2018 BMW X3

Like its exterior design, even the trim hierarchy of the BMW X3 is all-new for 2018. The compact SUV is now available in two trim options, namely the xDrive40i and the M40i, ditching the three-option structure available previously. Both these trims are technologically advanced and come with a standard all-wheel-drivetrain, but they host different engine units under their hoods. While the base trim, which starts a little over $42,500, is specifically built for pleasurable driving, the M40i is for those who long a higher level of performance.

In terms of feature load, the BMW X3 is not the best option available in the segment today, as most of the features are optional and need to be accessed through packages. However, once equipped with a definitive package, the X3’s utility and feasibility improve manifold. There are a total of three package options that can be availed with both the trim levels, which include the Driver Assistance Package, Driver Assistance Plus Package, and the Parking Package, and the kind of features they add are self-explanatory by their monikers.

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Both trims of the BMW X3 are highly potent and the final buying decision would depend on the kind of utility that the buyers aim at drawing out of their luxury SUV. While both options are highly qualified and the decision is purely subjective, we recommend opting for the Driver Assistance Plus package to make the trims all the more comprehensive. This package adds a lane-departure warning system, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise amongst other features, and costs an additional $1,700.

The BMW X3 is fairly efficient, but this statement is only applicable to the base xDrive40i variant of the SUV. In the standard avatar, the X3 manages to average mileage of 22 and 29 MPG in the city and on the highway, respectively. On the other hand, the M40i trim manages a couple of notches lower in similar conditions. It comes with a standard 17.2-gallon fuel tank that is the least voluminous in the segment and manages a combined range of over 400 miles, in either of its trim levels.

In comparison, the 2018 Audi Q5 is the only SUV in the segment that can match the prowess of the BMW in terms of efficiency. It manages a combined mileage of 25 MPG, however, it does come with a bigger fuel tank of 18.5-gallons that allows it to manage 500 miles on the highway. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class and Volvo XC60 remain a notch below than the competitors, but the latter does have the largest tank in the segment and consequently, it averages the highest range on the highway of 526 miles.

One glance at the X3’s interior and over its competitors, buying the BMW seems to be a cinch. The cabin of the X3 is and will continue to be revered for its unmatched refinement and the highest level of luxury. While the setup is somewhat similar to the outgoing model, by using better materials, introducing leatherette upholstery, and adorning the cabin with gloss materials through the central console and wooden inlays on the dashboard, BMW has set standards of design for the rivals to live up to.

But amidst all of its flamboyance, the X3 does not forego practicality. Its cabin is commodious in its build and a family of five will never have issues for additional space. However, with lower legroom at its disposal for the rear seat occupants, taller passengers might feel that their movement has been restricted, but the X3 never really seems to disappoint. At the front, it is a different story altogether. The driver and passenger seats are highly supportive and come with power-adjustability for greater autonomy. They are placed in a commanding position and outward visibility is also not an issue. To add to its likability, the X3 also sports the largest cargo bay in the segment, and at 28.7 cu.-ft of space, the SUV can easily accommodate your luggage and golf kit on a weekend getaway.

Like the BMW X3, both the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 have also been redesigned in 2018. While the former focuses on simplicity, Volvo’s latest design ideology on the inside is to make its display screen the center of attraction. But what remains common between both these vehicles is that they lead the segment in terms of overall passenger space. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class replicates the ideas of its German counterparts. It is undeniably luxurious and unquestionably capacious; however, all the contemporaries of the BMW failed to compete with it in terms of cargo capacity, with the XC60 lurking at the bottom of the table with a total boot space of 17.8 cubic feet.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• 8-way power driver and passenger seats with height adjustability
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Interior Air Filtration
• Tri-zone climate control
• Electrochromic Rearview Mirror

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2018 BMW X3?

BMW’s X3 is highly modern and voguish and its contemporary nature is also visible in how its infotainment system has been curated. As is typical to all BMW vehicles, the X3 makes use of a combination of touch functionality and a console-mounted rotary knob to control its 6.5-inch touchscreen unit. It is backed by the iDrive infotainment system, which is highly intuitive and does not have a steep learning curve to it. The X3 is fairly equipped in this regard and vaunts features like Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, what does come as a surprise is that the SUV is denuded of Android Auto compatibility, a feature that is now readily available in vehicles below its class as well.

