2017 BMW X3

There’s also a horde of standalone options and packages, which can get pricey in a hurry- CarGurus

Only two trims are available for the 2017 BMW X3. The base 28i model has a starting price of $40,050 and is available in both RWD and AWD configurations. The more powerful 35i is priced at $48,950 and comes standard in AWD drivetrain. The aforementioned price excludes a $995 destination fee. The X3 comes with a good amount of standard features but there is a lot of optional equipment and package choices.

Some standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, etc. The X Line package adds a leather steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim that sets you back $1,500. Standalone options include $500 Parking Assistance, $300 for Apple CarPlay, and $400 for wireless charging. 

We Recommend

We recommend you to buy the BMW X3 xDrive28i model as it is more value for money. Although it adds an AWD system, the fuel ratings remain the same as the RWD models. We also suggest buying the $1,700 Driving Assistance Plus package for additional driver aids and the $1,300 Dynamic Handling package for improved driving dynamics. 

The 2017 BMW X3 is a relatively good performer for its class- The Car Connection

The BMW X3 does it right in terms of fuel economy. According to the EPA, the base 28i returns 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 24 MPG combined. Even the AWD models have the same ratings, which is pretty impressive. The more powerful 35i model deops down the fuel ratings by 2 MPG each. 

Comparatively, the X3 has one of the best MPG figures in this segment. A smaller 17.4-gallon fuel tank is available in the X3. In mixed driving conditions, this SUV can drive up to 434 miles, which is quite less due to its small fuel tank. On the flip side, the 35i models deliver only 425 miles, which is still not that bad.

The MPG figures and the driving range of the Volvo XC60 are the best here but its efficiency is the same as the X3. Even the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is on the same page in terms of efficiency and ratings. The Audi Q5 is less fuel-efficient but its large fuel tank helps deliver a better range than the X3.

The X3's interior is classic BMW, from its traditional analog gauges to its sensible ergonomics and restrained sense of style- Edmunds

2017 BMW X3 Seating and Comfort

Inside the X3, the dashboard design and the interior layout are pure BMW. The seats have leatherette accents and are comfortable. Both the front seats are 8-way power-adjustable. As you'd expect from a premium vehicle, it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake and once you've figured out the controls, you can put the seat into the desired position. 

Features such as heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof are add-ons. Even taller adults will have no complaints about space in the X3. There is plenty of head and legroom to stretch out. At the back, the legroom is less than the front row but it's adequate for adults. It's worth noting that the rear seats do not slide or recline. The central transmission tunnel in the floor restricts the room for the middle passenger

This section is quite competitive as all the rivals offer a spacious cabin. But, the Volvo XC60 offers good seating comfort to the rear passengers due to the absence of the transmission tunnel. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, just like the X3, has a transmission tunnel as it is an RWD car. On the other hand, the Audi Q5 seats 3 people comfortably at the back.

2017 BMW X3 Interior Features

The BMW X3 offers a feature-filled cabin for its price. Some of them include:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
• 8-way power front leatherette seats 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Push-button start
• Sensor-activated power tailgate
• Ambient lighting & footwell lights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 6.5-inch touchscreen 
• 9-speaker sound system
• Wireless charging

2017 BMW X3 Infotainment System

Every X3 comes with BMW's own iDrive infotainment and navigation system. It includes a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. Every car comes with Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, satellite navigation and is all controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. Below the screen, you may find some high-quality preset buttons and a CD player. 

A 9-speaker sound system is standard but audiophiles should upgrade to a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Put bluntly, the iDrive interface is one of the best around. It's fast and fairly easy to use once you get used to it. It's easy to navigate through the menus while the widescreen mounted on the dashboard has good visibility too.

2017 BMW X3 Cargo Capacity

The BMW X3's boot is larger on paper than many of its rivals. A dedicated cargo capacity of 27.6 cubic feet is available in the X3. If you need more space, you can fold the rear seats down which also split, expanding the cargo area to 63.3 cubic feet. The only problem here is they fold completely flat.

No matter what activity you fill your weekends with, you can be pretty certain that you can carry all the necessary kit with you. It's easy to load bulky items thanks to the wide opening and load lip. All models come with a power tailgate which is a great feature and if you go for extended storage, you get useful nets and a secret storage compartment. 

