2020 BMW X3

The German automaker 4-door crossover SUV rides upon the tide of the overwhelming swarm of crossovers and goes head to head with the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan.

Earlier, the BMW used to offer only the all-wheel-drive equipped xDrive30i trim for the X3. But for the 2020 model year, they have added another trim to the line-up, a rear-wheel drive sDrive30i.

The sDrive30i and the xDrive40i both get the same set of features and equipment, also, they share the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with no difference in performance. An 8-speed automatic stick comes paired to this engine. X3 also gets a more powerful trim the M40i that receives a V6 engine rated at 355 hp which comes at a very high price of $54,650.

Trims	sDrive30i	xDrive30i	M40i
MSRP	$41,000	$43,000	$54,650
Key Features	LED headlights and foglights	Has similar features as of sDrive30i but has all-wheel-drive drivetrain	All Features of xDrive30i, plus:
	automatic wipers		adaptive LED headlights
	Roof rails		Automatic high beams
	Power tailgate		Sport exhaust
	Rearview camera		Sport-tuned suspension
	Power-folding, auto-dimming and heated mirrors		Front and rear parking sensors
	auto-dimming rearview mirror		Launch control feature
	Adjustable driving modes		Convenience Package
	Tri-zone automatic climate control		M Sport Package
	Simulated leather upholstery		Dynamic Handling Package
	6.5-inch central display
	BMW's iDrive infotainment interface
	12-speaker audio system

 

We Recommend

If you are looking to buy an X3, opt for the sDrive30i trim as it offers exactly identical features and also has the same engine as that of xDrive30i. Also, you'll have to pay 2 grand more for the all-wheel-drive variant with no other feature addition.

Engine and Transmission

A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is what you get under the hood of the 2020 BMW X3. This engine might be similar to the 2018 X3 but it packs more power and gets better refinement. With 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque, X3 is surely an exhilarating drive. This powertrain is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission

Models	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
MSRP	$41,000	$39,200	$42,950	$47,800
Engine/Motor	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122	Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/120	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121
Transmission	8 speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	7 speed Automatic	7 speed Automatic
Power	248hp @ 5200rpm	250hp @ 5500rpm	248hp @ 5000rpm	252hp @ 5000rpm
Torque	258lbs-ft @ 1450 rpm	258lbs-ft @ 1500rpm	273lbs-ft @ 1600rpm	273lbs-ft @ 1600rpm

X3's base engine is strong, but not as strong as the base engines of some of the rivals. Porsche Macan's engine produces the most power and torque but costs about 6 grand more than X3.

Acceleration

The BMW X3's engine is at par with the rest of the rivals in the class and goes to 60 mph from nil in just 6 seconds. During the quarter-mile test, the 2020 X3 takes 14.8 seconds at 80 MPH.

Models	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
0-60 MPH	6.0 Seconds	6.1 Seconds	5.9 Seconds	6.3 Seconds
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec @80mph (Estimated based on 2018)	15.0 sec @ 89.9mph	13.5 sec @ 94.6 mph	13.4 sec @ 99.1mph
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/year CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.8	7.4	7.1	7.4

Macan being the most powerful car of the lot is the slowest to do the 0-60 MPH dash while the Audi Q5 is quickest of all at taking just 5.9 seconds to do so. However, when you consider the quarter-mile results, Porsche Macan shows its class taking just 13.4 seconds. No car matches Macan when it comes to the quarter-mile

Braking

The brakes are lighter and modulating them is easier than before. You get an option to equip the performance brakes that help reduce the emergency braking distance but even the stock discs work fine. The car comes to a halt in just 114 feet from 60 MPH which seems great considering the weight it carries.

Models	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Brake Front(in)	13	13.6	13.3	13.6
Brake Rear(in)	13	12.6	13	13
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4034	4322	4045	3902
60-0 MPH (ft.)	114 (Estimated based on 2018)	114	112	120

The Macan has the biggest set of discs in the front but it is the slowest of the lot in the emergency braking test. Audi Q5 is the quickest to react to the tap on the brake pedal as it takes only 112 feet to come to a stand still from 60 MPH.

Ride and Handling

Without the dynamic taking care of choices, this X3 isn't as adept at handling bends as you would anticipate. It can even now be driven with direct energy and hold its level headedness, yet with its all-season run-punctured tires, this BMW SUV inclines more "utility" than "sport."

The X3's steering is light and direct, however, it feels a little nervous at higher speeds. This makes a dubious on-focus feel and requires more push to keep up a curve through any street with a level of twist. An odd deficit for BMW.

The ride quality is very much adjusted with simply enough solidness for a propelled feel without bringing about a harsh ride over uneven street surfaces.

Towing Capacity

Now, compact SUVs are not meant for towing or hauling, but then, X3 is not your basic compact crossover. The Beemer is able to tow over 4400 pounds of extra weight which includes a wide variety of boats and campers.

Model	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Engine	2.0 L Turbocharged	2.0 L Turbocharged	2.0 L Turbocharged	2.0 L Turbocharged
Drive Train	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	4400 (Estimated based on 2018)	3,500	4,400	4,409

The Porsche Macan gets the benefit of higher torque output as the car can tow 9 pounds more than the BMW X3. Audi Q5 and X3 are even-stevens in the towing section, while the Volvo XC60 fails to impress with just 3500 lbs. of hauling capacity.

