2019 BMW X3 review
BMW X3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Engines deliver good power and solid EPA-estimated fuel economy
- Plenty of interior space in the stylish cabin
Cons
- Expensive, and you'll spend more with all the option choices
- There's no option for Android Auto™, just Apple CarPlay®
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2019 BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV to beat
The BMW X3 has it all in the compact luxury SUV segment: classy looks inside and out, plenty of passenger and cargo space, powerful but efficient engines, and a driving character that's more sport sedan than compact SUV. It's helped define the space it competes in, and while many rivals get close to it in particular areas—Porsche's Macan betters it outright for driver fun—none offer the broad combination of qualities that make the X3 such an appealing all-rounder. Since BMW introduced this generation X3 in 2018, the 2019 X3 soldiers on unchanged. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i are powered by a 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the sDrive signifying rear-wheel-drive and the xDrive all-wheel-drive.
Both 30i models feature a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic, and all those gear ratios as well as BMW's clever Eco Pro drive mode option help the X3 deliver good EPA-estimated fuel economy if you resist the temptation to enjoy the engine's performance. If you want more power and poise, you might want to consider the M40i model above the 30i models. This X3 gains a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with 355 hp and chassis revisions sharpen it even further. It's more focused but still well rounded and capable in its appeal, which only grows when you consider that it comes with many things that are costly options on the smaller-engine version.
All BMW X3 years
What is new for the 2019 BMW X3?
- The X3 is available in a new trim called the sDrive30i.
- X3 trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment this year.
- Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
2019 BMW X3 trims
sDrive30i/xDrive30i: Includes great exterior standard features like a power tailgate, LED headlights and fog lights, automatic wipers, roof rails, a rearview camera, and more. Inside, you'll find standard stuff like simulated-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front sport seats, a 40/20/40-split rear seat with recline function, tri-zone automatic climate control, wheel-mounted shift paddles, adjustable driving modes, a 6.5-inch central display, and a 12-speaker audio system.
M40i: Adds features like a panoramic moonroof, larger 10.3-inch infotainment display, sportier exterior styling with black window trim, roof rails, adaptive LED headlights, sport steering wheel, sport pedals, hands-free keyless entry, and automatic high beams.
BMW X3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 BMW X3
1. Powerful engines
You can't go wrong with either of the 2019 BMW X3's robust engine offerings. Even the base 2.0L four-cylinder engine has a turbocharger attached to help pump out 248 horsepower. That's pretty great in an SUV that only weighs just over 4,000 pounds (base RWD version). Meanwhile, the 3.0L-powered M40i gets a turbo six-cylinder with 335 horsepower—but it weighs a bit more at 4,317 pounds.
2. Tons of standard features
The 2019 X3 will give you that impressive luxury experience, even in the base model. You'll get tons of luxury-focused interior features as standard like simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and sliding and reclining rear seats. So, even though it's the base X3, it's nothing but basic.
3. Spacious interior
Even though it's pretty small on the outside, the 2019 X3 is impressively big on the inside. You'll get 28.7 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats in place. With the seats folded down, capacity increases to an impressive 62.7 cu-ft. That means more room for people and cargo on your next road trip!
4. Sporty offerings
It's no surprise that the 2019 X3 has some of that magical BMW sporting pedigree built in. Look for models with the M Sport package and you'll find exterior features like aggressive front and rear bumpers and 19-inch wheels. Inside, you'll get a sport steering wheel and other cool features. There's also the Dynamic Handling package, which adds upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, and variable-ratio steering.
5. Options for days
Looking for a bit more luxury for your commute? The 2019 X3 has tons of options, available through a series of packages. You can find features to your 2019 X3 such as heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a digital gauge cluster, a navigation system, an upgraded 10.3-inch central touchscreen, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and much more!
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 BMW X3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for a handsome, family-friendly SUV, check out the Acura RDX. The 2017–2021 Acura RDX is available in a two-row layout and is powered by a standard 279-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine (2017–2018). You get a single trim level but you can choose from three optional packages for 2017–2018 including AcuraWatch Plus, Technology, and Advance. Acura updated the RDX for 2019, adding a sporty A-Spec trim and a new engine; a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine putting out 272 horsepower.
