2020 BMW X3

The 2020 BMW X3 is offered in four trims sDrive30i, xDrive30e, M40i, and X3 M. For this review we will talk about the base X3 i.e. sDrive30i while the rest of the other trims have been covered by us separately so don't forget to check them out. The sDrive30i trim is RWD as standard while the AWD version of the same goes by xDrive30i name. Both of them are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The sDrive30i trim starts at $41,950 while the xDrive30i trim starts at $43,950 thus requiring you to shell out an extra $2,000 to get the AWD variant. Being the only trim available, there is no dearth of features in the X3, however, it lacks the exclusivity in its cabin build compared to its competitors. That said, for key standard features refer to the table below.

Apart from the standard features, there are a couple of optional packages to further spice up your X3. A Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Plus package gets you a range of advanced driver-assist features while the Convenience package can be had to add a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, etc. Other than that if you don't have the money to go for the top-of-the-line X3 M then you can equip the regular X3 with the M Sport Package to get M car-specific cosmetic enhancements. While the Dynamic handling package beefs up the regular X3's dynamics by adding upgraded brakes and steering wheel along with adaptive suspension dampers.

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Except for the drivetrain, there isn't much choice for the regular X3. Thus if you want to go for the X3 we suggest adding the Dynamic handling package and Driving Assistance package to beef up the X3 and make it more fun-to-drive.

The 2020 BMW X3 powered by the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine has an EPA estimated gas mileage of 25 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. While going for the xDrive30i or AWD variant sees a dip of 1 mpg in the city gas mileage only. It comes with a 17.2-gallon fuel tank that allows for a maximum range of up to 430 miles in the city and 499 miles on the highway when filled up to the brim.

The bigger fuel tank in the Volvo allows for a better overall range, while BMW X3 is the most fuel-efficient of them all. All three competitors have a similar efficiency of 24 mpg under mixed driving conditions. While on the highway the GLC 300 and XC60 match the gas mileage of the X3 but due to lower gas mileage in the city both the SUVs return lower gas mileage under mixed driving conditions.

There is not much to talk about the cabin design of the 2020 BMW X3 as it is as usual simple and elegant looking. The dash design is simple and crisp with premium materials used all around the cabin, from the dash to the seats every bit of the cabin is draped in premium leather upholstery and soft-touch material. The infotainment system of the 2020 BMW X3 has a 6.5-inch touchscreen which comes with a 12-speaker sound system. Moreover, BMW’s iDrive 6.0 system comes with built-in navigation and voice command. There's Live Cockpit Plus as a standard feature in the X3 and the only drawback that remains in the infotainment system is that it still misses out on Android Auto while wireless Apple CarPlay is standard.

There is no lack of space inside the cabin and the X3 proves to be one of the roomiest crossovers. Whether seated in the front or in the rear, the occupants would be in the utmost comfort, and while the front seats come with power adjustability, the rear seats come with a recline function which further increases comfort. The rear seats would be more comfortable for two passengers while three would be a tight fit and will be uncomfortable for long journeys.

Like its cabin space, the cargo capacity of the 2020 BMW X3 is also one of the largest in the segment. Behind the rear seats, there are 28.7 cubic feet of available space, and with the rear seat folded, trunk volume increases considerably to 62.7 cubic feet. While beneath the cargo floor there is small storage space given to store smaller items. 

The 2020 Volvo XC60 has the biggest trunk of 29.7 cubic feet and the most spacious cabin. BMW also has a big trunk and ample space in the front and rear with better headroom on offer than the Volvo. All the SUVs have almost identical space inside the cabin, while Mercedes-Benz has the least amount of headroom on offer in both the rows although the seat comfort and overall cabin quality stay true to the German standards. The Q5 on the other hand offers the best head and shoulder room in both rows but bows out to the XC60 when it comes to legroom on offer.

