The Evolution of the BMW X3: A New Generation Takes Shape

When BMW introduced the X3 back in 2004, they created a new market segment with the upscale sporty compact SUV. The move was a bold one, and it paid off as the X3 quickly gained popularity among consumers. However, as time went on, the X3 found itself facing stiff competition from other manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and several others. This has led BMW to update their iconic model, introducing a new generation that is sure to make a splash in the market.

Power Under the Hood

The power under the hood of the new X3 comes from one of two six-cylinder engines. The base engine is a three-liter normally aspirated six, which packs plenty of punch and delivers a smooth ride. In contrast, the uplevel engine in the car we're driving today is a turbocharged three-liter six, despite what it says on the doors. It's worth noting that BMW may be using the "3.5" label as a marketing ploy to mislead consumers about the actual displacement of the engine. This engine has an abundance of power and is likely to make the X3 one of the fastest vehicles in its class.

Another notable improvement in the drivetrain is the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which offers improved efficiency and performance. Additionally, the X3 features an auto stop-start system that shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop, saving a little bit of fuel. BMW's reputation for excellent fuel economy has been well-documented, so it will be interesting to see how this model performs in our tests.

Driving Dynamics

BMW is renowned for their sporty driving characteristics, and the X3 is no exception. The new model retains its nimble and agile feel, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, the ride has been significantly improved compared to its predecessor, which was known for being quite stiff. Drivers will appreciate the more comfortable suspension, which allows them to enjoy the road without feeling jolted or jarred.

Visibility is another area where the X3 excels, with plenty of glass area and thin windshield pillars that provide an unobstructed view in all directions. One area for improvement is the rear window, which is relatively small compared to other vehicles in its class. To mitigate this issue, BMW offers an available surround-view camera system that provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings, making it easier to maneuver and park.

Design and Features

The redesigned X3 has grown slightly in size compared to its predecessor, but it still remains a practical-sized package that is easy to handle on the road. The styling is sleek and modern, with plenty of room inside the cabin for passengers and cargo. The backseat accommodates three adults comfortably, while the rear seat folds in three sections to maximize cargo flexibility.

The businesslike interior of the X3 is very nicely finished, with some notable features that set it apart from its competitors. For example, the center dashboard screen is large and clear, making it easy to navigate and access various functions. Additionally, an available heads-up display provides essential information such as speed and navigation data directly in front of the driver's eyes, allowing them to stay focused on the road.

However, there are also some areas where the X3 falls short. The BMW iDrive system is notoriously finicky, requiring users to navigate through menu screens to make even simple audio adjustments. This can be frustrating for drivers who simply want to enjoy their music without having to fuss with complex systems. Furthermore, the electronic shift lever has been criticized by many as being annoyingly complicated and difficult to use.

Value Proposition

One of the most significant advantages of the new X3 is its reduced starting price, which begins at $2,000 less than its predecessor. This is likely due in part to the fact that all X3 models are now built in South Carolina rather than imported from Europe. With this lower price point comes more standard equipment, including features such as leather upholstery, navigation, and a premium audio system.

