In the portfolio of the Bavarian carmaker, the 2024 BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that sits between the X1 and X5. It has five seats and carefully balances sportiness, comfort, and practicality.
It’s likely that you’ll enjoy the X3 if you appreciate the interior styling and technological capabilities of your 3 Series sedan but require greater capacity for road trips. The BMW X3 underwent a makeover in 2022, and the SUV remains largely unchanged in 2024.
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Overview
The base model has a 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the sportier M40i has a 382-horsepower turbo inline-six. Both offer smooth power, but the inline-six is more enjoyable due to its smooth running and extra muscle.
The 2024 BMW X3’s design is just opulent enough to distinguish it as a luxury SUV without using overt decorations. With a clean appearance and cleverly integrated technology, its interior design complements its exterior design perfectly.
Rivals like the Volvo XC60 or the Genesis GV70 may appeal to those looking for more designer clothing. Even with its more somber design, the X3’s emphasis on driving enthusiasm is something we can support.
Rear legroom, which continues to be a crucial factor in the premium family car arms race, will be the focus of a larger 2024 BMW X3. However, an even longer ‘L’ model will probably be made available in China, where having a roomy second row is seen as a sign of social standing.
An increase in baggage capacity will likely also play a role; the new-generation Mercedes GLC’s 620-liter boot easily surpasses the 550-liter capacity of the current 2024 BMW X3.
What has changed for 2024?
BMW made no changes to its well-liked X3 SUV for the 2024 model year, presumably content with the well-rounded package it already offers.
2024 BMW X3: Performance, Transmission, and the Engine
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i have a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, which gives them enough power to easily maneuver through practically any traffic situation but isn’t very thrilling.
We haven’t tested a sDrive30i model, but the xDrive 30i needed 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph on our test track. In our tests, the Audi Q5 and the Porsche Macan S are both faster by a significant margin. The X3 M40i will be far more appealing to those looking for a performance-focused crossover.
2024 BMW X3: Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
The X3 only ranks in the middle of its competitors when compared to their EPA ratings. However, in our actual testing, the xDrive30i and M40i, both of our test vehicles, surpassed their efficiency predictions. There isn’t much of a highway fuel-economy cost for all that extra power, as evidenced by the higher-powered M40i’s startling close comparison to the four-cylinder xDrive30i (29 mpg).
2024 BMW X3: Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior
Before you select a single option, the 2024 BMW X3’s attractive interior is well-equipped; the front seats’ 10-way power adjustments, which include movable side bolsters, make it simple to find a comfortable position. All seats have supportive padding that is enough for long journeys, and the backs of the back seats recline.
The remainder of the 2024 BMW X3’s cabin is attractive and expertly constructed, with carefully chosen materials and few panel gaps. Despite being made of plastic, the glossy woodgrain trim on our test car looked and felt authentic. The stitched faux leather door panels and dash offer an added touch of opulence.
The front seats provide the support and comfort required for extended periods behind the wheel. The extensive range of adjustability guarantees a satisfactory fit for the majority of people.
Because of the strong level of control, hits are felt but don’t cause your head to bounce around or reverberate throughout the cabin.
The 2024 BMW X3’s cabin is roomy and thoughtfully laid out. The majority of controls are simple to comprehend. The enormous doors create enormous apertures, and the sills are low enough that you don’t need to step up to enter the cabin.
The ability to modify the driver’s seat and steering wheel ensures that all of the instrumentation is clearly visible. Even tall people have enough foot and leg room, and there is enough headroom for every passenger.
There is a good view of the outside no matter where you look, thanks to the huge windows provided by the towering roof. The rear headrests are cleverly designed to be short, so they won’t obstruct your view in the rearview mirror.
Lane changes are safe and simple thanks to the wide side mirrors and the optional blind-spot alert.
2024 BMW X3: Connectivity and Information
Everything a modern luxury car’s infotainment system should offer is provided with the iDrive interface from BMW. As a standard feature, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with in-dash navigation, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto are offered.
The 12.3-inch infotainment display update is optional. Only Bluetooth phone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and one USB port are offered as standard infotainment features; those who want to charge two devices at once can purchase an additional USB port and a wireless smartphone charging pad as options.
Summary
The 2024 BMW X3 conveys driving excitement despite being a small SUV through its steering, handling, and engine sound. Compared to some other vehicles in the segment, these features make it a little more enjoyable to slither up a mountain road or barrel through a motorway on-ramp. It’s a good thing that the 2024 BMW X3 has an easily recognizable shape that resembles a smaller X5.
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