28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i sDrive 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
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Find all cars near me?35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Overall Rating
The X3 has a range of engines, starting from the turbocharged inline-4 2.0L diesel motor added for 2015. The 240 horsepower 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged motor in the 28i models will be a hit amongst buyers.
Redesigned from the scratch, the 2015 BMW X3 is a phenomenon in its powertrain featuring 240 hp 2.0L Turbo I-4, 300 hp 3.0L Turbo I-6, and 180 hp 2.0L Turbo I-4 Diesel engines all at once. Being an investment of a bare minimum of $39,495, it comes in 4 trims namely xDrive 28i, xDrive 35i, xDrive 28d, and sDrive 28i where each one of them has that opulent luxurious interior as inherent.
In addition to that premium accent, the BMW X3 carries over 60 cu-ft of cargo volume and can have a payload of 910 lbs that reinforces its overall outlook. Available only in AWD, this mid-size luxury SUV has to compete against the emblems such as the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Alongside that, one can even crave the BMW X5 that is relatively more powerful but costs over $54,000 at the least.Â
Though the inline-6 motor on the xDrive35i pushes the SUV to provide impressive performance for the segment, it does make a small compromise in the fuel economy. Considering that the sDrive28i is offered in RWD as standard can help you save a lot more fuel. As such, the lowest trim is our recommendation.
35i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28d xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28i xDrive 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The X3 has a range of engines, starting from the turbocharged inline-4 2.0L diesel motor added for 2015. The 240 horsepower 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged motor in the 28i models will be a hit amongst buyers.
Redesigned from the scratch, the 2015 BMW X3 is a phenomenon in its powertrain featuring 240 hp 2.0L Turbo I-4, 300 hp 3.0L Turbo I-6, and 180 hp 2.0L Turbo I-4 Diesel engines all at once. Being an investment of a bare minimum of $39,495, it comes in 4 trims namely xDrive 28i, xDrive 35i, xDrive 28d, and sDrive 28i where each one of them has that opulent luxurious interior as inherent.
In addition to that premium accent, the BMW X3 carries over 60 cu-ft of cargo volume and can have a payload of 910 lbs that reinforces its overall outlook. Available only in AWD, this mid-size luxury SUV has to compete against the emblems such as the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Alongside that, one can even crave the BMW X5 that is relatively more powerful but costs over $54,000 at the least.Â
The 2015 BMW X3 has a total of 3 trims, based on engine configuration. The 28i with the inline-4 motor is the only trim that comes with a standard RWD, while AWD is available for $2,000. The 28d has a diesel motor, newly added to the lineup for 2015. Finally, the 35i has an inline-6 motor and a few interior additions.
Trim |
28i |
35i |
---|---|---|
MSRP sDrive (RWD) |
$38,500 |
N/A |
MSRP xDrive (AWD) |
$40,500 |
$45,500 |
Key Features |
18-inch wheels |
Bi-Xenon headlamps |
Rear Privacy Glass |
LED running lights |
|
Automatic headlights |
Panoramic Sunroof |
|
LED fog lights |
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Power liftgate |
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Auto-dimming mirrors |
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Cruise Control |
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Dual Zone Climate Control |
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8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory |
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SensaTec Premium Vinyl Upholstery |
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12-speaker audio system |
||
Bluetooth phone and Audio |
We Recommend
Though the inline-6 motor on the xDrive35i pushes the SUV to provide impressive performance for the segment, it does make a small compromise in the fuel economy. Considering that the sDrive28i is offered in RWD as standard can help you save a lot more fuel. As such, the lowest trim is our recommendation.
The 2015 BMW X3 has a 28i model powered by the 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged motor that makes 240 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all BMW X3s. The sDrive28i is the only car that has an RWD as standard, while the rest of every alternative is offered only with the xDrive AWD.
The xDrive28d is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 diesel motor, which makes 180 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque. The xDrive35i, on the other hand, gets a more powerful 3.0L inline-6 turbocharged motor that makes 300 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque.
