2019 BMW X3 Review

Fifteen years ago, it might have been difficult to foresee the success of the X3. Back then, BMW's 3 Series wagon set the standard for the class and offered all the practicality you could want in a vehicle that size. Why get something that didn't handle as well and got worse fuel economy? But that original 2004 X3 helped pioneer the entry-level luxury SUV class, and the 2019 X3 is now a hugely important staple in the BMW lineup.

BMW redesigned the X3 just last year. Honestly, it's not very different from the generation before it. Even those only familiar with the second-generation X3 won't find too many differences in this 2019 model, which is the second year of the third generation. BMW has focused on finessing and massaging the X3 into its current form rather than making any dramatic changes.

The X3 still offers broad appeal. There are rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive variants available with the four-cylinder engine and a big list of options to choose from to further bolster the X3's luxury appeal. If extra speed is desired, the all-wheel-drive M40i is one of the best-performing vehicles in the class thanks to its potent six-cylinder engine. Whichever one interests you, know that the BMW X3 is one of our top picks for the segment.

The 2019 BMW X3 is a five-passenger crossover sold in three trim levels: sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i. The sDrive30i and the xDrive30i are identically equipped, save for the sDrive being rear-wheel-drive and the xDrive being all-wheel-drive. The M40i has a more powerful engine and a few more standard features.

Under the hood of the sDrive30i and xDrive30i is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard exterior features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, roof rails, a power tailgate, a rearview camera, and power-folding, auto-dimming and heated mirrors.

Inside, you'll find an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, keyless ignition, adjustable driving modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front sport seats, a 40/20/40-split rear seat with individual seat recline, simulated-leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a 6.5-inch central display, BMW's iDrive infotainment interface, a USB port and a 12-speaker audio system.

There are multiple option packages available for the sDrive30i and the xDrive30i. The Convenience package adds LED headlights, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, satellite radio, and four-way power lumbar adjustment for the front seats. The M Sport package adds the contents of the Convenience package, plus 19-inch wheels, more aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, a sport steering wheel and a simulated-leather-covered dashboard. Selecting either of these opens the gates to the Dynamic Handling package, which includes adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded brakes and variable-ratio steering.

The M40i gets the content of those optional packages as standard. It also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (355 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque), adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a sport exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a launch control feature, and the contents of the above three packages.

Whichever X3 you get, consider adding the Driving Assistance package, which has forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. There's also the Driving Assistance Plus package (Driving Assistance package, adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist) and the Parking Assistance package (front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system and a 360-degree parking camera).

Then there are the big-ticket Premium and Executive packages that either require some of the previous packages or bundle features from them. Notably, the Premium package adds features such as heated front seats, a navigation system, a larger 10.3-inch central touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and Apple CarPlay.

Some of the above features can be ordered as stand-alone options. Additional extras, depending on packages selected, include 20- and 21-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, manual side window shades, wireless phone charging a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a trailer hitch.