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2023 BMW X3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

BMW X3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Sporty performance
  • Roomy interior
  • Good utility

Cons

  • Stiff ride
  • Less premium than competitors
  • Hybrid discontinued

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 20 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

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The 2023 BMW X3 is the brand’s sporty, premium, compact 5-passenger crossover

The 2023 BMW X3 is a compact five-passenger crossover that slots into the brand’s lineup between the entry-level X1 and the premium X5. Refreshed for the 2022 model year, the X3 remains primarily unchanged for 2023. The X3 offers impressive performance and excellent utility in a stylish package, which is partly why it is consistently one of the German automaker’s best-selling models. BMW offers the X3 with powertrain options that range from the sDrive30i's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to the X3 M's 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, which boasts more than 500 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 4 seconds. With impressive levels of performance and a spacious, comfortable interior, the X3 is a strong competitor in a crowd of premium compact crossovers, which include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Porsche Macan.

All BMW X3 years

What is new for the 2023 BMW X3?

  • X3 trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking and Head Up Display features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The M trim now comes with Leatherette Seats, Side Airbags, Overhead Airbags, Auxiliary Audio Input, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2023 BMW X3 trims

Curious how BMW X3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive30i:

  • 248-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors

XDrive30i:

M40I:

  • Includes all features available on the XDrive30i
  • 382-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Power Locks
  • View our BMW X3 M40I inventory

BMW X3 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 BMW X3

What We Like

Performance: The BMW X3 is quite enjoyable to drive, with excellent handling, strong brakes, and a sporty ride — all ideal for a fun cruise on twisty back roads. Even the base-level powertrain provides more than adequate power, but for those looking for extreme performance, the top-level X3 M brings sports car handling and quickness to this two-row crossover.

Comfort: The front seats in the BMW X3 are quite comfortable, offering great support on long road trips, with multiple adjustments and heating and cooling available. The second row has plenty of legroom, even for taller adults, and headroom is expansive. The tall roof not only adds to the roomy interior but also makes for larger windows and better visibility all around.

Utility: While the 2023 BMW X3 is geared more toward performance and passenger comfort, the small crossover offers a surprising level of utility. With almost 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, there’s plenty of room for luggage or other cargo, and folding the second row more than doubles the available space. The X3 can also tow up to 4,400 pounds (when properly equipped), more than most other small premium crossovers.

What Needs Improvement

Ride: The X3 is great fun to drive, but unfortunately, the firm suspension can also translate to a rougher ride. The stiff ride is especially noticeable in the high-performance X3 M, which has been designed with a focus on performance rather than overall comfort.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Average

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 X3

BMW X3 features and specs

sDrive30i 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Remote Start
  • Run Flat Tires
  • 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

P245/50HR19

Rear tires

P245/50HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 BMW X3 FAQ

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