The X3 is one of the best compact upscale SUVs. Its taut ride is composed and does a good job isolating bumps, but the X3 tends to rock from side to side on uneven pavement. Handling is agile and secure. The base 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder returned a very good 23 mpg overall, but it falls a bit short on refinement, with a diesel-like sound at times. The eight-speed automatic shifts seamlessly. The cabin is beautifully finished and comfortable, with firm and supportive seats up front. The rear seat is roomy, but the cushion is a bit low. Some controls are overly complicated. We have insufficient reliability data for the new 28i four-cylinder, but the 35i version is much below average.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
BMW Blog Content
BMW Traffic Jam Assistant puts self-driving car closer than you think
All the buzz surrounding autonomous, or self-driving cars usually includes a caveat that this technology is at least 10 years away from being ready for prime time, even though Audi, Google, and Lexus have already been racking up miles and...
Siri and S-Voice to be riding shotgun soon in BMW models
BMW has announced upgrades to its ConnectedDrive suite of telematics safety and convenience features for 2014 models, including the ability to access Apple's Siri or Android S-Voice interactive features through a button on the steering wheel. ConnectedDrive will also provide...
First drive: BMW ActiveHybrid3 takes powerful rather than economical approach to hybrids
This hybrid is fast! When BMW engineers set out to design a hybrid system for the iconic 3 Series sports sedan, they wanted to break the green-car mold. And break it they did. The ActiveHybrid3 packs a ton of technology...
Personal picks: Our choices for fun convertibles
Having just tested and lived with a quartet of German roadsters, our staff has convertibles on the brain. No doubt, you've seen the road tests and know the official scores and rankings. We thought it would be fun to go...
2014 Subaru Forester is the first small SUV to ace tough new crash test
The redesigned Subaru Forester is the only small SUV out of 13 tested to earn a top score of Good in the new small overlap crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both the Forester and...
