2024 BMW X3





Pricing
2024 BMW X3 Review
Pros
- Both available engines are powerful and fuel-efficient
- Wide variety of standard and optional features for personalization
- Roomy interior for all passengers
Cons
- Interior design lacks premium style of some competitors
What's new
- No significant changes for 2024
- Part of the third X3 generation introduced in 2018
Overview
The BMW X3 is a small luxury SUV positioned between the X1 and X5 in the Bavarian automaker's lineup. It offers seating for five and strikes a careful balance of sportiness, comfort and utility. If you like the interior design and tech features of your 3 Series sedan but need more space for road trips, chances are you'll like the X3. BMW updated the X3 in 2022, and the SUV soldiers on into 2024 mostly unchanged.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.87 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
Edmunds spotlight: Engines and mpg
Two engines are available for the X3: a turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and a turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower. The more powerful engine available in the X3 M40i is tempting for its addictive acceleration, but the base turbo-four should provide more than adequate thrust for most. In our testing, an all-wheel-drive X3 xDrive30i had a high 6-second showing in the sprint to 60 mph, which is respectable for an SUV weighing more than 4,000 pounds. Additionally, the four-cylinder X3 recorded better fuel economy numbers than its EPA-estimated rating of 24 mpg combined in our real-world testing.
Competitors to consider
The X3 competes with other small luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Genesis GV70 and Acura RDX. You might also consider similarly sized fastback SUVs, including the mechanically similar BMW X4, which trades rear cargo space for a sleeker roofline. Find out how the X3 stacks up to its key competitors by reading our Expert Rating below.
What’s it like to live with?
When BMW redesigned the X3 in 2022, we bought one for our long-term test fleet to find out how the Bavarian brand's best-selling model holds up after one year. Though the popular SUV has changed slightly over the years, our impressions still apply to the current 2024 model.See how our editors liked living with our X3 xDrive30i.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Performance
Around turns, the X3 provides composed and enjoyable handling that's often associated with BMW. Alas, the steering is typical of a modern BMW too. It's too easy to turn the wheel in the Comfort setting, making it a little imprecise. The Sport mode provides additional heft and quickness, but there's still not a whole lot of feel coming through the wheel.
Comfort
At idle, it's so silent that you'll want to check the tachometer to see if the engine is running. There's a little bit of wind noise from the driver's side window at freeway speeds. Engine noise is pronounced under moderate to hard acceleration, but it's not unpleasant.
Interior
A tall roof means large windows all around, so there's a good view outside no matter where you look. Cleverly, the rear headrests are short so they don't cut into your view through the rearview mirror. The large side mirrors and optional blind-spot warning make lane changes safe and easy.
Save as much as $5,060 with EdmundsClick on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,060 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M40i trim.
National Average Price
Technology
Storage
Car seat attachments are easy to access, and there's plenty of space for large child seats. The X3 can tow up to 4,400 pounds when it's equipped with the optional 2-inch receiver that includes seven- and four-pin connectors. We laud the capacity, which is among the best for a small luxury SUV.
Fuel Economy
Value
Wildcard
Which X3 does Edmunds recommend?
The X3's trim levels mainly differ by powertrain, so to choose the right one you first have to identify your specific needs. If you don't live in a climate with a real winter, we recommend the basesDrive30i. Not only is it cheaper to forgo all-wheel drive in favor of rear-wheel drive, but its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers plenty of power and relatively good fuel economy. If you want a good mix of added features, opt for thePremium packageto gain access to handy extras like heated front seats, hands-free keyless access, a fully digital instrument display and more.
BMW X3 models
The 2024 BMW X3 is available in three trim levels differentiated by powertrain. ThesDrive30i andxDrive30i both use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (248 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), while theM40i gets a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (382 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque) coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission drives the rear wheels on the sDrive30i, and all-wheel drive is included with the xDrive30i and M40i.
