The X3 is a versatile SUV because it has a lot of storage space and a big cargo area. Behind the second row is an ample margin of 28.7 cubic feet, quickly lowered using handles in the back. This makes a total space of 62.7 cubic feet. We like the big and many door pockets and the small storage space to the left of the steering wheel.

There is plenty of space for larger car seats, and adapters are not difficult to locate. The X3 is capable of pulling up to 4,400 pounds after having an additional 2-inch receiver fitted with both seven- and four-pin connectors installed. We like that it has one of the most spacious interiors available for such a compact premium SUV.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA gives the X3 xDrive30i a combined city/highway rate of 24 mpg, which is typical for a base-engined luxury SUV. Our X3, on the other hand, beat that number on our planned 115-mile test route (27.7 mpg) and over its two-week test period (average of 26.2 mpg)—an excellent result.

Is the X3 a good purchase? Even though the cabin doesn’t look as lovely as some of its competitors, it’s good. The buttons and switches look like they were made well, and the spaces between them are usually small and tight. The X3 directly competes with the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC regarding price and features. A few benefits of ownership, like free planned maintenance for a longer time, give a slight edge.

Even though the X3 is a small SUV, its control, handling, and engine sound make it fun to drive. Compared to cars in the same class, these features make driving up a mountain road or down an on-ramp to the highway more fun. It’s good that the X3 looks like a smaller X5 and has a clear form. On the other hand, the inside isn’t as interesting to us because it doesn’t have as much to offer as competitors.

The engine is a big part of determining the X3’s trim levels, so you must first choose the one that best fits your needs. We suggest the base sDrive30i if you don’t live where it gets cold in the winter. All-wheel drive costs more than rear-wheel drive, and a basic turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a rear-wheel drive car gives it plenty of power while still getting good gas mileage. Choose the Premium version if you want heated front seats, a keyless entry system that doesn’t require using your hands, a fully digital instrument display, and other essential features.

Different kinds of BMW X3

The 2024 BMW X3 comes in three different trims based on the engine. The M40i has a 48-volt mild hybrid 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, while the sDrive30i and xDrive30i have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The sDrive30i has an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the back wheels. The xDrive30i and M40i, on the other hand, both have all-wheel drive as standard.