Used 2020 BMW X3

#4 in Best Small Luxury SUVs of 2020

The 2020 BMW X3 compact SUV is one of the most enjoyable vehicles of its kind. Surrounded by such competitors as the Audi Q5, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the X3 comes out ahead with its impressive handling abilities, rear-drive layout and advanced high-tech features. Sure, you’ll pay a bit more for the X3, and once you start adding options, you’ll pay a lot more.

But for driving enthusiasts and die-hard BMW fans, the extra cost is worth it. For those not so mesmerized by the blue and white propeller badge, you can find an equally competent and better-equipped small-crossover SUV in the Acura RDX and Infiniti QX50, both of which offer more horsepower, interior space and standard driver-assist systems.

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 In the past, those wanting a car that could corner, accelerate and brake like a sports car, but needed the convenience of four doors had to turn to a car like the BMW 3 Series. Today, sedans are on the wane and SUVs are all the rage. Unfortunately, SUVs sit up high, are not very aerodynamic and generally cater more to families and outdoor adventurers rather than driving enthusiasts.

Enter the 2020 BMW X3 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). The X3, even in base guise, offers plenty of horsepower for quick acceleration. More important is the X3’s well-sorted suspension that allows this little SUV to round corners like a low-slung sedan while simultaneously offering enough ground clearance for light off-roading. The X3 sDrive30i can dash to 60 mph in just six seconds, which is pretty quick for a small SUV. Move up to the X3 M40i and that time drops to 4.4 seconds. Pony up the dough for an X3 M, and BMW says the Competition model will make 60 in four seconds flat.

Among the top performers in its class, the X3 is aided by its rear-drive (RWD) and rear-biased all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This setup allows the front wheels to focus on steering as opposed to also powering the vehicle, which as every driving enthusiast knows is the preferred setup when speeding through tight turns. A smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic includes paddle shifters for manual gear changes, while BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control allows the driver to tailor vehicle settings to his or her likings.

During our time with the system, we found the Sport+ mode made the steering too heavy. By playing with the customizable settings, we were able to tone down the steering feel while boosting settings for the engine and throttle response, in essence creating our own unique BMW.

BMW’s X3 has the same design aesthetic as other recent vehicles from the German luxury brand. There’s a wide-view display mounted high on the dash, the iDrive control knob alongside BMW’s unique gear selector, and the same ergonomics of the BMW ownership experience for the past couple of decades. It leans more toward the minimalistic end, but there’s built-in premium feel to its simplicity. Controls for common functions like audio and climate are logical and easy to reach, but the iDrive circular controller for screen functions and even the pistol-like gearshift are best first studied at a standstill.

The X3 is extraordinarily roomy inside, even for its compact class. The driver and front passenger have plenty of space, and most rear-seat passengers will find good legroom. Headroom is similarly plentiful, and the cargo space is near the top of the class in both usability and outright space. In addition to a flat-floor cargo area, there’s room for small items should you want to hide them beneath the floor.

If it seems even small cars today are bigger, it’s not your imagination. This new, 3rd-generation X3 is actually a little bigger than the first-generation BMW X5, which is technically a size bigger. But the X3 wears its volume well and doesn’t look oversized. The optional 20- or 21-inch wheels look great, and the wide stance imparts a sense of stability.

We think the overall integration of headlights, grille and other elements feels more cohesive on this model than that of the previous generation. The same is true in the back, where the taillights flow cleanly into the tailgate. The X3 M40i wears more aggressive sheet metal, with deeper front and rear bumpers, body-color side-sill extensions, and more aggressive wheel-and-tire combinations. The X3 M sits lower to the ground and rolls on 21-inch wheels and tires.

M40i
One step up from the base X3 sDrive30i is the more potent X3 M40i. Its 6-cylinder engine delivers excellent power throughout the rev band, and its handling is even sharper than the base X3 without any measurable loss in ride comfort. Think of it like a tall BMW 3 Series wagon.

SPACE MANAGEMENT
Little on the outside doesn’t always mean little on the inside, too. The X3 provides good legroom both front and rear, and even better headroom stats. The X3’s cargo hold measures 28.7 cubic feet, which is more than the Audi Q5 but less than the Infiniti QX50. A triple-split/folding rear seat allows 2-passenger seating while the center section can be folded to accommodate long items like skis or 2x4s.

Out the gate, the 2020 BMW X3 sDrive30i comes nicely equipped with power tailgate, 3-zone automatic climate control, 10-way-power front seats, SensaTec faux-leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, universal garage-door opener and standard parking sensors. BMW’s Active Guard system brings frontal-collision warning and the Automatic City Collision Mitigation braking system, which can automatically apply the brakes if the vehicle senses an impending crash.

The standard iDrive infotainment system bundles a 10.25-inch screen that can be controlled by touch or the iDrive dial, navigation and a 12-speaker/205-watt AM/FM/HD Radio with USB input and Bluetooth streaming. Apple CarPlay integration is now (finally) standard as well.

The X3 xDrive30i adds all-wheel drive (BMW calls it “xDrive”), and like the sDrive30i model offers three jumping off points: xLine, Luxury and M Sport. The Luxury line, for example, adds chrome trim, while the M Sport gives the standard model sporty-looking flair.

While there are plenty of stand-alone options, BMW has grouped many of them into “tiers.” The Convenience tier adds amenities like lumbar support, keyless entry, satellite radio and a panoramic sunroof. Premium adds a head-up display, and heated steering wheel and seats. The Executive tier includes adaptive full LED headlights, digital instrument cluster, parking assistant, surround view with 3D view, and BMW’s Gesture Control.

Besides a more powerful engine and other performance gear, the M40i takes a different approach, offering many of those features as stand-alone option packages. Note that both models offer leather as an option, not standard. Other options include the Driver Assistance Plus package that bundles adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist and other active-safety features, while the Dynamic Handling package features dynamic damper control, M Sport brake and variable sport steering. Also in the offering are a premium Harman Kardon audio system, wireless phone charger, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

For 2020, the BMW X3 SUV offers a choice of three engines. At the entry level, the sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder developing 248 horsepower. This engine exists throughout the BMW lineup and has proven itself as reliable as it is fuel-efficient.

Moving up to the X3 M40i brings two more cylinders in the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, as well as standard xDrive all-wheel drive. With 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine never feels taxed or labored, even with four persons aboard. Fuel economy does go down by a few mpg, but is still acceptable for an engine of this size and output.

Finally, there’s the X3 M that uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to make a ridiculous 473 horsepower or 503 horsepower in the X3 M Competition.

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also onboard is the fuel-saving start/stop system that can be somewhat annoying as it’s far from seamless. The system can be deactivated, but the driver must do so every time the car is started.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
248 horsepower @ 5,200-6,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/29 mpg (RWD), 24/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (X3 M40i)
355 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,520-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 (X3 M)
473 horsepower @ 5,600-7,300 rpm
503 horsepower @ 5,600-7,300 rpm (Competition)
442 lb-ft of torque @ 2,600-5,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg