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 in our tests, but falls short on refinement and has a diesel-like sound. The eight-speed automatic shifts seamlessly. The cabin is beautifully finished, quiet, and comfortable. The firm and supportive front seats are well shaped. 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
We drive the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 to see if it is sporty and efficient
You may not have heard, but BMW now offers its luxurious 5 Series sedan as hybrid. We recently spent a few days with a BMW ActiveHybrid 5 to see if it lives up to the promise and share our first...
New car crash test promises to make a big safety impact
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just introduced an additional test, a frontal crash that simulates just a small overlap between the front of a car and an object or vehicle it hits. Since 1995, the IIHS has...
New body styles broaden BMW 6 Series appeal
BMW's 6 Series has always been a large, high-end coupe with grand touring sensibilities. The current 6 line now consists of a traditional coupe, convertibles, and now a four-door version. Prices start at $76,000 and climb rapidly from there. We...
Super-luxurious BMW 750Li pampers but is no longer the ultimate driving machine
When you spend nearly $100,000 on a luxury sedan, you expect perfection. And this mammoth BMW 750Li, well, isn't perfect. The 7-Series has long had a reputation for being the driver's choice among elite sedans. But after living with and...
BMW X3 xDrive28i with four-cylinder engine proves delightful, more fuel efficient
While the name remains the same, our most recent BMW X3 xDrive28i sports a more fuel efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder engine in place of the previous six-cylinder. Both versions performed well in our tests, earning identical scores. The X3 has been...
