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2018 BMW X3

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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Select a Trim
2018 xDrive30i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sports Activity Vehicle
most popular
Price:   -  From $42,650
2018 M40i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sports Activity Vehicle Price:   -  From $54,500

Overview

BMW’s well-known X3 compact crossover has been drawing sales away from the German automaker’s extensive lineup of sedans for many years now. The all-new 2018 model will look to keep that up. With two new engines, an M Performance model, and new exterior and interior styling, the 2018 BMW X3 emphasizes its sporty character in a segment that’s mostly known for utility.

What's New for 2018

The 2018 BMW X3 is an all-new model, kicking off the third generation of the crossover.

BMW X3

Choosing Your BMW X3

BMW X3

Despite sharing the same displacement as the outgoing model’s motors, the new X3 features brand new engines that are more powerful. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine makes eight more horsepower than the old turbocharged engine. Thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission, zero to 60 miles per hour takes just six seconds, while SUVs with the engine have a top speed of 130 mph.

The more powerful X3 M40i trim, which is the first M Performance variant of the X3 crossover ever made, features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six paired to the eight-speed automatic that generates 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine produces 55 more horsepower than the previous generation’s 3.0-liter motor. With a top speed of 155 mph and a zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.6 seconds, the new M40i trims boast sports-car-like performance.

While being sportier than before, the X3 still focuses on providing consumers with usable performance. The crossover has up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is a little bit more than its other luxury-oriented competitors. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is now standard, giving the crossover all-year capability. The all-wheel-drive system has been updated to work hand-in-hand with Dynamic Stability Control, allowing the crossover to be able to split the engine’s power to all four wheels.

The X3 is available in two trims: the xDrive30i and M40i.

The entry-level X3 xDrive30i starts at $43,445 (including the $995 destination charge) and is powered by the four-cylinder engine. Standard exterior features include: 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, LED headlights, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, a roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and satin aluminum roof rails.

BMW X3

On the inside, the xDrive30i comes with: SensaTec upholstery, 10-way power front sport seats, Dark Oak Wood trim, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, three-zone climate control, an automatic-dimming interior rearview mirror, a power tailgate, and ambient lighting.

The xDrive30i is available in three different designs: xLine Design (base), Luxury Design, and M Sport Design. Opting for the Luxury Design brings the price of the crossover up to $45,495 and adds chrome touches to the exterior of the vehicle. The M Sport Design costs an additional $5,300, bringing the price of the X3 up to $48,745. The design adds an M aerodynamic kit, which consists of larger air intakes, a diffusor-style rear apron, and side skirt trim to the vehicle. A M Sport leather steering wheel, 19-inch M wheels, a SensaTech upholstered dashboard, and M door sill finishers are also included with the M Sport Design.

In addition to the three designs, the xDrive30i is available with three different tiers: Convenience, Premium, and Executive. The Convenience Tier costs $2,850 and brings lumbar support for the seats, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a panoramic moonroof, and keyless entry. The Premium Tier costs $6,150 and includes all of the features of the Convenience Tier in addition to a head-up display, heated front seats, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, remote services, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system. The Executive Tier is an additional $9,650 and adds gesture control, a 12.3-inch Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, Active Park Distance Control, surround view with 3D view, automatic high beams, Icon adaptive full LED headlights, and Parking Assistant Plus.

There are four available packages on the xDrive30i. The Driving Assistance Package ($900) adds blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) brings adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection. The Dynamic Handling Package ($1,400) includes variable sport steering and Dynamic Damper Control, while the Parking Assistance Package ($1,300) comes with Active Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant Plus, and surround view with a 3D view.

BMW X3

The 2018 BMW X3 M40i carries a price tag of $55,845 (including destination) and is powered by the turbocharged inline-six engine. The crossover shares a lot of the same features as the base model, but adds: a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, adaptive full LED headlights, 14-way power front sport seats, and Park Distance Control.

There are no available designs or tiers for the M40i, but there are five available packages for the crossover. The Driving Assistance Package ($900) and the Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) bring the same features. The Parking Assistance Package ($700) includes surround view with a 3D view, Parking Assistant Plus, and Active Park Distance Control. The Premium Package ($2,950) brings remote services, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display. Lastly, the Executive Package ($2,550) includes gesture control, surround view with a 3D view, Active Park Distance Control, a 12.3-inch Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, and Parking Assistant Plus.

CarsDirect Tip

While the 355-hp X3 M40i is the quicker, sportier variant, the trim is $12,400 more than the xDrive30i and won’t be a worthy upgrade for the majority of consumers. Going with the xDrive30i and the xLine Design is a good start. The Premium Tier adds a good mix of features, while the Driving Assistance Plus Package is a requirement for consumers seeking safety features.

Get your price on a BMW X3 »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Move over, 3-Series. In a market gone ga-ga for crossovers, the BMW X3 is the new Bavarian breadwinner. With a full redesign for 2018, the new X3 seems to embody the future of BMW. It offers something for everyone – handling for the brand faithful, space for the modern yuppies, and enough power to satisfy both parties. There's little sign of philosophical compromise in the brand's quest to build a top-flight crossover, making the whole package a compelling return to form.

Best Value

To figure out which X3 was the best bang for the buck, we first narrowed our sights down to the xDrive30i. This wasn't a hard choice – its all-wheel-drive traction makes it a better option that the rear-drive sDrive30i, and the tempting M40i trim is $12,000 pricier and therefore out of consideration for any "best value" laurels.

