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BMW X3 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 BMW X3 ranks 6 out of 7 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The X3 is an excellent performer, delivering the ride and handling you'd expect for an SUV from BMW. It offers competitive all-wheel drive performance, though some find its suspension a little too stiff and the price a bit high for its class. If you want to spend less, consider the Acura RDX.

"Powered by BMW's 260 horsepower 3-liter inline-six and engineered to have BMW's trademark handling, the BMW X3 manages to offer many key SUV characteristics, including: all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and a plenty of cargo capacity," says Left Lane News. The X3 has many high points, but it doesn't come cheap -- costing thousands more than its closest competitor. A loaded X3 can easily push against the $50,000 mark.

For 2009, the X3 takes on BMW's xDrive moniker, which was previously only used for the larger X5. It comes in only one trim level -- the xDrive 30i -- which features standard all-wheel drive. According to Autoblog, the 2010 X3 will come with more interior room and sportier performance.

• "Regardless of powertrain, the X3 is still one of the best-driving SUVs on the market, thanks to accurate steering and committed cornering responses." -- AutoWeek
• "At the base price of $38,000, the level of standard equipment feels a little skimpy. Sure, you can add options, but they get pricey, pushing X3 from reasonably expensive to a little silly. There are certainly other vehicles to consider in this class." -- About.com
• "It handles well but is too expensive and too small. Why not buy a BMW coupe instead and have more fun?" -- BusinessWeek
• "At least you'll get good bloodlines for the money." -- Automobile Magazine
• The X3 "is hard to beat for people who want BMW's heritage, looks, powertrain and packaging, but desire the flexibility a sport-utility vehicle offers, or vice versa." -- Automotive.com
• "Freshened for 2007 with new styling, a better interior, a six-speed automatic transmission, and more power, the X3 remains a sharp driver among small SUVs. It's tight inside but offers all-weather capability as well as BMW handling, and this version rides far less harshly than earlier models." -- Car and Driver

X3 Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2009 BMW X3 offers plenty of power and especially sporty handling for an SUV. "Whatever it looks like, it performs like a sports sedan, a machine with the guts to lead the pack, not follow in their fumes," says the Chicago Tribune. Reviewers especially like plentiful engine power and strong four-wheel disc brakes. Read More

X3 Exterior - 7.0 (Good)

The four-year-old X3's exterior design is beginning to show its age -- and it's a drawback for many reviewers. Still, Automotive.com says it has a "BMW-like, road-grabbing face." Read More

X3 Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

While the X3 previously lagged behind its BMW siblings regarding interior quality, most critics now praise the overall comfort, layout, and materials. BusinessWeek calls it "well-made and elegant." But critics don't recommend the optional navigation system. Read More

X3 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The federal government has not yet crash tested the X3, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2009 model a "Top Safety Pick." Automotive.com says it's "replete with safety features, both active and passive." The SUV's robust level of standard accident avoidance equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control. Read More

X3 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 BMW X3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 X3 comes with BMW's competitive four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More