There’s also a horde of standalone options and packages, which can get pricey in a hurry- CarGurus

Only two trims are available for the 2017 BMW X3. The base 28i model has a starting price of $40,050 and is available in both RWD and AWD configurations. The more powerful 35i is priced at $48,950 and comes standard in AWD drivetrain. The aforementioned price excludes a $995 destination fee. The X3 comes with a good amount of standard features but there is a lot of optional equipment and package choices.

Some standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, etc. The X Line package adds a leather steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim that sets you back $1,500. Standalone options include $500 Parking Assistance, $300 for Apple CarPlay, and $400 for wireless charging. 

Trims	28i	35i
MSRP (RWD)	$41,045	N/A
MSRP (AWD)	$43,045	$49,945
Key Features	18-inch alloy wheels	Adds/ Upgrades to 28i trim
	6.5-inch touchscreen display	Panoramic moonroof
	8-way power front seats with driver-seat memory functions	16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system
	Dual-zone automatic climate control	Satellite radio
	Leatherette upholstery
	9-speaker sound system
	Auto-dimming rearview mirror
	Power tailgate
	Ambient lighting

We Recommend

We recommend you to buy the BMW X3 xDrive28i model as it is more value for money. Although it adds an AWD system, the fuel ratings remain the same as the RWD models. We also suggest buying the $1,700 Driving Assistance Plus package for additional driver aids and the $1,300 Dynamic Handling package for improved driving dynamics. 

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The 4-cylinder engine in the sDrive28i and xDrive28i is a star- Autotrader

2017 BMW X3 Engine and Transmission

Two engines are on offer for the BMW X3. The standard engine in the 28i is a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. of torque. The more powerful 35i model receives a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine that churns out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. of torque. Regardless of the engine choice, all models will be paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. 

The base 28i trim comes with both RWD and AWD configurations while the 35i model gets a standard AWD system. This engine gives you more power for everyday use and is more refined. Not only is the automatic transmission smoother in use but it also gives better fuel economy at lower speeds. The engine has a soft rumble but gets quiet once you're cruising at speed. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
MSRP	$41,045	$40,145	$41,850	$41,945
Engine	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	AWD	FWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	240 hp @ 5,000 RPM	241 hp @ 5,500 RPM	220 hp @ 4,450 RPM	240 hp @ 5,600 RPM
Torque	260 lb-ft. @ 1,450 RPM	273 lb-ft. @ 1,300 RPM	258 lb-ft. @ 1,500 RPM	258 lb-ft. @ 1,500 RPM

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a cheaper option and also makes similar power as the X3. Unlike the X3, the Volvo XC60 is an FWD car and aims for fuel economy instead of performance. The Audi Q5 is the Holy car here that comes with a standard AWD system but makes the least power as well. 

2017 BMW X3 Acceleration

The BMW X3 accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds, which is above average in its segment. It further finishes the quarter-mile run in 15 seconds and tops at 139 MPH. If you are looking for quicker acceleration, the 35i model with the six-cylinder engine takes just 5.7 seconds to complete the acceleration test.

Acceleration is Sport mode but a little lacking in Eco mode. One of the main reasons for its quick acceleration is the quick-shifting gearbox. The automatic gearbox holds gear ratios when needed to passing other cars quickly on the freeway. The base engine is best suitable for city driving whereas the inline-6 engine has a sharper throttle response with almost zero turbo lag. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	6.1 sec	7.5 sec	7.0 sec
Quarter Mile	15.0 sec	14.6 sec	15.8 sec	16.0 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Top Speed	139 MPH	139 MPH	135 MPH	137 MPH

Thanks to its low curb weight, the acceleration of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is one of the best in this segment. The engine in the Audi Q5 isn't particularly powerful and hence, it has slower agility. Being a FWD car, the Volvo XC60 doesn't have the best performance stats but it isn't bad either. 

2017 BMW X3 Handling and Steering

The BMW X3 is a heavy car but you wouldn't know it in behind the wheel because it feels light and smooth with its suspension soaking up potholes and bumps in the road. The steering isn't the best around the town at lower speeds but head out onto a nice stretch of country roads and it feels sharp and extremely composed. One thing you must choose from the options list is the variable damper control.

Without it, the ride isn't really that great but with it, not only the ride is more comfortable, the handling is sharper too. Despite its size, the X3 feels balanced through the corners with minimal body roll. For most buyers, the ability to handle off-road terrains isn't at the top of the list of priorities but if it is then the X3 is very impressive. The xDrive AWD system is capable of handling wet muddy fields, boat ramps, and snow roads. 

2017 BMW X3 Braking

Unlike its on-road performance, the braking performance of the BMW X3 is not that impressive. Ventilated discs are fitted in the wheels of the X3 that measures 13 inches in the front and 12.9 inches at the back. In the brake test, the X3 took 122 feet when stopping from 60-0 MPH.

