BMW X3: All About Comfort and Practicality

BMW X3: All About Comfort and Practicality

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The BMW X3 is one of those luxury vehicles that punches above its weight class for its built-in, dual-purpose features.

Sporting a luxurious but roomy interior with synthetic leather seating and a 10.2-inch touchscreen standard for newer models, this professional-looking SUV marries comfort and ease of use. It also manages to do this by maintaining a reputation for practical safety features.

That said, you can find many alternatives for a new vehicle in this SUV range, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5. As such, a little more research into this vehicle before you buy can’t hurt. The question we want to ask is, “Will this BMW be the right choice for me?” Or should I go with a competitor’s option? 

Let’s drive into the specifics with this BMW X3 review.

BMW X3 Car Models: What’s the Difference?

When looking at different models for BMW X3 specifics, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basics. 

The X3 measures 15.5 feet in length, with a curb weight that ranges from 3,931 to 4,620 pounds depending on the trim. Each BMW X3 also comes with a standard cargo space measuring 28.7 cubic feet. When you fold up the back seats, that available space bumps up to a whopping 62.7, making it the biggest compact SUV for its class.

Additional storage options include standard front door pockets and a completely flat floor, meaning that you can load up your X3’s cargo with ease. Blind-spot monitoring and lane departure safety features are now standard in all 2021 models.

For available upgrades, you can go from synthetic leather to genuine on newer models. Heated front and back seats are recommendable upgrades if you want to stay comfortable on cold winter days. From 2021 onward, the BMW X3’s infotainment system can now interface with Android Audio, while previous versions were only compatible with Apple devices.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the upcoming 2022 model will include a new wheel, headlamp, and taillight design. Pre-2021, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warnings were optional upgrades to the BMW X3, so standard models may not have those features before this year. Pre-2019, automatic emergency braking systems, forward collision detection, and parking sensors were all optional upgrades, too.

Looking for BMW X3 Specifics on Engines and Gas Mileage?

The BMW X3’s gas mileage is where you start to see the actual benefits. So if you’re looking for a vehicle that runs as silent as a shark in deep waters – inside the cabin, at least – then these stats may pique your interest.

The 2021 model uses a standard four-cylinder, 248-horsepower engine with an automatic eight-speed transmission. For the sDrive30i model, you’ll get a comfortable 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on highways. The xDrive30i's stats are 23 mpg in cities and 29 mpg when traveling at freeway speeds. 

These metrics make for a vehicle that is not only easy to handle but economical.

One thing to note is that while the BMW X3 ranks as more environmentally friendly than some of its competitors, it still performs as a midrange option when it comes to its EPA fuel economy. So if having an eco-friendly car is a big deal for you, this may be something to keep in mind.

Seating, Storage, and Tech Options for the BMW X3 SUV

The BMW X3's interior cabin and tech features are nothing to sneer at. Since comfort, class, and practicality is the name of the game, we've got the stats in-depth.

As mentioned earlier, the cargo space for the X3 is incredible – so great, in fact – that it ranks at the top of its class for luxury SUVs. That means you can go anywhere from any distance without worrying about storage space for all your bulky items. The faux-leather finish to the standard seating makes for a very sleek interior, too. 

For max capacity numbers, the BMW X3's spacious cabin seats five. With its adjustable backrests and ample legroom, this means you and your family and friends can travel for long distances in style. 

If you're the driver and not a passenger, the X3's interior is equally adaptable. Steering wheel adjustments are standard, although lower back support for extended trips is considered an extra. So if you drive long distances on the regular, this is an option you'll want.

As far as tech features go, the X3's infotainment system accompanies this attractive interior, a state-of-the-art, easy-to-use set of controls that makes your driving a breeze. The touchscreen interface allows drivers to be able to read essential information without distracting them from their driving. With the newer 2021 model, Apple CarPlay and Android Audio are compatible.

Additional tech features are a wifi hotspot, Bluetooth features, and a USB port.

2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i (from $38,500)

 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i (from $38,500)
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BMW X3 Reliability and Safety Features

No matter how comfortable any car is, that comfort means nothing if it can’t keep you safe. Fortunately, the newer-model X3s have a five out of five-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an equally high rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

BMW posied the X3, with its smooth, responsive steering and reliable handling on the road, is poised to get you through the most complicated curves. The brakes are responsive, enabling you to stop in a pinch if the situation demands. 

If you have a child, the back of a BMW X3 can safely secure a child seat. Additional safety features standard to newer models include rearview cameras, parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection.

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BMW X3 MSRP and Pricing Options

The BMW X3's price reflects its luxury status, especially in the newer models. When you start adding bonus features, this price jumps even more.

The 2021 BMW X3's price point starts at $43,000 for a new model, which rises to a strong $76,900 for the most high-performance model. Fortunately, buying a used car decreases this price, especially if you find an earlier model that already has some of those features already built in.

Shift knows the value of buying used, and so they're all about earlier-model vehicles that are only good as new. And with their best-in-class service contracts, you can get a fair price for your new used car without the sales pressure of a dealership lot. Essentially, you get the value of a used BMW with the bumper-to-bumper protection of a brand-new one without sacrificing quality or comfort.

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Should You Buy a BMW X3?

Our verdict? Yes.

The BMW X3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a combination of reliable handling, comfort, and luxurious style. That's especially true if you want those features packaged in a more upscale body than your average SUV.

BMWs are a hot commodity, though, and the price point can reflect that. So if you want to do a little more research into similar vehicles before you click that "buy" button, check out this article on the most reliable large SUVs.

2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i (from $24,800)

 2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i (from $24,800)
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 2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i (from $24,800)
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Author
Shift Editorial Team