2022 BMW X3

 Priced at an MSRP of $43,700 we recommend getting the BMW X3 sDrive30i which is the RWD version. We say this because you will not be taking the X3 off-roading and will be using it as a daily driver. Additionally, we would recommend getting the optional Premium package. However, if you do live in an area where the climate involves snow, do select the AWD xDrive30i version.

The 2022 BMW X3 can be a budget buster if you’re not careful- The Car Connection

The BMW X3 is available in a single well-equipped trim. The prices for the 2022 X3 have been released and it starts from $43,700 for the sDrive30i and $45,700 for the xDrive30i. Add to that a $995 destination fee. Except for the reworked exterior and interior, the only new feature upgrade is the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen to match the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

For a luxury SUV that starts at $43,700, the X3 is nicely equipped with lots of comfort and technological features. BMW also gives an option to buyers of upgrading certain features through optional packages. The $3,450 Premium package adds a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, head-up display, gesture controls, and proximity keyless entry. 

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The basic 248-horsepower X3 has agility and poise, as well as an eager engine- Kelley Blue Book

The 2022 BMW X3 carries forward the same 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine that makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that will direct the power to the rear wheels or all four wheels through the optional xDrive AWD drivetrain. With the optional towing package, it can tow up to 4,400 lbs, which is great for a crossover. 

Driving the X3 will put a wide smile on your face. The X3 does a pretty good job of handling around the corners and you could feel the sporty intentions beneath it. Its AWD system helps it to be stable while taking tight turns in speed. Even the standard suspension smooths out bumpy roads nicely and offers a comfortable ride. The X3 further impresses with its light and accurate steering. 

In terms of performance, BMW claims that the X3 does the 0-60 MPH sprint in 6 seconds. It sets a quarter-mile time of 14.9 seconds and has a top speed of 130 MPH. The gearbox does a good job of holding gears so that you can have torque available at all times. Just like its on-road performance, the X3's brakes also inspire confidence. It records 112 feet of braking distance, which is really good. 

The Audi Q5 is the most powerful and the quickest of the above thanks to its powerful engine. The Volvo XC60 comes standard with an FWD drivetrain, meaning you may experience a lot of torque steer. But both the XC60 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have the least towing capacity here. 

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In RWD configuration, the BMW X3 SUV is one of the most fuel-efficient in its class- Carbuzz

The BMW X3 is a perfect car for those who prioritize fuel economy over other parameters as it is the most frugal SUV in its segment. The EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are 23 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on a highway, and 25 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD system reduced combined fuel economy by 1 MPG. 

The auto start/stop feature is one of the main reasons for its excellent fuel economy. It works seamlessly in operation. The X3 comes with a 17.2-gallon fuel tank which will give a combined range of 430 miles while the AWD X3 can drive up to 413 miles. Its competition delivers much better ranges as they all have bigger fuel tanks. 

The fuel estimates of all rivals are almost similar to the X3 but in terms of efficiency, the X3 is the true winner. Keeping in mind that the Audi Q5 comes standard with the Quattro AWD system, its fuel economy is impressive. The Volvo XC60 offers the best highway range owing to its large fuel tank. 

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The X3's stylish interior comes well equipped before you check a single option box - CarAndDriver

The 2022 BMW X3 comes with a revised interior. The center console is all new and is straight away taken from the 4 Series sedan. The rest of the interior is the same as the outgoing model. The materials used are fairly German and generic. It doesn't stand out but keeps the cabin classy and does the job there. The build quality is pretty solid and there's nothing to complain about. The leather steering wheel fills the hands nicely and makes the paddle shifters easier to reach. 

The seats are wrapped in synthetic leather and the seats themselves are comfortable and well-cushioned. Adding to the front-seat comfort are 10-way power front seats with adjustable side bolsters. Creature comforts such as heated front seats and steering wheel are optional. Upfront, there is lots of head and legroom for six-footers. The second row has a reasonable amount of room for adults and it can fit two adults comfortably. Comparatively, the legroom is slightly behind the competition. 

A 10.25-inch iDrive 7 infotainment system sits atop the dashboard. This screen can be upgraded to 12.3 inches, which is new for this year. It features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with an in-built navigation system. It is one of the best in the business. The touchscreen response is very quick and the graphics quality is vivid. The menu structure is logically prepared and hence, anyone can operate ie easily. The placement of some physicals controls has been changed this year. 

