2019 BMW X3

What Is the 2019 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is a five-seat compact luxury SUV. It’s offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, and power comes from a standard 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 355-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A new X3 M version debuts for the 2020 model year. X3 competitors include the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5.

What’s New on the 2019 BMW X3?

A new rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i trim level joins the lineup, powered by the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s in the all-wheel-drive xDrive30i trim. New standard active safety features include forward collision warning with daytime pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Front and rear parking sensors are also now standard.

What Features in the 2019 BMW X3 Are Most Important?

The X3’s newly standard active safety features are a welcome addition. Available Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity makes using iPhone apps easier and safer, but we don’t like how BMW makes the feature a subscription service – a free one-year trial is included – rather than a feature good for the life of the car. Options include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, navigation, a panoramic moonroof, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a Harman Kardon premium stereo, a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system.

Should I Buy the 2019 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 rides well and has a refined base four-cylinder engine, but it suffers from numb steering and modest cargo room. New standard features have improved its value proposition, though not to the degree of some of its own stablemates; we’d recommend taking a look at the less expensive X1, too, if you’re considering an X3.