Interior Features:

• Tri Zone-automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• Stimulated leather upholstery
• 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment and memory functions
• Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
• Available 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Available 16-speaker Harman & Kardon sound system

The redesign made to the X3 in 2018 gave it a funky yet sporty look and the kidney grille on this one remains of acceptable size, which means that it does nothing to hamper the front look of the X3 and keeps the design subtle. A sporty rear spoiler is standard across all the trims, while a chrome rear exhaust tip and chrome grille are also standard. Despite being a compact crossover, the exterior design reeks of luxury, and the subtle lines and creases that run through the body, make the BMW an eye-candy.

Dimension wise the X3 is also second to none measuring 185.9-inches in length and offering 112.8-inches between the wheels. While the X3 isn't marketed as an SUV instead BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle which nevertheless warrants a towering 66-inches of height with an 8-inch ground clearance both enough to lend it a tall stance and ability to clear off moderate off-road trails with ease.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has the longest wheelbase of 113.1 inches, making it roomier on the inside, yet the small length takes away significant cargo space. The BMW X3 is the longest option on offer with a total length of 185.9 inches and is also the tallest with 66-inches of height. That said, the GLC 300 is the lightest at 3,889 lbs while the XC60 is the heaviest weighing just over 4,100 lbs. 

Exterior Features:

• LED turn indicators on ORVM
• LED headlights w/ cornering function
• LED foglights
• Power liftgate
• 18-inch alloy wheel
• Available sunroof

The 2020 BMW X3 got excellent safety scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS making it one of the safest compact crossovers on the road today. The NHTSA gave the X3 a full five out of five stars for the crash test while IIHS gave the top title that is ‘Top Safety Pick +’ to the X3 as it scored the top rating in all the tests that were conducted on it. All this was possible because BMW has included a lot of safety and driver-assist features as standard while the advanced driver-assist features are bundled with the driver-assist packages as an optional extra.

Safety Features:

• Rearview camera
• Fatigue and focus alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning w/ automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection system
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available lane keep assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring

2020 BMW X3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class

Practically speaking there is not much to differentiate these two. Both are from German manufacturers and they did a lot to keep their particular vehicles perfect in every term. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has slightly better ride quality, apart from that both the SUVs come at almost the same price, offer the same features, and perform identically.

The GLC-Class also shares the same capacity engine but produces more power and torque which does help it outperforms the X3 in acceleration trimmings but then it loses out to the X3 in terms of gas mileage. Thus between the two, it is more of a personal preference over the car's individual merit.

2020 BMW X3 vs 2020 Audi Q5

If you are on a tight budget then surely the BMW X3 has a lot more on offer at a lesser price, whereas if you are willing to spend a few extra grand then the Audi Q5 would be a better choice as it has a better cabin and more features for the extra money you spend on it.

The legendary Quattro AWD is standard and the Q5 is an overall well-rounded package. Just like the GLC-Class it is also quicker than the X3 in acceleration timings but loses to the X3 in the gas mileage comparison. Thus either you can save your money and buy an X3 or you can spend some extra dollars to enjoy the Q5 with a full-time Quattro AWD.

2020 BMW X3 vs 2020 Volvo XC60

Volvo is known for its minimalistic design and elegant style. This can be seen in the 2020 Volvo XC60 as well, and while on one hand, the design is good, the infotainment system in the Volvo could learn a little bit from the BMW’s as it is more high-tech and advanced than the plebian unit found on the Volvo.

Other than that the XC60 offers phenomenal power and torque figures with almost similar acceleration timings as the X3. Coupled that with the spacious cabin and big cargo space also makes it a very practical and luxurious ride. The X3, on the other hand, offers these perks but when compared to the XC60 it remains second in most of the comparisons. 

The 2020 BMW X3 is one of the most fun to drive and value for money compact SUVs in the segment as it not only has the signature driving experience that every BMW offers, it offers a luxurious cabin, an advanced infotainment tech, and an engine that strikes a fine balance between power and efficiency. Thus it is safe to say that the 2020 BMW X3 is a near-perfect choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.