Used 2014 BMW X3

BMW doesn’t really want you to think of its X3 as an SUV. The German automaker calls its 5-passenger compact sport-utility vehicle a “sports-activity vehicle.” You may sneer at the marketing-speak, but there is substance behind the hype. In a segment that has grown since the X3’s introduction in 2004 with an onslaught of luxury rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Cadillac SRX and Infiniti EX, the X3 stands out with a dynamic nature that makes it feel more like a sports sedan than a cumbersome SUV. The 2014 X3 is also fuel-efficient thanks to the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine standard in the xDrive28i model. For those who want more power, a turbo 6-cylinder comes in the xDrive35i.

Take off up the road in a 2014 BMW X3 and the first thing you’ll notice is that it’s quick. And it doesn’t matter which model and engine you have. Even the base turbocharged 4-cylinder can propel the vehicle from 0-60 mph in the mid-6-second range. Step up to the more powerful turbo 6-cylinder, put the transmission into the second of two “sport” modes, and you’re looking at the same sprint taking place in the 5-second range, quicker than many quite sporty sports cars. This translates to effortless on-ramp sprints and prodigious passing power. But speed and agility in corners aren’t the only high points here. The X3 is also a comfortable, quiet vehicle that eases the rigors of long commutes. Purists may decry the lack of a manual-transmission option, but we’re happy with the standard, buttery smooth 8-speed automatic.

Fine materials and lots of gee-whiz technology abound in the 2014 BMW X3, though some of it costs extra. So if you want the Fineline Wave Wood trim, heated front seats or, yes, just leather instead of “Leatherette” upholstery, you’ll have to check options boxes. As long as you’re prepared for the extra charges, though, it’s easy to appreciate the X3’s comfortable amenities. Most functions work well, though the jet-fighter gear shifter and iDrive command module can still prove a little confusing. Rear legroom is adequate and the seat easily folds to increase cargo space.

Smoothly contoured sheet metal and aggressive creases define the BMW X3’s appearance. In a head-on view it can look pretty sinister, with BMW’s trademark twin-kidney grille. The sides and rear of the 2014 X3 are more conservative yet still attractive thanks in part to deep side creases that run from the front wheel arches all the way back to the taillights. These lines plus the overall proportions give the X3 an athletic stance that nicely mirrors its dynamic capabilities. In back are twin tailpipes tucked neatly beneath the lower-left bumper and nicely subtle badging.

POWER AND EFFICIENCY
With the turbo 4-cylinder engine, performance and fuel economy are not mutually exclusive. This bulldog of a powerplant easily boots the X3 around, yet still attains 28 mpg on the highway.

INTERIOR FIT AND FINISH
From the metallic, sliding cargo hooks in the hold to the available wood-grain trim up front, the 2014 X3 is one polished vehicle.

A base 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i comes with AWD, 8-way power front seats, automatic climate control, power-operated tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, and a 12-speaker/205-watt audio system with AM/FM/CD player with HD Radio and auxiliary input. The higher-trim xDrive35i model has a more powerful 6-cylinder engine, xenon headlights and panoramic moonroof. Like other BMWs, the X3 comes with complimentary maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is offered for the first four years, with no mileage limitation.

When it comes to configuring a 2014 BMW X3, the options and choices are plentiful. But purchase price rises fast, especially since some features come in packages that cost thousands of dollars. Among the add-ons available are leather seating, navigation, heated front and rear seats, a 40/20/40 folding rear seat, heated steering wheel and lane-departure warning. For audio buffs, a 16-speaker, 600-watt sound system is available. Driver’s wanting even better performance can opt for packages that tighten the handling and employ larger wheels, most notably the $1,400 Dynamic Handling Package and the $3,000 M Sport Package.

The engine in a 2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower – the same figure as the 6-cylinder it replaced last year but with more torque and better efficiency. In the higher-trim xDrive35i is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder. Both are connected to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive as standard. To stretch fuel efficiency, the 2014 X3 features automatic engine start/stop, which shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stopped and instantly restarts it when the driver’s foot is lifted off the brake pedal.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg