BMW X3

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Latest Model

2025 Model Redesign Year

The fourth-generation X3 took an evolutionary step forward for 2025, gaining size, power, fuel economy, and equipment. It remains one of the best compact luxury SUVs, thanks to its peppy and fuel-efficient powertrain, nimble handling, and comfortable seats. Unfortunately, many controls are unintuitive. The X3 30 xDrive's 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder feels crisp and energetic, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. It got 29 mpg overall in our tests. The sporty M50 version features a 393-hp, turbo inline-six.

Handling is taut and agile, the ride is composed and mostly absorbent, and the cabin stays hushed. The front seats are very comfortable, and the rear seat is roomy. The climate controls are split between two areas, and other than adjusting the temperature, none are easy to use. The touch-capacitive control panel on the driver’s door--for locking/unlocking, seat memory, and air vent openings--is odd and annoying.

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Notable Changes

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2025 BMW X3

CR MPG

Road Test Score

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

Base MSRP Range

$49,950 - $64,700

Destination Charge: $1175

View Model Ratings

Base MSRP Range

$49,950 - $64,700

Destination Charge: $1175

2025 BMW X3

CR MPG

Notable Changes

Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

Road Test Score

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

View Model Ratings

$49,950 - $64,700

Road Test Score

/ 100

Predicted Reliability

/ 100

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

Notable Changes

Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

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2018-2024

2018 Model Redesign Year

BMW's redesigned, third-generation X3 adds upscale cabin amenities, technology, and safety features. Most X3s are the 30i version, which uses a 248-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It delivers quick acceleration and returned 24 mpg overall in our tests. The uplevel M40i gets a 355-hp, turbo six-cylinder. As before, its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The new X3 is super quiet inside, with impeccable fit and finish.

Handling is quite responsive, and the ride is firm yet absorbent. The latest generation of the iDrive infotainment system has been simplified. Blind-spot and lane-departure warnings, as well as low speed automatic emergency braking, are common options. A rear-wheel drive sDrive30i is added for the 2019 model year. The 2020 model adapted the latest iDrive version, and made Apple CarPlay standard. Updates for 2021 included standard lane departure warning and blind spot warning.

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$34,875 - $74,425

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$33,075 - $65,825

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$28,725 - $57,100

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$22,725 - $43,325

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$18,950 - $37,500

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$16,025 - $24,050

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$14,775 - $20,300

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

2011-2017

2011 Model Redesign Year

The second generation X3 impressed us with its sporty handling, composed ride, seamless eight-speed automatic, and nicely finished interior. Supportive seats, easy access, tasteful but understated interior ambiance and a manageable size make it a very compelling compact luxury SUV. The iDrive control system takes some getting used to, but proves logical over time. The electronic gear selector is also a bit unintuitive at first. Two versions are available, a 28i and a 35i. Most are going to be the 28i.

The 2011 and 2012 28i models had a normally aspirated 3.0-liter six cylinder. Starting in 2013, the engine was replaced by a 2.0-liter four, making the same 240 hp and getting only slightly better fuel economy (23 mpg vs. 22). The 2013 model year also brought standard 18-inch wheels and a powered lift gate. Make sure you get an X3 with the optional and essential rear view camera and avoid the optional 19-inch wheels.

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$11,225 - $14,075

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$9,750 - $12,000

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$7,775 - $9,925

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$7,275 - $8,300

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$6,850 - $7,375

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

/ 5

$6,550 - $6,775

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

$5,950 - $6,200

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2004-2010

2004 Model Redesign Year

The first generation X3 was narrow, stiff riding and the interior wasn't up to BMW's usual fit and finish standards. The very hard and choppy ride takes a toll on one's bladder and vertebrae. Handling is agile and very secure. Through 2006, a pair of six-cylinder engines was available. These were a somewhat underpowered 184-hp, 2.5-liter and a more powerful 225-hp, 3.0-liter. The five-speed automatic was a fairly smooth.

All-wheel drive was standard. The 2007 models brought a revised suspension that improved the ride only marginally, as well as a six-speed automatic, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with more horsepower. Fuel economy, at 19 mpg isn't all that great.

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Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

$4,225 - $4,600

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

$3,950 - $4,475

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

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