The X3 has one of the largest cargo areas in the segment. Behind the second row, you get 28.7 cu-ft., which is decent storage space for three suitcases. Fold the rear seats and you get 62.7 cu-ft., which is nearly more than any other luxury crossover. Furthermore, a flat loading lip and square-shaped trunk make it easy to store more items easily. Some interior features are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
• 10-way power front seats
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Power liftgate
• Wood & leatherette trim on the dash, center console, and door panels
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 10.25-inch touchscreen w/ wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Navigation system
• 12-speaker sound system

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The 2022 X3 is unmistakably a BMW, which is possibly a good thing, depending on an individual’s taste - Kelley Blue Book

The 2022 BMW X3 has been given a refresh or life cycle impulse ( that's what BMW calls) to the exterior. Starting with the front, you will notice a revised front bumper and new LED headlights. These headlights are slimmer and sleeker than the previous version and BMW has given a dynamic 3D shape to the headlights. The front bumper is a single-piece frame and features triangular vents. It retains the same kidney grille with active grille shutters. The X3  has a ground clearance of 8 inches which is good enough for exploring rough terrains. 

The side profile is essentially the same, but it gets a set of new 19-inch wheels with options up to 21 inches. The rear features new 3D LED pincer claw-styled taillights and new larger trapezoidal exhaust chrome tips to have a sportier appearance. The lengthy profile of the X3 can be a challenge to par at tight spots. Speaking of appearance, the optional M Sport package adds Shadowline exterior trim, gloss black roof rails, an aerodynamic kit, and 19-inch y-spoke bi-color wheels for $4,100. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has the lowest ground clearance in this competition. This helps for easy ingress and egress and also its potential to increase speed on smooth pavements. Although the Audi Q5's wheelbase is short, its rear legroom is more than the X3. The exterior dimensions of the XC60 are almost similar to the X3. Some other cool exterior features are:

• LED cornering headlights
• LED adaptive taillights
• LED fog lamps
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Aluminum roof rails
• Metallic grille with chrome surround
• Aluminum bodyside moldings
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Aluminum window trim
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• 18, 19 & 21-inch alloy wheels

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Driver aids are similarly impressive in scope but not always reliable- Edmunds

NHTSA and IIHS crash ratings are not available for the 2022 BMW X3. Hence, we are considering the 2021 model year's ratings as there are no structural changes. It received a perfect 5-star rating from NHTSA and 'Good' ratings in all six crash ratings conducted by IIHS. It also received a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention and a 'Good' rating for its headlights. 

These crash-test ratings suggest that the X3 is bound to be a safe vehicle. BMW is globally known for providing top driver aids in the industry. Several driver assistance technologies are standard in the X3. If you wish for more features, opt for the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package for additional safety to your vehicle. Some of them are:

• Rearview camera
• 360-degree camera
• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning w/ pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Hands-free parallel park assist
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Front & rear parking sensors
• Head-up display

2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the truest rival to the X3. It prioritizes comfort over sporty handling by offering a smooth ride. Its cabin also feels more opulent than the X3. The X3 excels with better cargo space and athletic handling. Both the SUVs are fuel-efficient and offer an array of standard features. In the end, the choice depends on what you prefer. 

2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 offers agile acceleration owing to its powerful engine. It also offers sporty handling and smooth ride quality like the X3. Although it comes standard with the AWD system, its fuel economy matches the most fuel-efficient version of the X3. Inside, both SUVs feel luxurious and attractive but the X3 offers a bit more cargo space.

2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 offers better ride quality than the X3 but is slightly slower in performance. Its interior is also one of the finest in the class while its cargo space also exceeds the X3 by a margin. However, its towing capacity is less than the X3. The XC60 also won awards for its safety. Therefore, the XC60 is a good option if you value safety otherwise the X3 is not bad either. 

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• The Mercedes-Benz GLC In-depth review
• The Audi Q5 In-depth review
• The Volvo XC60 In-depth review

The refreshed 2022 BMW X3 strikes a good balance between sportiness and comfort. Where its rivals are a bit are more on the comfort side, the X3 is a good option if you want a bit of that punchy sportiness behind the wheel. The new upgrades in the exterior, interior, and tech aim to boost the sales numbers. Overall, the X3 is an exceptional machine and it is heaps of fun to drive.