2022 BMW X3

The 2022 BMW X3 is an SUV with wide appeal. It offers numerous powertrain options with various degrees of performance and efficiency. Plus, there’s even the X4 if you wanted a different body style in exchange for less utility and more money out of your wallet. And while the X3 may be the most mainstream of all BMW models — it’s the company’s best-seller in the United States — that doesn’t mean it strays too far from the pursuit of the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” We prefer the Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio when it comes to the pure driving experience, but BMW isn’t terribly far behind. Even the basic xDrive30i model exhibits fun driving characteristics while maintaining a certain level of driving ease and comfort. Those wanting everything BMW performance has to offer can dial up the X3 M Competition with its 503 ponies and track-ready chassis, and there’s even the middle-of-the-road high-performance choice with the M40i and its smooth inline-six. Updates made for 2022 make the X3 far more competitive with the tech-laden competition, and its styling is still fully agreeable to our eyes. There are few standout features, meaning it falls just short of being one of our favorite compact crossovers, but you'd still be smart to check it out. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? In short, there’s a lot new for 2022. BMW treated the X3 to a mid-cycle refresh this year, which includes changes to the styling, interior, tech and even powertrains. Exterior changes include a new, bigger kidney grille, slimmer headlights and a new front bumper design. The rear taillights are much more distinctive with a shape resembling that of cooking tongs. BMW styled up new exhaust exit trim and is offering new wheel options, one of them being a special 19-inch aero wheel that is more aerodynamic and 15% lighter than the standard cast-aluminum wheels. The X3 M adds a new front bumper with larger openings, with the lower area resembling the lower bumper design seen on the new M3. The interior gains a larger infotainment system display (now 10.3 inches standard with optional 12.3-inch screen), and the center stack’s climate and radio controls panel is updated to resemble that of BMW's more recently redesigned models. The console below has also been redesigned and features a new gear selector, button layout and iDrive rotary controller — it’s the same as you’ll see in the 3 Series. The standard instrument cluster is still partially analog and partially digital, but you can option up to the all-digital 12.3-inch cluster. Other tech updates include an expanded driver assistance suite, updated iDrive 7 and greater use of ambient lighting throughout the interior. Perhaps most noticeable of all, BMW has added a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to its X3 M40i model, but we’ll get into more detail there when we discuss powertrains. …
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