2023 BMW X3 Review: Luxury SUV With Driver’s Dynamics
The BMW X3 has been a staple in the luxury compact SUV segment for over two decades, blending the practicality of an SUV with the driving dynamics BMW vehicles are renowned for. As the competition intensifies with new and updated rivals, the 2023 X3 receives some notable updates to keep it fresh and competitive. But is the latest X3 still a top choice for discerning luxury SUV buyers?
Yes, the 2023 BMW X3 remains an exceptional luxury SUV that delivers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a standout choice in its segment. This in-depth review will dive into the X3’s refreshed exterior and interior design, engine options and driving dynamics, tech and safety features, pricing and value proposition compared to rivals.
What’s New in the 2023 BMW X3?
The 2023 BMW X3 benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that brings updated styling cues and more standard tech features. Here are the key updates:
Exterior Design:
- Revised front and rear bumper designs for a more modern look
- New slimmer headlight and taillight designs with BMW’s latest lighting signatures
- Updated wheel designs across various trim levels
Interior Updates:
- Standard leather upholstery (previously optional)
- Restyled center console with updated control layout
- More standard tech features like a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display
Tech and Safety:
- BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system with more intuitive menus and voice commands
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration now standard
- Parking Assistant Plus with 360-degree camera views is now included
While the updates are not ground-breaking, they help keep the X3’s look and feel fresh against newer competitors like the Genesis GV70 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC.
2023 BMW X3 Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2023 BMW X3 is available in four main trim levels in the US, each with different powertrain options and equipment levels. Here’s a quick overview:
sDrive30i ($45,400): The base rear-wheel-drive model with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (248 hp).
xDrive30i ($47,400): Same 2.0L turbo-4 engine but with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
xDrive30e ($54,950): A plug-in hybrid model combining the 2.0L engine with an electric motor (288 hp combined).
M40i ($59,550): The performance-oriented model with a potent 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 (382 hp).
Prices are MSRP and exclude destination fees. Well-equipped X3 models can easily cross the $60k mark once options are selected.
The X3’s pricing positions it squarely between smaller affordable luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and larger/pricier options such as the Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, and Mercedes GLC-Class competitors.
Interior Cabin: Comfort, Space, and Technology
One of the X3’s key strengths is its well-appointed interior that combines premium materials with an ergonomic, driver-focused design. The seats are highly supportive yet comfortable even on long drives.
While passenger space is generous for the compact luxury SUV segment, the sloping roofline does cut into rear headroom slightly compared to boxier SUV designs. However, the 28.7 cu-ft cargo area behind the rear seats is quite spacious and easily expandable to 62.7 cu-ft with the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats down.
Is the 2023 BMW X3 Interior Outdated or Still Premium?
Some reviews have criticized the X3’s interior design as looking a bit dated compared to newer rivals. However, the 2023 refresh has helped modernize the look with the restyled center console that integrates the gear selector and control layout in a cleaner fashion.
The real wow factor is BMW’s tech offerings. The new iDrive 8 infotainment system with its 10.25-inch touchscreen is highly intuitive to use and offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides crisp, reconfigurable displays as well.
Higher trim X3 models can be optioned with luxuries like a panoramic moonroof, Harman Kardon audio system, heated front and rear seats, and even massage functions for the front seats. So while the overall design may be familiar, BMW hasn’t skimped on premium amenities and user-friendly tech.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
As you’d expect from BMW, the X3 is one of the most driver-focused and dynamically capable SUVs in this class. It offers a range of powertrain options:
- 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder (248 hp, 258 lb-ft torque)
- 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 (382 hp, 369 lb-ft torque)
- 2.0L Turbo I4 plug-in hybrid (288 hp combined)
- 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cyl diesel (190 hp, 295 lb-ft torque)
Even the base 2.0L turbo-four provides brisk acceleration, with 0-60 mph times in the low 6-second range. But the real star is the silky-smooth 3.0L turbocharged inline-six in the M40i model.
Should You Get the X3 M40i for Extra Performance?
With 382 hp on tap, the M40i positively hurls itself down the road, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. This level of performance is borderline hot hatch territory! The inline-six provides an addictively linear power delivery with almost no turbo lag.
If you want thrilling performance but don’t need the excessive power and stiff ride of the full M-badged X3 M, the M40i finds a great middle ground. It’s comfortably daily drivable yet always ready to satisfy any sporty driving urges.