Standard features on the base 2017–2021 Acura RDX include:
Leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery
Power liftgate
Heated power front seats
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV that delivers a premium driving experience for every situation. The 2020–2021 Corsair is powered by a 2.0L turbo-four with 250 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive. If that's not quite enough, look for the available 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 295 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive.
Standard features on 2020–2021 Lincoln Corsair models include:
Leatherette upholstery
10-way power-adjustable front seats
Power liftgate
The X5 has the perfect mix of luxury, sportiness, and tech features and even an optional third row. A 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine putting out 300 horsepower is standard from 2017 (335 horsepower for 2019+). Meanwhile, 2017 and newer models come with standard AWD. The X5 is a great luxury SUV and there's plenty to love about it.
Standard features on the 2017–2021 BMW X5 include:
Panoramic sunroof
10.2-inch central display screen (two 12.3-inch screens for 2019+)
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity (2021)
Heated power-folding side mirrors
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
21 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 15 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
RepairPal gave the BMW X3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X3 16th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X3BMW X3 features and specs
sDrive30i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
248
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.2
Wheelbase
112.8"
Overall length
185.9"
Width
74.4"
Height
66"
Leg room
F 40.3"/R 36.4"
Head room
F 41.1"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 BMW X3 FAQ
Leather seats are not standard on the BMW X3. However, the 2019 BMW X3 has standard simulated-leather upholstery. Look at the variety of available packages for optional leather seating.
The 2019 BMW X3 has an estimated towing capacity of 4,400 pounds when properly equipped, regardless of trim and engine. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. This makes it the perfect crossover for your next camping trip or adventure to the lake with your family.
There are lots of options. The Premium package, for example, adds features such as a navigation system, heated front seats, a larger 10.3-inch central touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, and a digital gauge cluster.
If you've got lots of people to drive around—whether it's to weekend activities or weekday school drops off—the BMW X3 may be a good fit. Equipped for larger groups, there is seating for five people across all trim levels of the 2019 BMW X3.
More about the 2019 BMW X3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Carbon Black
Dark Graphite Metallic
Dark Olive Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Terra Brown Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Canberra Beige
Cognac
Mocha
Oyster
Interior details
The 2019 BMW X3 features standard simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and manually sliding and reclining rear seats with 40/20/40 split-folding backs. The 2019 X3 has 28.7 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats in place. With the seats folded down, capacity increases to an impressive 62.7 cu-ft. Look for the available packages to increase interior features and add things such as heated seats.
Child seat details
The 2019 BMW X3 has two full sets of LATCH connectors for securing child car seats on the driver and passenger side with one additional seating position in the middle with a tether anchor only. Its child seat accessibility was rated as "marginal" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) which is the third-best of four possible ratings. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Performance
The base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine propels the 2019 X3 from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, while the 3.0L powered M40i does the sprint in 4.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). All engine options of the 2019 BMW X3 are paired with an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The base 2019 BMW X3 sDrive30i starts at an EPA-estimated 23/30 mpg city/highway while that number drops a bit to an EPA-estimated 22/29 mpg city/highway for the sDrive30i AWD version.
Year Comparison
2011–2017 BMW X3 (Second Generation)
The second generation of the X3 arrived for the 2011 model year and was roughly the same size as the first generation but featured new design elements and engine options. Power came from a 3.0L with 240 horsepower or you could go for an optional 300 horsepower turbocharged 3.0L. A new 2.0L turbodiesel with 180 horsepower was added to the second generation X3 for 2015.
Cargo space for the second generation is 27.6 cu-ft that can be increased to 63.3 cu-ft with seats folded down.
2018–Present BMW X3 (Third Generation)
The third-generation BMW X3 is a bit longer and wider, with more room inside for people and stuff. The base engine for 2018–2019 is a 248 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged inline-four. The more powerful 2018–2019 X3 M40i comes powered with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that puts out an impressive 355 horsepower.
For 2018–2019, the base X3 is still well equipped, with LED headlights, tri-zone automatics climate control, 18-inch wheels, simulated leather upholstery, a 6.5-inch touchscreen (10.3-inch available), forward collision warning (2019+), and more.
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