Updated February 22, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by German automaker BMW since 2003. Based on the BMW 3 Series or BMW CLAR platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company’s proprietary descriptor for its X-line of vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. The third-generation of the BMW X3 is manufactured at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn plant, a facility that underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually.[1]
It was considered as the first mid-size, premium SUV on the market.[2] Only since 2008, X3 started competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (renamed GLC-Class since 2016), and numerous other SUVs in this segment. Currently, it slots below the larger X5 and X6, and above the smaller X1 and the X2.
An all-electric variant is sold as the BMW iX3.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page —BMW X3
- Price: Starts at $56,224 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q3, Mercedes GLC
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $17,711 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Compact SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Compact SUV Rankings here.Edit
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Car and Bike: No Score
MotorTrend: No Score
Driving.ca First Drive 2022 BMW X3
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5
USNews: 8.6 / 10
Edmunds: 7.8 / 10
J.D. Power: 80 / 100
Car and Driver: 9 / 10
Motortrend: 7.9 / 10
CNet: No Rating
What the critics have to say…
The 2021 BMW X3 is a well-rounded small luxury SUV. Whether it’s practicality, safety, comfort, technology or performance you’re interested in, the X3 delivers. It’s a mainstay of BMW’s lineup, giving you more room than the X1 and X2 while keeping the price reasonable compared to the larger X5. For 2021, the X3 receives more standard features, including some advanced safety systems, as well as Android Auto smartphone integration.
Edmunds
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
We tested the X3 xDrive30i. Around town, the eight-speed transmission smartly keeps the four-cylinder engine right in the heart of its power delivery. The high 6-second 0-60 mph result we recorded should be quick enough for most people. The brakes are strong for panic stops and easy to control in typical driving.
Edmunds
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the BMW X3 Reliable?
The 2021 X3 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
BMW X3 Warranty
BMW covers the X3 with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The front seats deliver the comfort and support needed for long stints at the wheel. A wide range of adjustments ensure a good fit for almost everyone. On bumpy roads, our test X3 had a fairly busy ride quality, which we partially attribute to it being outfitted with the optional Dynamic Handling package. The solid level of control means you feel impacts, but they don’t reverberate through the cabin or bounce your head around.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The X3’s stylish interior comes well equipped before you check a single option box; 10-way power-adjustable front seats, which include adjustable side bolsters, make it easy to find a comfortable position. Rear-seat occupants are treated to reclining seatbacks, and the cushioning on all seats is plush enough for long journeys. The rest of the X3’s cabin is handsome and put together competently, with well-chosen materials and tight panel gaps. The glossy woodgrain trim on our test vehicle looked and felt real despite being plastic; the stitched faux-leather dash and door coverings add an extra element of luxury, as do the nickel-finish metal trim.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
The mixed digital and analog gauge cluster looks clean and classy, and the entertainment interface is powerful and quick. BMW’s voice controls are able to understand natural language, allowing control over almost all the cabin’s features. Driver aids are similarly impressive in scope but not always reliable. (We experienced some parking camera and adaptive cruise control glitches during our test.)
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The X3 is about average for the segment in our carry-on suitcase test. Seven carry-ons fit behind the second row—enough for each occupant to have one, with room left over for two extras— and 20 fit in total with the rear seats folded. The cargo-hauling champ in this segment, however, is the Cadillac XT5; heavy haulers should put that one on their short list.
Car and Driver
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
…we like the X3 for its comfortable ride, solid everyday practicality, and good handling. It’s not the best luxury compact crossover, but none of its flaws are major.
Motortrend
IS THE BMW X3 A GOOD SUV?
Yes, the 2021 BMW X3 is a great luxury SUV. The X3 has an upscale interior, roomy seating for five passengers, and a large cargo area. It’s comfortable and relaxing to drive day to day, yet still agile and exciting for carving up twisting backroads. Engine options range from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid and a twin-turbo six-cylinder that each scoot the X3 up to speed confidently.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE BMW X3?
You should definitely consider the 2021 BMW X3 if you’re shopping for a luxury compact SUV. It offers a mix of performance, comfort, and practicality that few of its competitors can match. That said, it’s not a bad idea to check out other high-ranking alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60, or even the well-rounded Audi Q5.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
The BMW X3 drives really well, but overall it doesn’t stand out in any other way. It’s an above average luxury compact SUV that should be on most short-lists.