Models |
BMW X3 xDrive28i |
Audi Q5 Premium Quattro |
Volvo XC60 T5 |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$38,500 |
$43,300 |
$40,195 |
Engine |
2.0L Twin-scroll Turbo inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
AWD |
`FWD |
Transmission |
8-Speed ZF automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-Speed automatic |
Power |
240 hp @ 5000 rpm |
220 hp @ 4450 rpm |
240 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Torque |
260 ft-lbs. @ 1450 rpm |
258 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm |
258 ft-lbs. @ 1500 rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
6.0 |
7.5 |
6.9 |
Quarter-mile (mph) |
14.7 |
15.8 |
14.8 |
Top Speed (mph) |
150 |
134 |
155 |
Considering the performance on paper, the BMW X3 seems the best powered of the competitors. Owing to its RWD also, it is much quicker than either the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5. The BMW also has a much smaller starting price-tag. When it comes to top speed in the competition, Volvo XC60 stands ahead of its German competitors with 155 mph.
The Twin-Power Turbocharged inline-4 engine in the xDrive28i and the sDrive28i has great performance and fuel economy. The xDrive28i returns 21 mpg in cities, 28 mpg on highways, and 24 mpg combined. The xDrive35i variant gets 19 mpg in cities, 26 mpg on highways, and 21 mpg combined.
Models |
BMW X3 xDrive28i |
Audi Q5 Premium Quattro |
Volvo XC60 T5 |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
21 |
20 |
24 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
28 |
28 |
31 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
24 |
23 |
27 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
17.7 |
19.8 |
18.5 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
372/496/425 |
396/554/455 |
444/574/500 |
The car has a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, which gives it a range of 425 combined miles on a full tank, with 372 miles in cities and 496 miles on highways. The larger fuel tank on the Audi makes it go upto 450 miles. The Volvo XC60 is the most efficient of the lot and can go as far as 500 miles on a full tank.
The interior is a familiar and well-designed place in every BMW. There are classic analog gauges, great ergonomics, and a usage centered cabin layout, with minimal stylish flair.
High-quality materials are covering almost every surface of the cabin. Front passengers have better room, while the rear legroom is generous. Along with the comfortable seats, the SUV makes for a great ride.
Models |
BMW X3 xDrive28i |
Audi Q5 Premium Quattro |
Volvo XC60 T5 |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.7/58.4/40.3 |
38.1/57.7/41.0 |
38.0/56.7/41.2 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.1/57.4/36.4 |
37.7/56.5/37.4 |
38.1/55.2/36.4 |
Cargo Space (cubic feet) |
27.6 |
29.1 |
30.8 |
The car offers great storage space with 27.6 cubic feet with all the seats up. When you push the second row down, you can fit 63.3 cubic feet of luggage. The legroom on the Audi Q5 seems much more comfortable, while the Volvo XC60 offers similar space as the BMW. Some standout interior features are:
The iDrive interface is quite easy to use and well crafted. The screen has an integrated touchpad in the center console to help with inputs. The graphics are crisp, while the processor is fast, which means you need not be distracted from the road for longer durations. Some standout infotainment features are:
The 2015 BMW X3 avoids rugged or great offroad character. It's a sporty, tall wagon and borrows everything from styling and performance from the bigger X5.
The hood has a crisp line that goes all the way around the car’s body. The car looks aggressive but is made for sedated haunts around your neighborhood.
Models |
BMW X3 xDrive28i |
Audi Q5 Premium Quattro |
Volvo XC60 T5 |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4030 |
4079 |
4041 |
Length (in.) |
183.4 |
182.6 |
182.8 |
Width (in.) |
74.1 |
74.7 |
74.4 |
Height (in.) |
66.1 |
65.2 |
67.4 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
N/A |
7.9 |
9.1 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
110.6 |
110.5 |
109.2 |
The 2015 BMW X3 has the longest wheelbase of the lot, though all cars are perfectly well-composed and are of similar weight. The big difference comes in the front when comparing the ground clearance of these SUVs, where Volvo stands the tallest to the ground at 9.1 inches. Some standout exterior features in the 2015 BMW X3 are:
The 2015 BMW X3 comes with anti-shock brakes. Stability and traction control are also standard. The AWD model also comes standard with a hill-descent control. The NHTSA has awarded the 2015 BMW X3 with a 5/5 in safety ratings. Some standout active and passive safety features include:
The BMW X3 has great space in its cabin. It also has a well outfitted and luxurious interior styling along with an easy to drive and ergonomic design. The SUV handles tremendously well and takes on highways or straights without much effort. All engines on the lineup are also exceptionally fuel-efficient and provide great mileage. Overall the car is a must-have if you are looking for a luxury crossover SUV.