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2020 BMW X3

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$41,950

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

27

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

185.9” x 66”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(51 reviews)

The good:

  • Ride quality
  • Refined four-cylinder engine
  • Front-seat comfort
  • Apple CarPlay integration
  • Many ways to customize

The bad:

  • Backseat comfort
  • Numb steering
  • Modest cargo room
  • No Android Auto
  • Not much nicer than the X1

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 BMW X3 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2025

Notable features

  • Five-seat compact luxury SUV
  • Choice of turbocharged engines
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive
  • Lane-centering steering available
  • New high-performance X3 M available

2020 BMW X3 review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 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 382-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. X3 competitors include the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5.

What’s New on the 2020 BMW X3?

LED headlights with cornering lights, navigation and a digital instrument cluster are now standard. A new high-performance X3 M also joins the lineup.

What Features in the 2020 BMW X3 Are Most Important?

Standard active safety features include forward collision warning with daytime pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity makes using iPhone apps easier and safer. Options include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 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 2020 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. The 2020 X3’s new standard features are welcome, but if you’re considering an X3, we’d recommend taking a look at BMW’s less expensive X1, too.

Consumer reviews

(51 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.9
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.9
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Nice Car with Strange Controls

The main issue I've had with this car is learning its vast number of controls, some of which are in strange places (such as at the end of the directional signal stalk) and are not clearly marked. The gearshift, for example, is counter-intuitive, and is moved backwards to go forwards, and vice versa-unlike most cars, it doesn't really move and fit into a slot for the appropriate gear. For no fathomable reason, the rear view camera stays on when you then drive forward. The warning system, for a car crossing or a person crossing, is unreliable; for example, if you have the car in reverse, the car hasn't moved yet, but a person walks behind the car, the warning signal does not sound--it only sounds if the car is already moving in reverse (if the pedestrian was walking right behind the car, you already hit him or her). There are also other "features" that make no sense. On the other hand, the car is fun to drive, reasonably powerful, attractive (I think--my wife disagrees), comfortable (except that one feels remarkably many bumps in the road), and quiet.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
25 people out of 29 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Reliable

Love the X3! Comfortable and pretty good on gas.., smoot ride and so far been great with commuting. Will most likely purchase the x5 for a little more space for traveling.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Sporty car

Meets my needs it is sporty, fast and comfortable and fun to drive. It handles well, the suspension is firm, it adjusts with the settings one chooses.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 51 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2020 BMW X3 base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
17.2%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by BMW
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new car warranty
Powertrain
N/A
Dealer certification required
196-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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Latest 2020 X3 stories

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