AMC CAR GROUP

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by German automaker BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series 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 2017 X3 has the athletic handling and responsive horsepower expected from a BMW. In fact, the X3 performs more like a small car than an SUV. Its sharp steering provides good feedback, but the firm suspension does affect ride comfort somewhat. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.

Pros
Pretty good performance and fuel economy from all available engines
Generous passenger and cargo room for the segment
High-quality cabin feels luxurious
Interior is well-isolated from wind and tire noise

Cons
Costs more than similarly equipped competitors
Isn’t much fun to drive without the sport-themed upgrade packages
Tech interface has a steep learning curve
Adaptive cruise control doesn’t perform as well as some rivals

What’s new
For 2017, the iDrive interface included with the optional navigation system is updated to the latest version. The xDrive35i now comes standard with keyless ignition and entry, power lumbar adjustment and satellite radio. The options list is also bolstered with wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Vehicle overview
A seven-year life cycle is an eternity in car years, especially when the vehicle in question is a member of the very popular luxury compact crossover class. But even with a new version arriving for 2018, the 2017 BMW X3 still holds its own against newer rivals. Much of that is because of a comprehensive refresh in 2015, which updated the X3’s exterior and interior styling, among other enhancements. This year’s revisions to the iDrive infotainment system and new standard features to the xDrive35i trim only add to its appeal.

We’ve always considered the X3 one of the top choices in the segment, and the 2017 model is no different. In terms of the rear seat and cargo area, the X3 boasts one of the roomiest interiors in the class. That’s massively important if you have visions of taking your friends camping for the weekend and don’t want to upgrade to the larger (and more expensive) X5. That recent refresh also means all the latest and greatest tech and safety toys are on the options list, from a 360-degree camera to adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

On the downside, the X3 is more expensive than most in this class. A rearview camera, which comes standard on nearly every economy car these days, is an optional extra. If you can stomach the high price tag, the 2017 BMW X3 remains a class leader amid an array of newer competitors.

Despite its advanced age, the 2017 BMW X3 remains one of the best choices in the compact luxury crossover class. Thanks to continual improvements and updates, the X3 is still competitive against newer rivals.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 BMW X3 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Overall 3.5 / 5
Driving. 2.5
Comfort 3.5
Interior 3.5
Utility 3.5
Technology. 3.0

Driving
2.5
The X3’s performance is good by universal measures, but it doesn’t stack up favorably compared to newer rivals. Its turbocharged six remains plenty powerful, but it belongs to an outgoing engine generation that isn’t ideally matched to the transmission. The steering is the biggest letdown.
Acceleration
3.5
The X3 complies when you want to move, needing only 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. But among the newest crop of luxury compact SUVs, it is about middle of the pack. Shifts are crisp and rapid at full throttle, and the 300-horsepower engine pulls hard from low speeds, happily revving to 7,000 rpm.
Braking
3.0
Its stopping distance at 119 feet from 60 mph is comparable to others in the class with all-season tires. We witnessed minimal, if any, instability at maximum braking, though we felt the brake pedal required a little more pressure than average.
Steering
2.0
The X3’s steering is light and direct, but feedback is minimal and the assist feels unnatural because it doesn’t readily return to center. This creates a vague on-center feel and requires more effort to maintain a smooth arc through any road with a degree of bend. An odd shortfall for BMW.
Handling
2.5
Without the dynamic handling options, this X3 isn’t as adept at tackling curves as we were expecting. It can still be driven with moderate enthusiasm and retain its composure, but with its all-season run-flat tires, this BMW SUV leans more „utility“ than „sport.“
Drivability
2.0
Throttle response is a bit touchy even in Comfort mode, and there’s a short delay before the turbos kick in. This delay is exacerbated when the automatic engine stop-start is on. The eight-speed transmission feels overly shifty when you aren’t accelerating hard and isn’t as smooth as in other BMWs.

Comfort
3.5
The X3 is a mixed bag when it comes to comfort. The climate control system operates well, and the cabin does a good job of insulating against wind and road noise. But its busy ride quality is a real shortcoming.
Seat comfort
3.0
The front seat cushions feel a little flat and firm, and there isn’t much lateral support for the upper torso or thighs. But the dense padding on the armrest is welcome, and the material is comfortable. The rear seats sit closer to the floor and may compromise comfort for long-legged passengers.

Ride comfort 3.0
Though we wouldn’t classify the X3 as stiff-riding, it is busy, likely because of the unyielding sidewalls of its run-flat tires. Small undulations and road imperfections reach occupants, but larger bumps are decently dispatched. The optional adjustable dampers may help. Noise & vibration 4.0 The X3 is no longer the quietest in the segment; that honor goes to the Mercedes-Benz GLC. But its cruising noise level is still excellent, and it isolates its occupants effectively from tire and wind noise. The interior is also entirely free of squeaks and rattles. Climate control 4.0
The dual-zone climate controls are prominent, making them easy to comprehend and adjust. There is plenty of heating and cooling capacity, and the auto temperature settings maintain a comfortable cabin environment. Seat heaters get toasty very quickly. Interior
3.5
The X3 scores well when it comes to accommodating drivers of all sizes and making it easy to climb in and out. There’s a good amount of room available front and rear, though some could find the lower height of the rear bench off-putting. The new iDrive system is a step back.
Ease of use
3.0
Compared to the previous system, BMW’s latest iDrive menu interface is less intuitive. The multifunctional rotary knob controls are fundamentally still good, but we had difficulty locating things such as the driver assist functions, which are accessed through a button on the dash and not in a menu.
Getting in/getting out
4.0
The seat height allows easy access to folks of average height (5-foot-10). The front and rear doors open wide, and rear-door head clearance is pretty generous. The door hinge’s detents are pretty strong, so children or short occupants might have a hard time closing a fully open door once seated.
Driving position
5.0
BMW does a good job of ensuring drivers can find a comfortable position. There’s enough adjustability to sit high for a good road view, or low to feel more ensconced in the cockpit. Furthermore, the steering column’s tilt and reach adjustment ranges are generous.
Roominess
3.5
The front and rear seats offer ample leg- and headroom, though long-legged rear occupants might dislike the low seating position. In the back seat, even those taller than 6 feet will find adequate headroom. Rear footroom is sufficient for large passengers.
Visibility
3.0
Front-quarter visibility is good, but the rear-quarter view is hampered somewhat by large roof supports and small quarter-windows. Still, visibility is similar to that of most competitors. A rearview or surround-view camera system and parking sensors are optional.
Quality
4.0
BMW interiors are often executed in beautiful minimalism. All of the switches have a nice substantial feel, the knobs have nice, soft notches, and panel gaps are minimal. The only nit to pick is that the leather appears a bit mediocre for this price point, especially around the steering wheel.