2014 BMW X3

The 2014 BMW X3 continues to be available in two trim levels. Starting with the base xDrive28i model, standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, 8-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, leatherette upholstery, automatic wipers, updated iDrive with a 12-speaker audio system, and a lot more. Next in line is the xDrive35i model, which gets a more powerful inline-6 engine and additional features like adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and wood trim.

Like most BMWs, there are plenty of options on offer. The Premium package includes keyless entry, upgraded front seats with 4-way lumbar support, and a panoramic sunroof (for the base 28i model). Opting for the Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel. For even more tech, customers can opt for the Technology package which includes a head-up display, built-in navigation with a larger center display, and BMW remote services.

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For a starting price of just under $40,000, the base xDrive28i model offers a lot of value and is reasonably well equipped for the price. Unless you want the extra performance, the 28ixDrive will be more than adequate. Also, BMW offers plenty of optional packages to spruce up your X3 the way you want including the Premium, Technology, and Driver Assistance packages.

The X3 continues to be available with two engine options. The base 28i model gets the ubiquitous 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topping 35i model gets a bigger 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and send power to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Even with the base inline-4 powerplant, the X3 offers plenty of performance with quick response and reaches 60 MPH in just 6.9 seconds. Upgrading to the 35i model will cut the time down by 1 second. The quarter-mile time stands at a respectable 15.2 seconds for the 28i and 14.5 for the 35i. Whichever engine you choose, the X3 is surprisingly fun to drive with excellent dynamics and well-tuned steering.

With 240 hp on tap, the BMW X3 manages to outpace both the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. However, it still falls behind the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 which gets a bigger 3.5L engine. The GLK-Class requires only 5.8 seconds to the 60 mph mark and does a quarter-mile run in 14.4 seconds. It hits the highest top speed in the segment as well, maxing out at 148 mph.

With the base 28i model, the 2014 BMW X3 returns impressive figures of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, which is above average for its class. Opting for the more powerful 35i model will cut down the figures by 2 MPG. The tank capacity stands at 17.7-gallons, resulting in a highway range of nearly 500 miles. To improve efficiency, BMW does include the auto-start system which can get annoying in traffic.

The BMW X3 is the most efficient crossover in its class with a combined efficiency of 24 MPG, followed by the Audi Q5 at 23 MPG. Both the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 are less efficient with a combined 20 MPG and 21 mpg, respectively because of their high-capacity engines. Moreover, the Mercedes loses out to its rivals in terms of range, covering only 330 miles in the city and 435 miles on the highway.

As expected from a luxury crossover SUV, the BMW X3 gets practical and comfortable interiors. The design is similar to the rest of BMW’s lineup with a simple yet elegant design and well-laid out controls. The iDrive display sits neatly in the middle, and the rest of the controls are placed below the center vents for easy access. The cabin screams quality with soft-touch plastics and wood trim used everywhere, especially on the 35i model.

The X3 can seat 5 passengers in comfort with supportive seats at the front and rear. Opting for the M-Sport package will add a lot of sportiness to the cabin with sports seats at the front and dark trims. The standard feature list is extensive with plenty of luxuries like power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, and a lot more. Being a crossover, the X3 provides plenty of room at the rear for 3 passengers to sit comfortably with a middle three-point seat belt and headrest. Trunk space is impressive at 27.6 cubic feet, which can be expanded up to 63.3 cubic feet by folding the rear seats down. For 2014, the X3 gets 40/20/40 split rear seats for extra flexibility.

While the BMW X3 is slightly behind the Audi Q5 in terms of passenger space, it outperforms both the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, especially in terms of rear-seat space. However, BMW is rated mediocre when it comes to cargo volume, which measures 27.6 cubic feet. The Volvo XC60, on the other hand, offers the largest cargo space of 30.8 cubic feet. Some standout interior features include:

• Heated front and rear seats
• Configurable ambient lighting
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support
• Power liftgate
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather upholstery

How intuitive is the 2014 BMW X3’s infotainment unit?

For 2014, the X3 gets an updated iDrive infotainment system with an easy interface and slick graphics, especially on the upgraded system with the bigger display. The system is controlled using a rotary dial and touchpad placed near the gear lever for quicker and easier access while on the move. All the modern features like Bluetooth, CD player, HD radio, iPod/USB integration, AUX connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system are present inside.

Opting for the Premium package adds satellite radio, while the Technology package goes all out with a bigger display, navigation, smartphone app integration, BMW remote services, and a head-up display. Customers can also opt for an upgraded 16-speaker surround sound system. Some standout infotainment features include:

• Upgraded iDrive system with navigation
• Smartphone app integration
• 16-speaker surround-sound system
• Head-up display
• Satellite and HD radio
• Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity
• BMW remote services

Other than a few minor updates, not much has changed in terms of design, and the 2014 BMW X3 continues to look like a shrunk-down X5. The X3 received a complete redesign back in 2011 which made it longer, wider, and taller than before. Take a step back, and the X3 looks more like a wagon than a crossover which reflects its excellent dynamics.

The twin-kidney grille and sleek adaptive headlights give the X3 a sporty look, much like the 3 Series sedan. The design carries on to the rear with LED taillights. Keeping the crossover theme, the X3 also gets subtle body cladding all around and silver skid plates at both ends. With the M-Sport package, the stock 18-inch rims are switched out for 19-inch ones with better design, and a lot of special exterior trim pieces are added for a sportier look.

In terms of dimensions, the BMW X3 is slightly bigger than all its rivals and also gets the longest wheelbase at 110.6 inches. Both the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 come close, while the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is the most compact with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 108.5 inches. When comparing the ground clearance, Volvo stands highest to the ground at 9.1 inches. Some notable exterior features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive bi-xenon headlights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rugged black cladding
• Aluminum roof rails

The BMW X3 continues to earn top marks in terms of safety with plenty of standard safety features and a lot of optional driver assistance technologies. The X3 secured a “Good” overall rating in the IIHS safety tests, however, it hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA yet. While the X3 comes with standard features like antilock disc brakes with automatic brake drying, an array of airbags, hill descent control, and more, customers can also opt for the Driver Assistance package to add more features. The package adds front and rear parking sensors, rear and top-view parking cameras, and a lane-departure warning system. BMW also offers their Assist emergency communications system as standard which provides automatic crash notifications and various other functions. Some standard safety features include:

• Automatic brake drying
• Active front seat head restraints
• Hill descent control
• BMW assist emergency services
• Lane-departure warning system (Optional)
• Front and rear parking sensors (Optional)

While the 2014 BMW X3 doesn’t get any major updates, it still manages to strike the perfect balance between performance and practicality. With impressive performance and excellent dynamics regardless of the powertrain you choose, the X3 lives up to BMWs reputation of making driver-oriented cars. In many ways, the X3 appeals to customers who’re looking for a more practical and spacious offering than a 3 Series sedan. The ride quality is also excellent, and the X3 can ferry around the family in comfort. While it is marketed as a crossover, off-road capability is disappointing, and prices can get expensive compared to competitors. Overall, if you’re in the market for a luxury crossover that’s fun-to-drive and more practical than a sedan, the X3 is still one of the ideal options in its segment.