Major Options / Build: Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Backup Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Parking Sensors, Premium Package, M Sport Package

Additional Description: From Edmunds: A seven-year life cycle is an eternity in car years, especially when the vehicle in question is a member of the very popular luxury compact crossover class. But even with a new version arriving for 2018, the 2017 BMW X3 still holds its own against newer rivals. Much of that is because of a comprehensive refresh in 2015, which updated the X3's exterior and interior styling, among other enhancements. This year's revisions to the iDrive infotainment system and new standard features to the xDrive35i trim only add to its 've always considered the X3 one of the top choices in the segment, and the 2017 model is no different. In terms of the rear seat and cargo area, the X3 boasts one of the roomiest interiors in the class. That's massively important if you have visions of taking your friends camping for the weekend and don't want to upgrade to the larger (and more expensive) X5. That recent refresh also means all the latest and greatest tech and safety toys are on the options list, from a 360-degree camera to adaptive cruise control and a head-up the downside, the X3 is more expensive than most in this class. A rearview camera, which comes standard on nearly every economy car these days, is an optional extra. If you can stomach the high price tag, the 2017 BMW X3 remains a class leader amid an array of newer BMW X3 modelsThe 2017 BMW X3 is offered in four trim levels: sDrive28i, xDrive28i, xDrive28d and xDrive35i. These trims are primarily differentiated by their powertrains, rather than their features. The sDrive28i (rear-wheel drive) and xDrive28i (all-wheel drive) are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, while the xDrive28d uses a diesel. All three of these cost roughly the same. The xDrive35i is driven by a significantly more powerful turbo six-cylinder engine, but it's much pricier. This is partially because it includes the Premium package, which is optional on the the hood of the sDrive28i and xDrive28i is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque), while the xDrive28d uses a diesel engine of the same displacement (180 hp, 280 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic is standard across the from their powertrains, the sDrive28i, xDrive28i and xDrive28d are equipped equally. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, LED foglights, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver-seat memory functions, SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ambient lighting, Bluetooth, the iDrive electronics interface, and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.A Premium package is available for these trims, adding keyless ignition and entry, front seat power lumbar adjustment, a panoramic sunroof and satellite radio. This package is standard on the xDrive35i, along with the six-cylinder engine (300 hp, 300 lb-ft), adaptive xenon headlights and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (available on the other models as a stand-alone option).The optional Technology package gets you a head-up display, a navigation system (includes a larger central iDrive screen and an upgraded controller that accepts handwritten inputs), an enhanced driver information display in the gauge cluster, smartphone app integration and BMW Remote Dynamic Handling package adds a driver-adjustable suspension, variable-ratio steering and an enhanced version of the all-wheel-drive system (sDrive28i excluded). The M Sport package features 19-inch wheels, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, an enhanced body kit, sport front seats, special interior trim and a sport steering wheel. Also, all trims except the xDrive28d get an eight-speed sport transmission with shift paddles, while the xDrive28d gets the shift paddles minus the transmission upgrade.A Driver Assistance package is also offered that bundles front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, while the Driver Assistance Plus package throws in a surround-view camera system, an active blind-spot monitor, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, and a lane departure warning system. Adaptive cruise control is available with the Driver Assistance Plus package at additional cost. The Lighting package adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams to the xDrive35i, while the lesser trims get xenon headlights included, or LED headlights for an extra of the above items (e.g., the panoramic sunroof and the navigation system) are available as stand-alone options, and the xDrive35i's Harman Kardon audio system is optional on other X3 models. You may also encounter X3 models with an optional Mobile Assistance package that combines certain features from the Premium, Cold Weather and Technology testedEach vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 BMW X3 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD). X3's performance is good by universal measures, but it doesn't stack up favorably compared to newer rivals. Its turbocharged six remains plenty powerful, but it belongs to an outgoing engine generation that isn't ideally matched to the transmission. The steering is the biggest X3 complies when you want to move, needing only 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. But among the newest crop of luxury compact SUVs, it is about middle of the pack. Shifts are crisp and rapid at full throttle, and the 300-horsepower engine pulls hard from low speeds, happily revving to 7,000 stopping distance at 119 feet from 60 mph is comparable to others in the class with all-season tires. We witnessed minimal, if any, instability at maximum braking, though we felt the brake pedal required a little more pressure than X3's steering is light and direct, but feedback is minimal and the assist feels unnatural because it doesn't readily return to center. This creates a vague on-center feel and requires more effort to maintain a smooth arc through any road with a degree of bend. An odd shortfall for the dynamic handling options, this X3 isn't as adept at tackling curves