2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i
2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i in Brooklyn Grey (a $550 color option)

2015 Audi Q52022 BMW X3 xDrive30i

Class: Premium Compact Crossover/SUV

Miles driven: 191

CG Report Card
Room and ComfortA
Power and PerformanceB
Fit and FinishA
Fuel EconomyA-
ValueB-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big GuyA
Tall GuyA
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs260-horsepower 3.0-liter
Engine TypeTurbodiesel V6
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drive WheelsAWD

Real-world fuel economy: 20.3 mpg

Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/28/24 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas

Base price: $45,700 (not including $995 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($550), Oyster Vernasca Leather ($1450), Dynamic Handling Package ($1400), M Sport Package ($4100), Premium Package ($1850), front and rear heated seats ($350), M Sport wheels and trim ($1550), width-adjusting driver seat delete (-$100),  digital key delete (-$80), front-passenger lumbar adjustment delete (-$175), Live Cockpit ($900)

Price as tested: $58,490

 

Quick Hits

The great: Crossover utility with European driving dynamics

The good: Plenty of power, classy cabin

The not so good: Confounding array of pricey options, middling fuel economy

 

CG Says:

The 2022 BMW X3 has refreshed styling and an M Sport appearance package is available for the base model. The M40i gains a 48-volt mild hybrid system, but it doesn’t affect horsepower. The X3 M sees torque rise from 442 to 457 and with the Competition Package, torque jumps from 442 to 479. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped. X3 slots above the X1 and X2 in BMW’s crossover lineup. BMW also sells an X4, a fastback-roofed version of the X3. The X3 was redesigned for 2018. The base 30i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and the M40i has a turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that is rated at 382 hp. The X3 M is power by a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six the develops 473 hp or 503 hp with the Competition Package. All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i
BMW X3 xDrive30i

The 30i offers sDrive rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive. All other models have standard all-wheel drive only. Available safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Other available features include heated/ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate controls, head-up instrument display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The X3 delivers the BMW brand’s trademark athletic handling and performance combined with the practical benefits of a crossover SUV, and those qualities were only heightened with the excellent 2018 redesign. However, standard equipment levels aren’t particularly generous, and you’ll pay plenty for options.

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BMW X3
BMW X3 xDrive30i

For the editors of Consumer Guide, it’s always a treat to drive a base-level BMW, as we’re generally exposed to more-expensive, performance-oriented “M” models. We’re happy to report that our test X3 still looks and feels like a German vehicle, in all the right ways. Most importantly, the X3 steers and handles like a sporty car, and even with the M Sport Package, ride quality is still luxury-vehicle appropriate. Our fuel economy was a little disappointing, though we admit that the X3 invites aggressive driving, and that most of our evaluation time was spent in the city.

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2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i
BMW X3 xDrive30i

If  you can live without all of the options crammed into our test vehicle–and we suspect most consumers can–you can build yourself an excellent sporty small crossover for around $50,000. Given the price of cars and crossovers these days, that almost seems like a bargain to us.

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2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i
BMW X3 xDrive30i

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BMW X3 xDrive30i Gallery

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