2018 BMW X3 Video Review: Is It Just a More-Expensive X1?
CARS.COM — The BMW X3 is a staple of the compact luxury SUV class, and the new X3 for 2018 now better competes with the booming class of also-recently-redesigned vehicles like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. But as Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays explains in his video review, the most compelling competition might come from within BMW’s showroom itself in the 2018 X1 subcompact SUV, which isn’t so sub-sized after all.
Related: 2018 BMW X3 Review
The 2018 BMW X3 is available in X3 xDrive30i with a 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the performance-oriented six-cylinder M40i with a 355-hp, turbocharged six-cylinder. Both vehicles have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. Even though all-wheel drive is standard, the X3’s layout is rear-wheel-drive-based, as opposed to the front-wheel-drive layout of the X1, which is also only all-wheel drive but with a transverse-mounted engine like most front-wheel-drive cars.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2018 BMW X3 near you
This configuration helps open interior room, a notable strength of the BMW X1 that feels a class larger than other subcompact SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class or Audi Q3, and it’s what makes the X3-versus-X1 debate so compelling. But there’s more to consider than just interior room and rear seat space, so watch the video for a deeper comparison of the BMW SUVs.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
