BMW X3

Name: 2015 BMW X3
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Want a small upscale SUV that does it all? The BMW X3 emphasizes driving fun and melds luxury car attributes with the traditional utility of an SUV. Athletic handling and eager power make the X3 enjoyable to drive. Cabin finish is impeccable and passengers benefit from supportive seats and a hushed interior. All of these attributes help the X3 rank among the top-rated vehicles in the compact luxury SUV class.

2015 SUVs Reliability

This Car

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BMW X3

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2015 Luxury compact SUVs Ratings

2015 BMW X3

$7,475 - $9,000

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Acura RDX

$9,850 - $11,575

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Audi Allroad

$9,450 - $12,150

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Audi Q5

$7,375 - $11,750

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2015 BMW X4

$9,425 - $10,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2015 Infiniti QX50

$7,150 - $9,475

EPA MPG NA

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2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

$5,325 - $7,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2015 Land Rover LR2

$5,650 - $8,075

EPA MPG NA

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2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

$6,650 - $8,150

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2015 Lexus NX

$11,775 - $16,350

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Lexus NX Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Lincoln MKC

$6,475 - $8,300

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

$8,675 - $9,725

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Porsche Macan

$12,125 - $16,275

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2015 Volvo XC60

$5,275 - $10,500

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
2-liter 4 turbodiesel (180 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)

8-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2025, the fourth-generation X3 grows slightly in length and power, and it adopts a high-tech, minimalist interior design. It launches in two trims: 30 xDrive with a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and M50 xDrive with a 393-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, augmented with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and employs all-wheel drive. The optional driving assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance. The dash is dominated by a wide, curved display that houses the iDrive 9 infotainment system, available with numerous connected features. Among the notable upgrades is the ability for navigation instructions to be overlaid on the road ahead using the head-up display for augmented reality.

2018-2024

2018 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.

2011-2017

2011 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.

2004-2010

2004 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.