ThesDrive30i andxDrive30i share the same features list with highlights that include:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED headlights with automatic high beams
- Auto-dimming mirrors
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Power liftgate
Inside, you'll find:
- Push-button ignition
- Dual zone automatic climate control
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and central touchscreen
- Over-the-air software updates
- Navigation system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- 12-speaker audio system
Standard advanced safety features include:
- Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
While the full breadth of X3 options are covered below, there are a few specific to the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. These include:
- Convenience package
- Panoramic sunroof
- Hands-free liftgate
- Smart keyless entry
- Driver lumbar support
- M Sport package
- Choice of 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels (20- and 21-inch wheels include performance tires)
- Unique interior and exterior styling elements
- Sport steering wheel
- Dynamic Handling package
- M Sport package
- Adaptive suspension dampers (help improve ride comfort and handling stability)
- Upgraded brakes with red or blue calipers
- Adaptive steering (adjusts the steering wheel's responsiveness to enhance low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability)
The more powerfulM40i also adds:
- Convenience package
- Dynamic Handling package
- Synthetic leather-trimmed dashboard
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen
The numerous packages and stand-alone features for the X3 include:
- Premium package
- Convenience package
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats (upgradable to heated front and rear seats)
- Head-up display (M40i only; displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- Dynamic Assistance Professional package (M40i only)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Parking Assistance package
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Remote engine start
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Trailer hitch (removes hands-free liftgate function)
- Rear side window shades
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Wireless charging pad
- Drive recorder (records an image of the road ahead, which can be reviewed at a later time)
- Performance rear differential (M40i only)




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2024 BMW X3 video
2022 BMW X3: What It's Like to Live With | BMW X3 20,000-Mile Long-Term Test Wrap-Up
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 BMW X3, but since the 2024 BMW X3 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2024 BMW X3 Features & Specs
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 28.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Compare the BMW X3
BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 checks all the right boxes in the small luxury SUV category, but sadly there isn't anything that it does particularly better than its competitors. Unlike the X3, which sets itself apart with exceptional driving dynamics, the Q5 is merely OK in the fun-to-drive department. Still, if you're looking for something comfortable and well made that comes with an impressive complement of tech features, the Q5 is a worthy choice. And to start, it's priced slightly lower than the X3.
BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
There's a lot to like about the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It offers powerful and efficient engines, excellent ride quality, and a stylish interior brimming with tech and convenience features. It's even more exciting to drive than the X3. But the BMW has it beat when it comes to cargo capacity and fuel economy for the four-cylinder. You'll also pay less to get in an X3 than a comparably equipped GLC.
BMW X3 vs. Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 is our current favorite in the small luxury SUV class. It might not be quite as luxurious as the GLC, but it's a fantastic all-arounder that should not be overlooked. Its 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system features sharp graphics and responsive touch controls, but unfortunately only supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, unlike the X3 which is wireless. The GV70 is also reasonably fun to drive, especially with the turbocharged V6 upgrade engine, and supremely comfortable when equipped with the available adaptive air suspension. To top it all off, the GV70 is an incredible value with its relatively low starting price and unrivaled warranty coverage.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite X3 safety features:
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Maintains a set distance between the X3 and the car in front. Can bring the X3 to a stop and resume speed when the car in front moves.
- Adaptive Brake Lights
- Brightens the brake lights to indicate a sudden stop and flashes them to indicate an emergency stop.
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Guides the X3 into a parallel parking spot with minimal driver intervention.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 4 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 17.2% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
2024 BMW X3 First Impressions
What is the X3?
BMW's compact SUV offering is due for an injection of new life and, reading the tea leaves (or more specifically spy shots), it seems that the X3 is up for some big changes. We don't know, though, if a redesign will come for 2024 or if BMW might hold off until 2025. The X3 also serves as the basis for the sportier X4, and that vehicle is likely to undergo similar changes at the same time.
Spy photos of an X3 prototype show the slightly curved single pane of glass that houses two side-by-side screens that BMW added to the X1 in itsrecent redesign is likely to make an appearance. That multimedia setup also ditches the centrally mounted iDrive controller, making it touchscreen or bust in a change that we endorse since it's generally easier to navigate these systems via the screen. And if it's running the latest version of iDrive, that means wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay should come along for the ride as well.
Powertrain changes with a redesign are likely to include some form of electrification as well as a plug-in hybrid model. It's a great candidate for the setup found in the 330e sedan, though this may mean the end of the powerful inline six-cylinder that currently powers M40i models. Expect rear- and all-wheel drive to be available as well for the X3.
We don't see much changing in the way of size for the X3. It still needs to fit neatly in between the X1 and X5, though what is likely to grow given BMW's styling preferences of late is that kidney grille with lots of black plastic surrounding it. Whether you like or don't like this trend is up to you, just be prepared for it to spread across the rest of BMW's lineup and the X3 almost certainly won't be spared.
Edmunds says
Our fingers are crossed for a big update forthe X3, to bring its powertrain options and technology up to par with the competition. Whether it will arrive for 2024 or 2025 is still not known. Check back with us for all the updates on the 2024 X3 as we find out more.
FAQ
Is the BMW X3 a good car?
What's new in the 2024 BMW X3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 BMW X3:
- No significant changes for 2024
- Part of the third X3 generation introduced in 2018
Is the BMW X3 reliable?
Is the 2024 BMW X3 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2024 BMW X3?
The least-expensive 2024 BMW X3 is the 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,900.
Other versions include:
- sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,900
- xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,900
- M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $61,900
What are the different models of BMW X3?
Related 2024 BMW X3 info
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