The X3's boot volume is good but the Volvo XC60 is great in this area. It offers a maximum cargo space of 67.4 cubic feet, which is impressive for a compact SUV. The Audi Q5 offers good trunk volume but with the rear seats folded, its overall cargo space is still less than the X3. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the least practical vehicle here. 

The X3’s design has matured over the years and, while its suit isn’t as fresh as the newer competitors, it’s still sharp- Kelly Blue Book

2017 BMW X3 Dimensions and Weight

That famous kidney grille sits proudly on the nose flanked by the twin circular headlights. Note that the base model comes with halogen headlamps while the 35i model replaces it with HID headlamps. Additionally, all models have LED fog lamps and headlamps washers too. Upgrade from the base 28i to 35i trim, the X3 is also topped off by an aluminum effect grille and extra underbody guards. With a ground clearance of 8 inches, the X3 can be used as a mild off-roader. 

The wheelbase in the X3 is short but it's spacious inside. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard while 19-inch wheels are optional. There are many different wheel designs available too. The optional M Sport package turns the X3 into an accent firmly on the sport. Not only does it come with a sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, but it also has its own bespoke body kit. The rear has a typical BMW design. The taillights are LED and adaptive while the lower fascia gets chrome-tipped dual exhausts. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has a wide wheelbase among its rivals that helps to offer better stability and deliver a comfortable ride. The Volvo XC60 sits 11.1 inches higher than the X3 but bear in mind that it's not an off-roader. Although, it can be driven on rough terrains without any issue. The overall dimensions of the Audi Q5 are almost the same as the X3. 

2017 BMW X3 Exterior Features

Some cool exterior features of the BMW X3 are:

• HID headlights
• LED front fog lamps
• Adaptive LED taillights
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• Metallic grille with chrome surround
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Black window trim
• 18-inch alloy wheels

The 2017 BMW X3 has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA- MotorTrend

A perfect 5 stars were given to the BMW X3 by NHTSA for its crashworthiness. On the other hand, IIHS gave 'Good' ratings in some crash tests, a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention, and the second-lowest 'Marginal' rating for the headlights. These ratings prove that the X3 is a safe vehicle. 

No advance driver-assist features are standard in the X3. Therefore, you need to upgrade to Driving and Driving Plus packages to get some of the top safety features. Moreover, a suite of six airbags is provided to protect the passengers from injuries. Some of the safety features include:

• Rearview Camera
• 360-degree Parking Camera
• Forward Collision Warning
• Brake Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Warning & Collision Mitigation
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Active Driving Assistant
• Lane Departure Warning
• Park Distance Control

2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is slightly cheaper than the X3. Their power levels are the same and yet, the GLC-Class' performance is better thanks to its low curb weight. Its towing capacity and fuel ratings are more or less the same as the X3. Its cabin is luxurious and spacious but one of the main differences is cargo capacity. The GLC-Class offers nearly 6 cu-ft. less than the X3. It also excels in terms of safety as it earned top safety ratings. 

2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Audi Q5

Similarly priced as the X3, the Audi Q5 makes 20 horses less, and therefore, its performance stats are not impressive. Moreover, this engine sucks more fuel, leading to poor fuel ratings. The Q5's cabin offers decent space levels but loses points due to its practicality. But what's impressive is its 4,400-lb towing capacity. With regards to safety, it won the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS but packs fewer safety features than the X3. 

2017 BMW X3 vs 2017 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 houses the same engine and makes exactly the same power as the X3 but is not athletic in any form. Owing to its large fuel tank, the fuel ratings of the XC60 are better than the X3 while the towing capacity is the same. The rear-seat space offered in the XC60 is a bit less but it is the only SUV in this competition to beat the X3 in terms of cargo capacity. It is also the safest option due to its excellent ratings and safety features. 

The BMW X3 is an excellent package. It feels superb to drive as long as you choose the right options. It's easy to see the appeal of the X3 because it's classy, spacious and the infotainment system is one of the best around. It does have a few foibles but if you are in the market for an upmarket SUV, it definitely deserves to be on your shortlist.