The brakes of the X3 aren't that responsive. The pedal is firm while the pedal travel is less. The X3 also comes with a Brake Assist feature that applies brakes immediately when required. This safety feature also helps to reduce the braking distance, therefore, ensuring the safety of the passengers. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
Brake Front	13.0 in	13.5 in	12.6 in	12.9 in
Brake Rear	12.9 in	12.6 in	11.8 in	11.9 in
Curb Weight	4,030 lbs	3,891 lbs	4,090 lbs	4,092 lbs
60-0 MPH	122 ft.	126 ft.	114 ft.	117 ft.

The Audi Q5 amazes with its braking capabilities. It took just 114 feet to complete the brake test. Next in line is the Volvo XC60 that takes 117 feet to do the same job. However, the brakes in the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class are weak. Despite being the lightest vehicle, it takes the longest distance in this competition. 

2017 BMW X3 Towing Capacity

The BMW X3 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package. For a compact SUV, the towing capacity is good but there are other SUVs in its segment that offer a better towing capacity. However, the X3 is capable of towing a camping trailer or a ski boat. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs	3,500 lbs	4,400 lbs	3,500 lbs

Once again, the Audi Q5 excels in this field with maximum tow ratings of 4,400 pounds. The Volvo XC60 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class also have their tow ratings same as the X3. Therefore, people looking for excellent towing capacity should look for the Q5.

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The 2017 BMW X3 is a relatively good performer for its class- The Car Connection

The BMW X3 does it right in terms of fuel economy. According to the EPA, the base 28i returns 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 24 MPG combined. Even the AWD models have the same ratings, which is pretty impressive. The more powerful 35i model deops down the fuel ratings by 2 MPG each. 

Comparatively, the X3 has one of the best MPG figures in this segment. A smaller 17.4-gallon fuel tank is available in the X3. In mixed driving conditions, this SUV can drive up to 434 miles, which is quite less due to its small fuel tank. On the flip side, the 35i models deliver only 425 miles, which is still not that bad.

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
MPG (City)	21	22	20	23
MPG (Highway)	28	28	27	30
MPG (Combined)	24	24	22	26
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	17.7	17.4	19.8	18.5
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	372/496/434	383/487/435	396/535/465	426/555/490

The MPG figures and the driving range of the Volvo XC60 are the best here but its efficiency is the same as the X3. Even the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is on the same page in terms of efficiency and ratings. The Audi Q5 is less fuel-efficient but its large fuel tank helps deliver a better range than the X3. 

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The X3's interior is classic BMW, from its traditional analog gauges to its sensible ergonomics and restrained sense of style- Edmunds

2017 BMW X3 Seating and Comfort

Inside the X3, the dashboard design and the interior layout are pure BMW. The seats have leatherette accents and are comfortable. Both the front seats are 8-way power-adjustable. As you'd expect from a premium vehicle, it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake and once you've figured out the controls, you can put the seat into the desired position. 

Features such as heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof are add-ons. Even taller adults will have no complaints about space in the X3. There is plenty of head and legroom to stretch out. At the back, the legroom is less than the front row but it's adequate for adults. It's worth noting that the rear seats do not slide or recline. The central transmission tunnel in the floor restricts the room for the middle passenger

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.7/58.3/39.9	37.8/57.3/40.8	39.4/57.7/41.0	38.0/56.7/41.2
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.1/56.0/36.8	38.5/56.5/37.3	39.0/56.4./37.4	38.1/55.2/36.4

This section is quite competitive as all the rivals offer a spacious cabin. But, the Volvo XC60 offers good seating comfort to the rear passengers due to the absence of the transmission tunnel. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, just like the X3, has a transmission tunnel as it is an RWD car. On the other hand, the Audi Q5 seats 3 people comfortably at the back.

2017 BMW X3 Interior Features

The BMW X3 offers a feature-filled cabin for its price. Some of them include:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
• 8-way power front leatherette seats 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Push-button start
• Sensor-activated power tailgate
• Ambient lighting & footwell lights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 6.5-inch touchscreen 
• 9-speaker sound system
• Wireless charging

2017 BMW X3 Infotainment System

Every X3 comes with BMW's own iDrive infotainment and navigation system. It includes a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. Every car comes with Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, satellite navigation and is all controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. Below the screen, you may find some high-quality preset buttons and a CD player. 

A 9-speaker sound system is standard but audiophiles should upgrade to a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Put bluntly, the iDrive interface is one of the best around. It's fast and fairly easy to use once you get used to it. It's easy to navigate through the menus while the widescreen mounted on the dashboard has good visibility too.

2017 BMW X3 Cargo Capacity

The BMW X3's boot is larger on paper than many of its rivals. A dedicated cargo capacity of 27.6 cubic feet is available in the X3. If you need more space, you can fold the rear seats down which also split, expanding the cargo area to 63.3 cubic feet. The only problem here is they fold completely flat.

