2019 BMW X3 Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

For enthusiasts like us who have been disappointed in the most recent batch of BMWs, which have seemingly forsaken driving verve, we've got good news: The verve is back! Surprisingly, it's back not in the form of a BMW sedan but in the X3 crossover. Poised for success with a dual-purpose nature, it should appeal to luxury-crossover shoppers and enthusiast drivers alike. The standard model comes with a sweet turbocharged four-cylinder and a premium interior. Power-hungry buyers will want to try the X3 M40i, which utilizes BMW's brilliant turbocharged inline-six to muscle its way down the road. Technologically speaking, the new X3 is head and shoulders above the model that it replaces, offering both a modernized iDrive infotainment system and a host of driver-assistance features.

What's New for 2019?

Not many changes are in store for the 2019 X3 since it was completely redesigned in 2018. BMW now offers automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and parking sensors as standard equipment; M40i models now come with a sport steering wheel. The Premium package now includes a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, navigation with real-time traffic updates, a head-up display, and Apple CarPlay capability. However, navigation with traffic updates and Apple CarPlay is also offered as a standalone option for those seeking to keep costs down.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

As much as we'd love to spring for the X3 M40i with its 355-hp turbocharged inline-six, the X3 xDrive30i is the better value and will still appeal to enthusiast drivers with its playful demeanor. We'd start with the midrange Luxury Design trim and add the aforementioned Premium package. We'd also add the optional adaptive suspension—called Dynamic Damper Control—which provides three different modes to tailor the X3's ride to driving conditions.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Smooth-shifting automatic transmission, serious acceleration from optional turbo inline-six, nimble chassis.
Dislikes: Automatic stop/start feature could be more refined, turbo four-cylinder could use more oomph, disappointing braking performance.

With the 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood, the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i provide enough power to comfortably negotiate almost any traffic situation, but they're hardly exhilarating. At our test track, the xDrive 30i required 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph; we haven't tested an sDrive30i model. The Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5 are both quicker in our testing—the Porsche substantially so. Those seeking a performance-oriented crossover will find the X3 M40i more to their liking. Its 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine provides almost brutish power, outaccelerating all but the most potent version of the Macan Turbo and the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 with a 4.4-second zero-to-60-mph time.

The 2019 X3 still feels more competent than some of BMW's current sedans; it's fun to drive and willing to arc around corners better than expected, although it doesn't quite offer Macan levels of athleticism. The ride quality is well balanced with just enough firmness for an inspired feel without resulting in a rough ride over bumpy road surfaces. Our test vehicle came with an option we highly recommend, the adaptive suspension. Called Dynamic Damper Control, it adds Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro driving modes to the xDrive30i. An adaptive M suspension, available on the M40i, lowers the chassis 0.4 inch.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Judging the X3 by its EPA ratings places it only midpack among its rivals. But both of our test cars, an xDrive30i and an M40i, outperformed their efficiency estimates in our real-world testing. The higher-powered M40i (29 mpg) came in surprisingly close to the four-cylinder xDrive30i (31 mpg), meaning there's little highway fuel-economy penalty for all that extra power.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Premium interior trimmings, comfortable and supportive front seats, intuitive infotainment interface.
Dislikes: Blind spots made worse by small exterior mirrors, no Android Auto, optional spare tire eliminates underfloor storage in cargo area.

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.

BMW's iDrive infotainment system provides almost a full complement of features but lacks a few staples such as Android Auto and an auxiliary input jack. A small, 6.5-inch infotainment display is standard, but opt for navigation and a much larger and crisper 10.3-inch display replaces it atop the X3's center stack. Bluetooth phone connectivity and one USB port are standard, but every other infotainment feature is offered as an optional extra; for those looking to juice two devices at once, a second USB port is also optional.

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.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The X3 hasn't been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but it performed so well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's tests that it earned a Top Safety Pick+ award. A full suite of driver-assistance features is offered, but few of them are standard. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard forward-collision warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW's warranty offerings on the X3 don't stand out among its rivals; a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty is basically par for the course in this segment. Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance are nice, but it's something that the Volvo XC60 and the XT5 also offer.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles