2022 BMW X3

　　

2022 BMW X3 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　, rating written byKurt NiebuhrSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　The BMW X3 is a small luxury SUV. It offers more room than BMW's extra-small SUV, the X1, without being as large as its midsize X5. The X3's mix of practicality, fuel efficiency and performance has made it a class favorite since its introduction in 2003. For 2022, the X3 gets a light styling refresh featuring slimmer headlights, a larger grille and a revised front bumper. The rear of the X3 also gets a new look via restyled taillights.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$184/mo  for X3 sDrive30i

　　X3 sDrive30i

　　sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,700 MSRPxDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $45,700 MSRPM40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　BMW has also fiddled with the X3's engines. It has discontinued the plug-in hybrid model, the xDrive30e, so all that's left is the four-cylinder in the sDrive30i and xDrive30i and the six-cylinder in the M40i. The M40i's engine now comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This system features an upgraded starter-generator and an additional battery to assist with engine acceleration, making the stop-start system run smoother and allowing for more efficient engine operation in heavy traffic.

　　Serious competition can be found in everything from the Mercedes-Benz GLC to the Volvo XC60 to the stirring Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Read our test team's Expert Rating on the 2022 X3 to learn more about its strengths and weaknesses.

　　

What's it like to live with?

The 2022 BMW X3 is the best-selling vehicle in the German manufacturer's fleet — how come? We were curious, too, so we added one to our long-term fleet. zzdcar recently spent 20,000 miles with a 2021 BMW X5 and enjoyed it quite a bit; can the X3 live up to its larger sibling? We'll put it through its paces over 12 months, reporting on any advantages and disadvantages that pop up along the way. Check out our experiences with our BMW X3 xDrive30i here.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the X3 drive? We tested the X3 xDrive30i. Around town, the eight-speed transmission smartly keeps the four-cylinder engine right in the heart of its power delivery. The high 6-second 0-60 mph result we recorded should be quick enough for most people. The brakes are strong for panic stops and easy to control in typical driving.

　　Around turns, the X3 provides composed and enjoyable handling that's often associated with BMW. Alas, the steering is typical of a modern BMW too. It's too easy to turn the wheel in the Comfort setting, making it a little imprecise. The Sport mode provides additional heft and quickness, but there's still not a whole lot of feel coming through the wheel.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X3? The front seats deliver the comfort and support needed for long stints at the wheel. A wide range of adjustments ensure a good fit for almost everyone. On bumpy roads, our test X3 had a fairly busy ride quality, which we partially attribute to it being outfitted with the optional Dynamic Handling package. The solid level of control means you feel impacts, but they don't reverberate through the cabin or bounce your head around.

　　At idle, it's so silent that you'll want to check the tachometer to see if the engine is running. There's a little bit of wind noise from the driver's side window at freeway speeds. Engine noise is pronounced under moderate to hard acceleration, but it's not unpleasant.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below