2012 BMW X3

The BMW X3 offers 2 trim levels to choose from, mainly known as xDrive28i and xDrive35i. The price starts from $37,100 for the xDrive28i and goes up to $42,700 for the xDrive35i. Prices can also alter based on the optional packages you choose from. The changes in the trims are that it gets additional driving aids and safety features and also a more powerful engine for better performance.

We Recommend

We recommend you go for the xDrive35i trim as it offers plenty of features that add value. It has premium features like a 10 speaker audio system, adaptive xenon lights, panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels that are missing in the Base trim. Also, it has a turbocharged engine which is more powerful and has better MPG figures than the base xDrive28i.

The 2012 BMW X3 is available with two engine options to choose from. The Base xDrive28i has a 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine that produces 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the xDrive35i has a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine that can churn out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain is AWD with an 8-speed shiftable automatic gearbox, which is standard across the entire range. The engine is very refined, and the handling is surprisingly very good.

You won’t feel any bumps in the cabin as the suspension soaks up most of it. Coming to acceleration, the base 3.0L engine can do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, whereas, the turbocharged variant can do 0-60 in just 5.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds. The SUV in its base configuration can reach up to a top speed of 130 mph.

The X3 beats its competition in the 0-60 and quarter-mile timings. The Audi Q5, on the other hand, is the slowest in terms of its performance. While the power output on the base X3 is sufficient, you can always opt for the higher trim for better overall performance. When comparing the price tag, BMW is the most expensive option in the segment.

The X3 does pretty well in terms of fuel economy. The base 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine provides 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. Opting for the xDrive35i variant, the BMW X3 becomes slightly more efficient as it offers 26 MPG on the highways. However, the fuel tank capacity could have been better which would have increased its overall range.

The Audi Q5 is the most fuel-efficient when compared to its competitors, followed by the X3 coming in second on the list. Meanwhile, Acura RDX is the worst in terms of fuel efficiency as compared to its rivals. When comparing the overall range of the SUVs in the competition, Audi offers the most at 435 miles combined.

The interior of the 2012 BMW X3 is very comfortable and offers a lot of luxury. It is easily recognizable as it is similar to its elder sibling, the BMW X5. Throughout the interior, you'll find upscale materials. The space in the front is sufficient so taller folks won’t find any issues. The dashboard design is typical BMW and is covered in leather. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and has mounted buttons that are nicely arranged and are very straightforward.

The X3 can accommodate a total of 5 passengers. The front seats are well cushioned and are very comfortable. You also get leather seats as standard on both trims. The armrest is wide and comfortable for both the driver as well as the passenger. The space towards the rear is sufficient where two adults and a child can sit easily. Overall the entire interior feels premium and opulent. The SUV has a cargo capacity of 27.6 cubic feet, which is the least in the segment.

The Acura RDX is better than its competitors when it comes to its interior space. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC60 has the best cargo space at 30.8 cubic feet. As for the BMW, it does have sufficient cargo space but has the least legroom in the front. All the SUVs offer seating space for 5, which is the segment standard. In a nutshell, some of the interior features on offer are:

• 8-way power-adjustable front seat
• Leatherette upholstery
• Leather upholstered steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• Available leather upholstery
• Rear window shades
• Power tailgate

How intuitive is the 2012 BMW X3’s infotainment unit?

The X3 has an iDrive interface with the BMW app support. The display is of good quality, and there is no screen glare issue even in bright sunlight. The system is very responsive and is straightforward to use, and the font size is big enough and easily readable. The infotainment can be controlled by a knob that is present on the center console.

It has Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and has USB ports and Auxiliary ports. It also has a CD/DVD player with an HD radio and iPod connectivity. Moreover, you get a 12-speaker sound system, which can be upgraded to a 16-speaker sound system that will take the party on the roads. Finally, it has a navigation system with a voice-command function that is accurate and works perfectly fine. Some of the key infotainment features on offer are:

• iDrive interface with BMW app support
• Bluetooth and iPod connectivity
• USB port
• Auxiliary port
• CD/DVD player
• 12-speaker sound system
• 16-speaker sound system (Optional)
• Navigation system with voice command

The 2012 BMW X3 has no new updates to the exterior as well. It still is very appealing and is heavily inspired by the X5 which makes sense. It actually looks like a smaller version of the X5. It has 17-inch wheels on the xDrive28i and 18-inch wheels on the xDrive35i. The SUV is curvier towards the front that houses the kidney grille, which is finished in chrome accents. The rear looks aggressive with enlarged BMW sedan-inspired looks. Moreover, the LED headlamps and taillamps make the car look aggressive and modern.

The BMW X3 is longer and wider than most of its competitors in the market. It is also a little on the heavier side in this segment. Meanwhile, the Acura RDX has the shortest wheelbase and the lowest ground clearance in the segment. The Volvo XC60 has the highest ground clearance, which makes it a better vehicle for rough terrains. Some of the key exterior features are:

• 17” alloy wheels
• 18” alloy wheels (xDrive35i)
• Adaptive headlights
• Available black exterior trim
• Available wheels in black
• Available roof rails

The BMW X3 does not have any crash test ratings from the NHTSA, but it has received ‘Good’ ratings and also a ‘Top Safety Pick’ award in midsize luxury SUV from the IIHS. It is packed with many safety features. Some of the safety features include ABS, front knee airbags, front, second, and third-row airbags along with full-length side curtains airbags. Some of the standout safety tech and features on offer are:

• Dynamic stability control
• Hill descent control
• Crash sensor System
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Head protection system (front and rear)
• Brake Fade compensation
• ABS and Dynamic brake control

The 2012 BMW X3 features excellent engines with great handling. It also has exceptional fuel economy with a lot of safety tech as standard, which makes it a suitable daily driver. The exterior and the interior are very appealing and resemble the flagship X5. The only problem with it is that some of the additional packages are very expensive. So, if you are willing to shell out some extra cash for the features you desire, the X3 is a great choice. If not, the base X3 with no optional extras is still a worthy pick.