as we were expecting. It can still be driven with moderate enthusiasm and retain its composure, but with its all-season run-flat tires, this BMW SUV leans more "utility" than "sport." response is a bit touchy even in Comfort mode, and there's a short delay before the turbos kick in. This delay is exacerbated when the automatic engine stop-start is on. The eight-speed transmission feels overly shifty when you aren't accelerating hard and isn't as smooth as in other X3 is a mixed bag when it comes to comfort. The climate control system operates well, and the cabin does a good job of insulating against wind and road noise. But its busy ride quality is a real front seat cushions feel a little flat and firm, and there isn't much lateral support for the upper torso or thighs. But the dense padding on the armrest is welcome, and the material is comfortable. The rear seats sit closer to the floor and may compromise comfort for long-legged we wouldn't classify the X3 as stiff-riding, it is busy, likely because of the unyielding sidewalls of its run-flat tires. Small undulations and road imperfections reach occupants, but larger bumps are decently dispatched. The optional adjustable dampers may & X3 is no longer the quietest in the segment; that honor goes to the Mercedes-Benz GLC. But its cruising noise level is still excellent, and it isolates its occupants effectively from tire and wind noise. The interior is also entirely free of squeaks and dual-zone climate controls are prominent, making them easy to comprehend and adjust. There is plenty of heating and cooling capacity, and the auto temperature settings maintain a comfortable cabin environment. Seat heaters get toasty very X3 scores well when it comes to accommodating drivers of all sizes and making it easy to climb in and out. There's a good amount of room available front and rear, though some could find the lower height of the rear bench off-putting. The new iDrive system is a step of to the previous system, BMW's latest iDrive menu interface is less intuitive. The multifunctional rotary knob controls are fundamentally still good, but we had difficulty locating things such as the driver assist functions, which are accessed throAir filtration: active charcoal, Front air conditioning: automatic climate control, Front air conditioning zones: dual, Rear vents: second row, Airbag deactivation: occupant sensing passenger, Front airbags: dual, Knee airbags: driver, Side airbags: front, Side curtain airbags: front / rear, Side-curtain airbag rollover sensor, Antenna type: diversity / mast, Auxiliary audio input: Bluetooth / USB / iPod/iPhone / jack, Digital Sound Processing, In-Dash CD: MP3 Playback / single disc, Premium brand: harman/kardon, Radio: AM/FM / HD radio, Radio data system, Satellite radio: SiriusXM, Speed sensitive volume control, Subwoofer: 2, Surround sound: 5.1, Total speakers: 14, Watts: 600, ABS: 4-wheel, Brake drying, Braking assist, Electronic brakeforce distribution, Electronic parking brake: auto off, Emergency braking preparation, Front brake diameter: 12.9, Front brake type: ventilated disc, Power brakes, Rear brake diameter: 13.0, Rear brake type: ventilated disc, Regenerative braking system, Armrests: rear center with cupholders / rear folding, Center console trim: leatherette / wood, Dash trim: leatherette / wood, Door trim: leatherette / wood, Floor mat material: carpet, Floor material: carpet, Floor mats: front / rear, Interior accents: chrome / woodgrain, Shift knob trim: alloy, Steering wheel trim: leather, Ambient lighting, Assist handle: front / rear, Cargo area light, Center console: front console with armrest and storage / illuminated, Courtesy lights: door, Cruise control, Cupholders: front / rear, Footwell lights, Memorized settings: 2 driver / audio system / climate control / driver seat / side mirrors, Multi-function remote: panic alarm / proximity entry system / trunk release / vehicle and key memory, One-touch windows: 4, Power outlet(s): 12V cargo area / 12V front, Power steering: variable/speed-proportional, Power windows: lockout button, Push-button start, Reading lights: front / rear, Rearview mirror: auto-dimming, Retained accessory power, Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic, Steering wheel mounted controls: audio / cruise control / multi-function / phone, Storage: accessory hook / cargo net / cargo tie-down anchors and hooks / door pockets / front seatback, Touch-sensitive controls, Universal remote transmitter: garage door opener, Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating, Liftgate window: fixed, Rear door type: power liftgate / sensor-activated, 4WD type: full time, Axle ratio: 3.39, Center differential: mechanical, Drive mode selector, Alternator: 210 amps, Auto start/stop, Battery: maintenance-free, Battery saver, Door handle color: body-color, Exhaust: dual tip, Exhaust tip color: chrome, Front bumper color: body-color, Grille color: chrome surround / metallic, Mirror color: body-color, Rear bumper color: body-color, Rear spoiler: roofline, Rear spoiler color: body-color, Window trim: black, Clock, Digital odometer, Driver information system, External temperature display, Fuel economy display: MPG, Gauge: tachometer, Multi-function display, Trip computer, Trip odometer, Warnings and reminders: lamp failure / low fuel / engine oil / coolant / maintenance due / tire fill alert, Daytime running lights, Front fog lights: LED, Headlights: HID/Xenon / auto delay off / auto on/off / cornering / self-leveling / wiper activated, Taillights: LED / adaptive, Side mirror adjustments: power / power folding, Side mirrors: driver side auto-dimming / heated / integrated turn signals, Moonroof / Sunroof: anti-trapping / one-touch open/close / power panoramic / power sunshade / tilt/slide, Moonroof / Sunroof wind deflector, Roof rails, Roof rails color: aluminum, Active head restraints: dual front, Body side reinforcements: side impact door beams, Child safety door locks, Child seat anchors: LATCH system, Crumple zones: front, Energy absorbing steering column, Impact sensor: alert system / battery disconnect / door unlock / fuel cut-off / post-collision safety system, Emergency locking retractors: front / rear, Front seatbelts: 3-