Next up was choosing a Design, which is essentially a sub-trim, and a Tier, which dictates the level of equipment. We went with the no-cost xLine and the $6,150 Premium Tier, which includes features like navigation, real-time traffic updates, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. All told, this is our X3 as it would look on delivery day:

  • Model: 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i
  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 248 hp / 258 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 22 City / 29 Hwy
  • Options: xLine ($0), Premium Tier ($6,150, navigation, heated seats, heated steering wheel, real-time traffic, panoramic roof, LED lights, keyless entry, SiriusXM radio, lumbar support, head-up display), Leather upholstery ($1,700), Parking Assistance Package ($1,300, parking sensors, active parking assistant, surround-view camera).
  • Base Price: $43,645 (including the $995 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $52,795

Performance

BMW X3

The X3 has a lot to live up to. This is, after all, BMW, purveyors of the purported Ultimate Driving Machine. While some have lambasted the brand for losing its way, a stint in the X3 hints that there may be a glimmer of hope yet for those who still worship at this house of Germanic tradition.

Most versions of the X3 will be powered by the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder found in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models. This engine makes 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet torque, which is enough power to get the 4,200-pound crossover to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. More importantly than the zero-to-60 time, however, is the smoothness with which this motor operates. Under hard acceleration, it'll run through the rev range seamlessly and responsively. The eight-speed automatic will dutifully match the engine's poise as it changes gears with all the grace and precision of a distinguished British butler.

The turbocharged six-cylinder in the M40i takes all this up a notch or three. With 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, there's no shortage of power from this peachy inline-six. It's enough firepower to bang off zero-to-60 runs in just 4.6 seconds, making it faster than the SQ5 and a couple tenths off the GLC43 AMG. Like the comparatively humble four-cylinder, it's smooth and refined, with no compromises of comfort for performance. All M40i examples come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Over the road, the suspension is equally impressive, with fluid road manners and no pitching and heaving through corners. It's as if the venerable 3-Series had a guiding hand in dialing in its younger showroom sibling.

Our primary quibble with the X3 is that the steering is overly heavy, even in comfort mode. We'd prefer something that's a little more forgiving in the most relaxed setting.

Style

Even though it's all new for 2018, the styling should look quite familiar; some might even be hard-pressed to see any major differences from the prior year's model. Considering the success of the X3, it's not surprising that BMW took a conservative approach when restyling their popular crossover. Look at the new model with a critical eye, though, and the new should begin to materialize. The subtle changes include front wheels pushed farther forward for better proportions, a lower and wider stance, and bigger front air intakes to make for a more aggressive-looking front fascia.

Inside, the X3 proves to be just as comfortable and familiar as the exterior. The all-important infotainment screen comes standard in 6.5-inch guise, but can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch screen when the Premium Tier is checked off. The larger touchscreen includes gesture control, navigation, and an impressively high-resolution display. The added functionality of the 10.3-inch screen is worth the cost of admission for the Premium. Splurging for it also means getting other must-have features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, LED lights, SiriusXM radio, and a panoramic roof.

The X3's four distinct Tiers and other available options underscore the lack of standard equipment on what is billed and priced as a luxury car. Consider, for instance, that Apple CarPlay – which can be found standard in many compact cars costing half as much – is a $300 extra. Or that leather upholstery is a $1,700 upgrade even on the priciest Executive Tier. How about the fact that BMW charges $550 for any color not black or white? Ultimately, it means the X3 has a base price that's deceptively low. Don't expect to get a well-equipped version for anywhere under $50,000.

The Best and Worst Things

Both powertrains are top-notch – smooth, refined, and well-suited to their mission. They have more than a whiff of the old and beloved BMW that many fear was lost.

Unfortunately, while the powertrains are great, the standard equipment list is less so. Have no doubts about it, this model will nickel and dime you for every feature beyond power seats.

Right For? Wrong For?

BMW X3

The X3 makes the most sense for the modern yuppy: young, aspiring professionals for whom a 3-Series is too small or cramped for their family – or maybe just too un-hip in today's crossover frenzy.

For those who want their crossover to turn heads as well as corners, there's a number of better options out there that have the style to match their performance.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 BMW X3 is a pleasant surprise for those who pine for the BMW of yore. By offering their popular crossover with a pair of excellent powertrains and instilling it with impressive agility, the brand has resurrected the ethos that guided their beloved and now-classic sport sedans. If these traits can proliferate throughout BMW's lineup, maybe the marque can once again honestly bill itself the builder of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 248 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Xdrive Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
22 / 29 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 248 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Xdrive Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
22 / 29 / 25 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
17.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$66
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
62.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
101 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
185.9 "
Exterior Width
74.4 "
Exterior Height
66.0 "
Front Headroom
41.1 " / 40.0 "
Rear Headroom
39.1 " / 38.5 "
Front Legroom
40.3 "
Rear Legroom
36.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.6 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,156 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 19.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored With Metal-look Insert / Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Metal-look W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leatherette / Leather
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
12-way (10-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
12-way (10-way Power)
Front Armrests
12-way (10-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
12 / 16 Harman/kardon
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Active Protection Forward Collision Warning / Frontal Collision Warning W/city Collision Mitigation Forward Collision Mitigation / Active Driving Assistant Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keeping Assistant Lane Departure / Lane Departure Warning Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Traffic Jam Assistant Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Warning / Daytime Pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention / Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assistant Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control Front And Rear / Parking Assistant Plus Automated / Active Park Distance Control Automated
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 BMW X3 for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
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