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, quiet, 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 integrates books to go, with bookmarks and Kindle synching
It's amazing what you can find out from an auto show. This year, in the course of covering the New York International Auto Show, we came across some exciting electronics news: Readers no longer need commit to a book format...
New York Auto Show: BMW adds Internet radio to new and recent cars
The New York auto show isn't just about cars. As proof, BMW announced a new suite of apps that will be compatible with iDrive, bringing Internet radio to new and recent models. Using an iPhone 3GS through iPhone 5 (with...
New York Auto Show: Models go on major weight-loss diet
No, not those models that frequent a runway. Instead, two of the big introductions here at this year's New York auto show are trumpeting major weight reductions. To be fair, it did require major surgery in both cases. Over the...
Love it or hate it, the 2013 BMW X1 proves polarizing
Listen to hallway and office chatter at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center and you'll find widely divergent opinions about the BMW X1. They mostly fall into two camps, and it all boils down to the car's value. Camp #1 views...
Consumer Reports names the best and worst cars by brand
While car brand reputation can be a strong influence on purchase decisions, such perceptions can be misleading. The reality is, every brand offers models that perform across a spectrum, with some are clearly better than others. As we see in...