But will this reduced price and increased feature set be enough to put the X3 ahead of its competitors? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the new generation of BMW X3 is sure to be a strong contender in the market. With its impressive powertrain, refined driving dynamics, and luxurious interior, it's poised to deliver an unbeatable driving experience for enthusiasts and families alike. As we put the X3 through our rigorous testing process at Consumer Reports, we'll provide detailed analysis and evaluation of its performance, features, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enwhen BMW introduced the x3 back in 2004 they created a new market segment the upscale sporty compact SUV now sure they've updated it since then but there's also a whole bunch of new competition outing mercedes-benz Volvo and several others that meant the x3 was getting pretty long in tooth so it's time for a replacement let's take a first look power comes from one of two six-cylinder engines the base engine it's a three liter normally aspirated six plenty of power really smooth the uplevel engine which is in the car we're driving now that's a turbocharged three liter six it doesn't matter what it says on the doors it might say 3.5 but it's still only a three liter no matter what BMW calls it this engine has a ton of power and it very likely makes the x3 one of the fastest vehicles in its class another impressive change in the drivetrain is the new 8-speed automatic transmission there's also an auto stop start system it will shut off the engine when the car comes to a stop that will save a little bit of fuel BMWs cleaning class-leading fuel economy we'll see how it does in our tests but BMW sedans typically do pretty well BMWs are known for their sporty driving characteristics in the x3 it retains a nimble agile feel to it now the ride it's a lot more tolerable than the x3 used to be that used to be quite a stiff car driver visibility is refreshingly good you sit up high there's also lots of glass area the windshield pillars pretty thin one thing though the back window it's really not that big one thing that can help though is an available surround view camera system the redesigned x3 is a little bit bigger than before it remains a practical sized package that operates styling gives lots of room inside of the cabin the backseat here there's room enough for three adults the rear seat it folds in three sections that maximizes cargo flexibility the businesslike interior and the x3 is very nicely finished there are some good things in here and some frustrations the center dashboard screen it's large it's clear and easy to read there's also an available heads-up display it puts your speed of navigation information up in the windshield ahead of you keeping your eyes on the road then there's BMW I Drive system it forces you to go through on menu screens to make even simple audio adjustments that's all a lot more fussy than it needs to be another thing that's really annoying is the frustrating electronic shift lever the old x3 could easily be considered overpriced BMWs realized that the new x3 has more standard equipment it starts at $2,000 less maybe part of the reason BMW could do that is now all X threes are built in South Carolina rather than imported from Europe so with a lower price more power and new features does that mean the x3 measures up in a crowded market but we'll let you know when we buy one to test here at the Consumer Reports test trackwhen BMW introduced the x3 back in 2004 they created a new market segment the upscale sporty compact SUV now sure they've updated it since then but there's also a whole bunch of new competition outing mercedes-benz Volvo and several others that meant the x3 was getting pretty long in tooth so it's time for a replacement let's take a first look power comes from one of two six-cylinder engines the base engine it's a three liter normally aspirated six plenty of power really smooth the uplevel engine which is in the car we're driving now that's a turbocharged three liter six it doesn't matter what it says on the doors it might say 3.5 but it's still only a three liter no matter what BMW calls it this engine has a ton of power and it very likely makes the x3 one of the fastest vehicles in its class another impressive change in the drivetrain is the new 8-speed automatic transmission there's also an auto stop start system it will shut off the engine when the car comes to a stop that will save a little bit of fuel BMWs cleaning class-leading fuel economy we'll see how it does in our tests but BMW sedans typically do pretty well BMWs are known for their sporty driving characteristics in the x3 it retains a nimble agile feel to it now the ride it's a lot more tolerable than the x3 used to be that used to be quite a stiff car driver visibility is refreshingly good you sit up high there's also lots of glass area the windshield pillars pretty thin one thing though the back window it's really not that big one thing that can help though is an available surround view camera system the redesigned x3 is a little bit bigger than before it remains a practical sized package that operates styling gives lots of room inside of the cabin the backseat here there's room enough for three adults the rear seat it folds in three sections that maximizes cargo flexibility the businesslike interior and the x3 is very nicely finished there are some good things in here and some frustrations the center dashboard screen it's large it's clear and easy to read there's also an available heads-up display it puts your speed of navigation information up in the windshield ahead of you keeping your eyes on the road then there's BMW I Drive system it forces you to go through on menu screens to make even simple audio adjustments that's all a lot more fussy than it needs to be another thing that's really annoying is the frustrating electronic shift lever the old x3 could easily be considered overpriced BMWs realized that the new x3 has more standard equipment it starts at $2,000 less maybe part of the reason BMW could do that is now all X threes are built in South Carolina rather than imported from Europe so with a lower price more power and new features does that mean the x3 measures up in a crowded market but we'll let you know when we buy one to test here at the Consumer Reports test track\n"