On the handling front, the X3 exhibits impressively neutral cornering characteristics with beautifully weighted and communicative steering. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up bumps while maintaining solid body control through the corners.
Opt for the $1,000 adaptive M suspension on M40i models and you gain adjustable dampers that allow switching between stiffer track-focused or comfort-oriented settings.
In terms of pure dynamic thrills, few compact luxury SUVs can match the poise and balance of the X3 M40i. Yet it manages this without feeling overly stiff or harsh over broken pavement. It’s this duality of driving engagement and refined ride quality that makes the X3 truly special.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings
With such a strong focus on performance, fuel efficiency was never the primary goal with the X3. However, BMW has done well to keep consumption in check:
- sDrive30i/xDrive30i: 23/25 mpg city/highway
- xDrive30e PHEV: 58 MPGe combined, 24 miles all-electric range
- M40i: 23/29 mpg city/highway
- xDrive30d diesel: 24/31 mpg city/highway
The plug-in hybrid xDrive30e is the efficiency champ, delivering over 500 miles of total range when combining the gas engine and electric power. In EV mode, it has enough battery capacity for short commutes or errands before needing to fire up the gas engine.
Even the potent M40i manages respectable efficiency for a 3.0L turbocharged engine, beating out competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport. And the diesel xDrive30d delivers excellent highway mileage similar to larger mid-size SUVs.
While not class-leading, the X3’s efficiency is more than adequate for such a rewarding performance vehicle. Those who truly prioritize maximum MPGs should look at the all-electric BMW iX3 model.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assist Tech
When it comes to protecting its occupants, the 2023 BMW X3 has all the bases covered with top safety scores and a full suite of advanced driver assistance features.
The X3 earns the IIHS’s highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating and a perfect 5-star overall score from NHTSA’s crash tests. This is due to its robust construction and standard driver assistance tech like:
- Forward Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Higher trims can be optioned with even more advanced features like:
- Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited hands-free driving
- Front Cross-Traffic Alert
- Evasion Aid to help avoid pedestrians/cyclists
- Remote 3D View to see your parked X3 on your phone
What Active Safety Features Are Missing?
While the X3 covers most key active safety bases, it is missing some newer tech found on rivals like the Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. Features like Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Monitoring systems are not available – even as options.
For a luxury vehicle at this price point, the omission of some cutting-edge safety aids is a bit disappointing. But the fundamentals are all there for strong crash protection and accident avoidance capability.
Pros and Cons of the 2023 BMW X3
After an in-depth evaluation, here’s a summary of the key pros and cons of the 2023 BMW X3:
Pros:
- Exceptional driving dynamics and performance (M40i)
- Premium, well-built interior with top-notch materials
- Very spacious cargo area for the class
- Robust tech offering with user-friendly iDrive 8 system
- Strong value proposition against European luxury rivals
- Plug-in hybrid and diesel options for efficiency
Cons:
- Interior design starting to look a bit dated
- Sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom slightly
- Missing some newer active safety tech features
- Options can quickly escalate the price tag
- Firm ride quality may be too harsh for some buyers
Stacked up against key rivals like the Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo XC60, the X3 distinguishes itself with its unmatched balance of performance and practicality. It’s a true driver’s SUV that doesn’t sacrifice day-to-day livability.
The Verdict: Is the 2023 BMW X3 Still a Top Luxury SUV Choice?
The 2023 BMW X3 absolutely remains one of the best picks in the ultra-competitive luxury compact SUV segment. Its combination of thrilling driving dynamics, strong engine choices (including efficient diesel and PHEV options), upscale interior trimmings, and decent practicality make it an all-around winner.
While the styling updates for 2023 are fairly mild, the core appeal of the X3 is undiminished. It offers great value compared to European rivals without feeling cheap or cutting too many corners.
For driving enthusiasts, the addictive performance of the X3 M40i simply can’t be beaten in this class of SUV. And even the lower trims provide a more rewarding driving experience than most competitors.
The somewhat dated cabin design and lack of some newer active safety tech features are knocks against the 2023 X3. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptionally well-rounded luxury SUV package.
Whether you prioritize performance, practicality, efficiency, or all-around premium luxury – the 2023 BMW X3 makes a incredibly strong case for being the luxury compact SUV to buy.
