2017 BMW X3 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).Pros
- Pretty good performance and fuel economy from all available engines
- Generous passenger and cargo room for the segment
- High-quality cabin feels luxurious
- Interior is well-isolated from wind and tire noise
Cons
- Costs more than similarly equipped competitors
- Isn't much fun to drive without the sport-themed upgrade packages
- Tech interface has a steep learning curve
- Adaptive cruise control doesn't perform as well as some rivals
What’s new
For 2017, the iDrive interface included with the optional navigation system is updated to the latest version. The xDrive35i now comes standard with keyless ignition and entry, power lumbar adjustment and satellite radio. The options list is also bolstered with wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Vehicle overview
A seven-year life cycle is an eternity in car years, especially when the vehicle in question is a member of the very popular luxury compact crossover class. But even with a new version arriving for 2018, the 2017 BMW X3 still holds its own against newer rivals. Much of that is because of a comprehensive refresh in 2015, which updated the X3's exterior and interior styling, among other enhancements. This year's revisions to the iDrive infotainment system and new standard features to the xDrive35i trim only add to its appeal.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (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 $4.09 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$212/mo
X3 xDrive28i
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
We've always considered the X3 one of the top choices in the segment, and the 2017 model is no different. In terms of the rear seat and cargo area, the X3 boasts one of the roomiest interiors in the class. That's massively important if you have visions of taking your friends camping for the weekend and don't want to upgrade to the larger (and more expensive) X5. That recent refresh also means all the latest and greatest tech and safety toys are on the options list, from a 360-degree camera to adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.
On the downside, the X3 is more expensive than most in this class. A rearview camera, which comes standard on nearly every economy car these days, is an optional extra. If you can stomach the high price tag, the 2017 BMW X3 remains a class leader amid an array of newer competitors.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
3.5 / 5Despite its advanced age, the 2017 BMW X3 remains one of the best choices in the compact luxury crossover class. Thanks to continual improvements and updates, the X3 is still competitive against newer rivals.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 BMW X3 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 3.5 / 5 |
| Driving | 2.5 |
| Comfort | 3.5 |
| Interior | 3.5 |
| Utility | 3.5 |
| Technology | 3.0 |
Driving
2.5The X3's performance is good by universal measures, but it doesn't stack up favorably compared to newer rivals. Its turbocharged six remains plenty powerful, but it belongs to an outgoing engine generation that isn't ideally matched to the transmission. The steering is the biggest letdown.
Comfort
3.5The X3 is a mixed bag when it comes to comfort. The climate control system operates well, and the cabin does a good job of insulating against wind and road noise. But its busy ride quality is a real shortcoming.
Interior
3.5The X3 scores well when it comes to accommodating drivers of all sizes and making it easy to climb in and out. There's a good amount of room available front and rear, though some could find the lower height of the rear bench off-putting. The new iDrive system is a step back.
Utility
3.5With a max of 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the X3 is at the top of the segment. You can stow bicycles with the rear seats down, and the split seats fold completely flat. The door pockets are a good size but are not optimally shaped for large water bottles. The LATCH anchors are hard to access.
Technology
3.0BMW's navigation system remains easy to use even if the rest of the iDrive system has taken a step back in user friendliness. We weren't wowed by the access and level of control to our phone's media library, but we appreciated the Wi-Fi hotspot browsing speeds and most of the advanced driving aids.
Which X3 does Edmunds recommend?
We like the diesel engine that powers the xDrive28d. It'll save you money on fuel over the long haul, yet it delivers strong performance on the open road. You'll get exceptional range, too, so you'll spend less time fueling up. Unless you're truly keen on maximum performance, it's the savvy way to go for most shoppers in this segment. There are some packages you should consider adding no matter which trim you choose. The Cold Weather, Driving Assistance and Premium packages add features that a luxury SUV should have
2017 BMW X3 models
The 2017 BMW X3 is offered in four trim levels: sDrive28i, xDrive28i, xDrive28d and xDrive35i. These trims are primarily differentiated by their powertrains, rather than their features. The sDrive28i (rear-wheel drive) and xDrive28i (all-wheel drive) are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, while the xDrive28d uses a diesel. All three of these cost roughly the same. The xDrive35i is driven by a significantly more powerful turbo six-cylinder engine, but it's much pricier. This is partially because it includes the Premium package, which is optional on the others.