Even though the 2020 BMW X3 takes the performance-oriented nature of its predecessor to a new level, it doesn't come at a cost of fuel economy. The X3's engine is more fuel efficient than before, delivering a combined economy of 26mpg, which is towards the upper end of the class.

Model	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
mpg city	23	22	20	20
mpg Highway	30	28	25	25
mpg combined	26	24	22	22

X3 clearly outshines the rivals in fuel efficiency numbers and can run 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The nearest that comes to BMW X3 is the Volvo XC60 having only 2 mpg less in the combined efficiency.

Seating and Comfort

The X3 scores well with regards to pleasing drivers with accessibility, comfort and making it simple to move in and out. There's a decent measure of room accessible front and back, however some can face problems with the rear seat off-putting. The new iDrive framework works like a charm and is smooth to operate upon.

Inside, the dash bends to skew controls and points toward the driver, which keeps the driver's attention focussed on the road. The dash has been fitted with all the more soft touch materials, and everything from the center of the doors on up is pleasantly grained leather.

Models	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Head/Shoulder/Leg (in.)	41.1/57.6/40.3	38/58.2/41.5	41.7/57.7/41.0	39.4/-/33.1
Second Head/Shoulder/Leg (in.)	39.1/56/36.4	38/56.3/38	39.3/56.5/37.8	36.3/-/32.3

• Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seats
• Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
• Interior Auto. Day/Night or Electro chromic Mirror
• Privacy Glass or Deep Tinted Glass

Infotainment

BMW X3 received the new 6.5-inch iDrive system in 2017 which is unchanged since then. It has just received some minor software updates though, which has made its interface better to operate upon. However, you will have to pay extra for the Apple CarPlay while you don't get Android Auto even as optional. Its 12-speaker sound system has got enough bass to pump up your jam on the go and not just that, BMW X3's voice control is impressive.

Cargo

The X3's back seats are anything but difficult to fold forward and lie flat for a smooth cargo bay floor. With 28.7 cubic feet of room behind the back seats, and 62.7 cubic feet with them collapsed, the X3 offers a helpful measure of utility for its class.

Models	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Volume (ft. Cube) (w/Rear seats in use)	28.7	29.7	26.8	17.7
Volume (ft. Cube) (w/Rear seats fold)	62.7	63.3	60.4	53.0

Volvo XC60, however, is spacious than all the SUVs in the competition and can store up to 63.3 cubic feet of cargo when rear seats are down.

Dimension and Weight

The BMW X3 is a departure from the boxy SUVs and crossovers that BMW is used to make. The muscular curves on X3 creates an imposing street presence as the X3 sits wide and low on the tarmac. It has got wider intakes and the wheels are pushed further to the corners giving it a lower stance and increased wheelbase. BMW X3's distinct roofline adds to its design and the sleek silhouette makes it even more tasteful.

Model	BMW X3	Volvo XC60	Audi Q5	Porsche Macan
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4034	4322	4,045	3,902
Length(in.)	185.9	184.6	183.6	184.3
Width(in.)	74.4	74.9	74.5	75.7
Height(in.)	66	65.3	65.3	63.9
Ground Clearance(in.)	8	8.5	8.2	7.8
Wheel Base(in.)	112.8	112.8	111.0	110.5
Track Width(in) F/R	63.8/64.4	65.1/65.2	63.6/63.3	65.2/65

Exterior Features

• Twin circular headlights up front (with optional LED lamps)
• More pronounced version of BMW's kidney grille
• Graceful swooping belt-line crease
• Nicely tapered nose
• Chiseled lines next to the hood
• LED tail lamps

2018 BMW X3's safety features include:

• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Active Protection System
• Fatigue and Focus Alert feature
• Impact sensor
• Adaptive Brake lights
• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Anti-theft alarm system
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button)
• Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification

BMW X3 vs Audi Q5

The new BMW X3 is cheaper than the Audi Q5, and doesn't quite match all that the Q5 has to offer. It has more safety features and offers tech goodies like Audi's virtual cockpit. Both the SUVs have a potent engine lineup and sporty handling, but the Q5 is ahead in terms of feature availability and cabin luxury. The X3 does have a bigger boot, though.

BMW X3 vs Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is one of those luxury SUVs that can claim to be better and more athletic than the BMW X3. It can outclass any car in the handling prowess and Porsche's suspension setup is icing on the cake. The engine revs in harmony, and with a blink of an eye, you can go past the 60 MPH mark. However, the Macan loses out to X3 when it comes to the interior and ergonomics as the X3's cabin looks well set up than the former.

BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is the cheapest car in the lot but has plenty to offer in the price. It is one of the most features equipped and safest car in the market. Gorgeous is the word you utter after seeing the XC60 for the very first time. The XC60's performance is at par with the Beemer, but its better feature availability makes is the car you'd want for sure.

 

BMW cars have always been known for their fun and engaging drive, which even gave the brand a bad name because of rowdy drivers. But the X3 takes that fun handling and adds it to an SUV that exudes sophistication and class. The 2020 BMW X3 is a perfect family-friendly SUV that is engaging as well as practical. It is a blend of utility, extravagance, and execution make the X3 a skilled daily driver that can satisfy almost any obligation.

The X3 is not cheap, to begin with, and adding packages and options quickly skyrockets its price. But compared to the key rivals, the price hike is not that high. The X3 has powerful engines, great driving dynamics, and a large cargo capacity. If you are in the SUV market, the BMW X3 should definitely be on top of your list.