2023 BMW X3 Build
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Marc Urbano|Car and Driver Select a year 2023202220212020201920182017
OverviewTraditionally, sports sedans have been the vehicles that best projected the spirit of the BMW brand. Not so much anymore. The 2023 X3 SUV edges in on its four-door brethren’s territory with a satisfying blend of refinement and driver engagement. As its name implies, the X3 is the crossover equivalent to the renowned 3-series sedan, and it shares its powertrains with that car. Entry-level models are powered by a 248-hp turbo-four while M40i models get a boost from the company’s revered 382-hp turbo six—an engine that never ceases to amaze us with its velvety muscle. A handsome exterior design gives the X3 enough curb appeal to fit in among style mavens such as the Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. The X3’s spacious interior is soberly styled but lined with premium materials and desirable technology. But it’s the X3’s frisky handling that endears it most to enthusiast drivers like those on our staff and, as an added bonus, its athletic road manners don’t compromise its genteel nature when cruising nor its all-around SUV practicality. Where This Vehicle RanksWhat's New for 2023?Following a light styling refresh last year, the 2023 X3 sees few changes. The remote proximity keyless entry system is now standard across the lineup and the optional Premium package no longer includes gesture controls for the iDrive infotainment system. Skyscraper Grey Metallic paint is now available on four-cylinder 30i models. Pricing and Which One to BuyRegardless of the exact power output, all BMW engines exude a similarly strong and refined character. While the M40i's 382-hp six-cylinder motivates it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, we suggest buyers stick with the four-cylinder, which is plenty powerful. The turbocharged four-cylinder collaborates with the excellent eight-speed automatic to make easy passes in traffic and sip fuel on the highway. The entry X3 sDrive30i only drives the rear wheels. That won't be a problem for anyone living in the Sun Belt, but buyers in snowy states will want to upgrade to the all-wheel-drive xDrive30i model. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceWith the 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood, the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i provide enough power to comfortably negotiate almost any traffic situation, but they're hardly exhilarating. At our test track, the xDrive 30i required 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph; we haven't tested an sDrive30i model. The Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5 are both quicker in our testing—the Porsche is substantially so. Those seeking a performance-oriented crossover will find the X3 M40i a lot more to their liking. Its muscular 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine provides almost brutish power, delivering a 4.1-second zero-to-60-mph time in our testing. The X3 actually feels more competent than some of BMW's current sedans; it's fun to drive and willing to arc around corners better than expected, although it doesn't quite offer Macan levels of athleticism. The ride quality is well balanced with just enough firmness for a sporty feel without resulting in a rough ride over bumpy road surfaces. Our test vehicle came with an option we highly recommend, the adaptive suspension. Called Dynamic Damper Control; it adds Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro driving modes to the xDrive30i. An adaptive M suspension, available on the M40i, lowers the chassis 0.4 inch. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGJudging the X3 by its EPA ratings places it only mid-pack among its rivals. But both of our test cars, an xDrive30i and an M40i, outperformed their efficiency estimates in our real-world testing. The higher-powered M40i (29 mpg) came in surprisingly close to the four-cylinder xDrive30i (31 mpg), meaning there's little highway fuel-economy penalty for all that extra power. For more information about the X3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe X3's stylish interior comes well equipped before you check a single option box; 10-way power-adjustable front seats, which include adjustable side bolsters, make it easy to find a comfortable position. Rear-seat occupants are treated to reclining seatbacks, and the cushioning on all seats is plush enough for long journeys. The rest of the X3's cabin is handsome and put together competently, with well-chosen materials and tight panel gaps. The glossy woodgrain trim on our test vehicle looked and felt real despite being plastic; the stitched faux-leather dash and door coverings add an extra element of luxury, as do the nickel-finish metal trim. The X3 is about average for the segment in our carry-on suitcase test. Seven carry-ons fit behind the second row—enough for each occupant to have one, with room left over for two extras— and 20 fit in total with the rear seats folded. The cargo-hauling champ in this segment, however, is the Cadillac XT5; heavy haulers should put that one on their shortlist. Infotainment and ConnectivityBMW's iDrive interface provides everything a modern luxury car's infotainment system should. A 10.3-inch infotainment display is standard and features in-dash navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment display is optional. Bluetooth phone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and one USB port are standard, but every other infotainment feature is offered as an optional extra; for those looking to juice two devices at once, a second USB port is optional as is a wireless smartphone charging pad. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesA full suite of driver-assistance features is available, but BMW offers the basics as standard equipment. For more information about the X3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBMW's warranty offerings on the X3 don't stand out among its rivals; a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty is basically par for the course in this segment. Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance are nice, but it's something that the GV70 and the XC60 also offer.
SpecificationsSpecifications 2022 BMW X3 M40i PRICE ENGINE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i VEHICLE TYPE PRICE AS TESTED ENGINE TYPE TRANSMISSION DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL
ECONOMY c/d testing explained More Features and Specs Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Will the BMW X3 change in 2023?Since BMW updated the BMW X3 crossover utility for the 2022 model year, changes for 2023 are not extensive. The only change to standard equipment is the addition of keyless entry. The revisions to optional packages concern supply-issue deletions rather than additions.
How long does it take to build a 2022 BMW X3?It's my understanding that once you're on the schedule, production takes about 6 weeks.
Is there a new BMW X3 coming out?The current X3 was facelifted in June 2021 so we're not likely to see the next-generation car revealed until the end of 2023, with an on-sale date of 2024. This arrival is an awkward time for BMW as the X3 would just miss out on the introduction of the 'Neue Klasse' platform scheduled to launch in 2025.
How long does a BMW X3 take to build?In general, expect 4-5 weeks for BMW's built in the USA (most X models) and 10 weeks for BMW's built out of the USA. This timeline is from the start of production, not from the time of order placement.
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