Some of the salient infotainment features include:

• 12-speaker sound system
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Apple CarPlay
• AM/FM Stereo
• USB Connection
• HD and Satellite Radio

On the outside, the X3 is all-new, yet it feels familiar. With its revised design, BMW’s compact SUV upholds an element of freshness and looks rather subtle in a segment that is swiftly transitioning towards aggressive silhouettes. It is bulbous in its build but does have muscular lines running through the entire body, which gives it a striking persona. The kidney grilles reek of familiarity and even though the head- and taillights have been redesigned, you do find some minor similarities when the SUV is directly compared with the 2017 BMW X3.

The 2018 BMW X3 is available in nine distinct shades and is highly versatile. It is the heaviest option available in the segment today and weighs almost 100 lbs over its competitors. But it is easily the largest SUV as well. The X3 is the longest in the segment at 185.9 inches and comes with a wheelbase of 112.8 inches. It is the tallest SUV in the segment and comes with a ground clearance of 8.0-inches, which is adequate as per requirements but is shorter than some of its rivals.

Since the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 have also been redesigned in 2018, they look rather fresh and new-fangled. But both these SUVs conform to the idea of striking and aggressive designs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, like the BMW, continues to be elusive, ultra-fine, and looks rather ostentatious. However, since the design is a subjective parameter, it is difficult to declare a winner purely on the basis of their appeal.

In terms of dimensions as well, all of these SUVs are rather closely matched. While the GLC Class has the longest wheelbase of 113.1 inches, it is the lightest in the segment at 4,001 lbs. On the other hand, the Volvo XC60 is the widest option in the segment and also has the highest clearance from the ground of 8.5 inches, making it a fitting option on uneven terrains.

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• Rear Spoiler
• Sun/moonroof
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Optional trailer hitch receiver
• Roof Rails
• Fog Lamps

What remains unchanged about the X3, however, is its high structural integrity and impressive safety performance. The 2018 iteration of BMW’s SUV scores an impressive overall rating of “Good” in the crash tests conducted by the IIHS and even in exclusive areas, its performance remains highly promising. Though it does score moderately when child seats and headlights are concerned, the BMW X3 manages to be recognized as the “Top Safety Pick+” for 2018. Its optional features improve its safety quotient considerably and include specifications like lane-departure warning, a blind-spot monitor, and cross-traffic alert. All of these features can be accessed through optional packages only, which do require the buyer to shell out an additional couple of thousand dollars.

Some standard safety features available with the 2018 BMW X3 include:

• Engine Immobilizer
• Pre- and Post-collision Safety System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Dusk-sensing headlamps
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Integrated turn signal mirrors

2018 BMW X3 vs 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class

The newly redesigned BMW X3 is an undisputed choice when the only other car in comparison is the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. Though both these SUVs belong to a German descend and are highly luxurious, BMW’s tryst with refinement works to its advantage. While both vehicles are equally matched in terms of straight-line performance, the X3 gains ascendancy when deceleration and fuel efficiency are concerned. Additionally, the X3 has larger cargo space to its name, which makes it the more practical option of the two.

2018 BMW X3 vs 2018 Volvo XC60

Being the only Swedish competitor in comparison here, the Volvo XC60 is truly a breath of fresh air. Despite being gimmicky, the XC60 builds a reputation of being a family hauler that has ample space, is easy to drive, and comes with a bevy of standard features. But when pitted directly against the BMW X3, it does lose some ground. The X3 is better than the XC60 when acceleration and driving dynamics are concerned. While they manage to compete neck-and-neck in all other aspects, BMW steals the show with its proven reliability and high safety scores. So, even with a higher price tag, we feel that the X3 is the better option amongst the two.

2018 BMW X3 vs 2018 Audi Q5

If individual aspects of comparison are observed independently, the Audi Q5 is easily an uncontested choice in the market. Compared to all of its competitors, the Q5 is the quickest option available in the segment and vaunts highly sophisticated driving dynamics and precise deceleration capabilities, which make the SUV a delight to drive. It also holds the fort in terms of efficiency and having been recently redesigned, Audi’s most revered product looks striking both on the inside and outside. While all of this easily convinces us in favor of the Q5, its low-reliability ratings work antithetical to its cause. So, if you wish to compromise on reliability, the Audi Q5 could be your calling, but for us, the BMW X3 is the better option.

The BMW X3 is one option in the compact luxury SUV segment on which we would like to hedge our bets. It is an all-embracing choice that caters to a large market segment and its likability is evident in the volume of sales it generates. While the BMW X3 has had its fair share of problems in the past, the new-generation model promises to be an improvement over the predecessor. Though costlier than its rivals, the X3’s catchy design, unforgettable safety scores, and high predicted reliability allow it to rank highly on our priority list.