No matter what activity you fill your weekends with, you can be pretty certain that you can carry all the necessary kit with you. It's easy to load bulky items thanks to the wide opening and load lip. All models come with a power tailgate which is a great feature and if you go for extended storage, you get useful nets and a secret storage compartment. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)	27.6	19.4	29.1	30.8

The X3's boot volume is good but the Volvo XC60 is great in this area. It offers a maximum cargo space of 67.4 cubic feet, which is impressive for a compact SUV. The Audi Q5 offers good trunk volume but with the rear seats folded, its overall cargo space is still less than the X3. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the least practical vehicle here. 

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The X3’s design has matured over the years and, while its suit isn’t as fresh as the newer competitors, it’s still sharp- Kelly Blue Book

2017 BMW X3 Dimensions and Weight

That famous kidney grille sits proudly on the nose flanked by the twin circular headlights. Note that the base model comes with halogen headlamps while the 35i model replaces it with HID headlamps. Additionally, all models have LED fog lamps and headlamps washers too. Upgrade from the base 28i to 35i trim, the X3 is also topped off by an aluminum effect grille and extra underbody guards. With a ground clearance of 8 inches, the X3 can be used as a mild off-roader. 

The wheelbase in the X3 is short but it's spacious inside. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard while 19-inch wheels are optional. There are many different wheel designs available too. The optional M Sport package turns the X3 into an accent firmly on the sport. Not only does it come with a sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, but it also has its own bespoke body kit. The rear has a typical BMW design. The taillights are LED and adaptive while the lower fascia gets chrome-tipped dual exhausts. 

Models	2017 BMW X3	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,030 lbs	3,891 lbs	4,090 lbs	4,092 lbs
Length (in)	183.6	183.3	182.6	182.8
Width (in)	74.1	74.4	74.7	74.4
Height (in)	66.1	64.5	65.2	67.4
Ground Clearance (in)	8.0	5.9	7.9	9.1
Wheelbase (in)	110.6	113.1	110.5	109.2
Track Width(in) F/R	62.8/63.4	63.9/63.7	63.7/63.5	64.3/62.4

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a wide wheelbase among its rivals that helps to offer better stability and deliver a comfortable ride. The Volvo XC60 sits 11.1 inches higher than the X3 but bear in mind that it's not an off-roader. Although, it can be driven on rough terrains without any issue. The overall dimensions of the Audi Q5 are almost the same as the X3. 

2017 BMW X3 Exterior Features

Some cool exterior features of the BMW X3 are:

• HID headlights
• LED front fog lamps
• Adaptive LED taillights
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• Metallic grille with chrome surround
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Black window trim
• 18-inch alloy wheels

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The 2017 BMW X3 has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA- MotorTrend

A perfect 5 stars were given to the BMW X3 by NHTSA for its crashworthiness. On the other hand, IIHS gave 'Good' ratings in some crash tests, a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention, and the second-lowest 'Marginal' rating for the headlights. These ratings prove that the X3 is a safe vehicle. 

No advance driver-assist features are standard in the X3. Therefore, you need to upgrade to Driving and Driving Plus packages to get some of the top safety features. Moreover, a suite of six airbags is provided to protect the passengers from injuries. Some of the safety features include:

• Rearview Camera
• 360-degree Parking Camera
• Forward Collision Warning
• Brake Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Warning & Collision Mitigation
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Active Driving Assistant
• Lane Departure Warning
• Park Distance Control

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2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is slightly cheaper than the X3. Their power levels are the same and yet, the GLC-Class' performance is better thanks to its low curb weight. Its towing capacity and fuel ratings are more or less the same as the X3. Its cabin is luxurious and spacious but one of the main differences is cargo capacity. The GLC-Class offers nearly 6 cu-ft. less than the X3. It also excels in terms of safety as it earned top safety ratings. 

2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Audi Q5

Similarly priced as the X3, the Audi Q5 makes 20 horses less, and therefore, its performance stats are not impressive. Moreover, this engine sucks more fuel, leading to poor fuel ratings. The Q5's cabin offers decent space levels but loses points due to its practicality. But what's impressive is its 4,400-lb towing capacity. With regards to safety, it won the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS but packs fewer safety features than the X3. 

2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 houses the same engine and makes exactly the same power as the X3 but is not athletic in any form. Owing to its large fuel tank, the fuel ratings of the XC60 are better than the X3 while the towing capacity is the same. The rear-seat space offered in the XC60 is a bit less but it is the only SUV in this competition to beat the X3 in terms of cargo capacity. It is also the safest option due to its excellent ratings and safety features. 

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The BMW X3 is an excellent package. It feels superb to drive as long as you choose the right options. It's easy to see the appeal of the X3 because it's classy, spacious and the infotainment system is one of the best around. It does have a few foibles but if you are in the market for an upmarket SUV, it definitely deserves to be on your shortlist. 

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