2020 BMW X3

From Edmunds:   What's new New plug-in hybrid variant of the X3 18 miles of EV range before you tap into the gas engine Part of the third X3 generation introduced for 2018 Overview Quiet, spacious and engaging to drive, the BMW X3 has long been a desirable small luxury SUV. The X3 boasts an upscale interior and top-notch construction we've come to expect from BMW. Under the hood, the X3 offers the choice of two powertrains: the respectably strong four-cylinder in the s- and xDrive30i or the potent six-cylinder in the M40i.   For 2020, BMW has upgraded the M40i engine; it now makes 382 horsepower, compared to 2019's 355 hp. Joining the lineup for 2020 is the xDrive30e, which features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid system. It performs well, but it's actually thirstier than the non-hybrid unless you often make short trips and are frequently plugging it in. Also for 2020, the factory navigation system now comes bundled with the optional full digital gauge cluster (BMW's Live Cockpit), but the rest of the features carry over from the previous model year. The lack of Android Auto smartphone integration in the X3 is unfortunate, which might dissuade tech-savvy buyers. But that's pretty much where the drawbacks end. Options are plentiful, and the interior is big enough to seat adults in all the major seating positions. Overall, the 2020 BMW X3 is an impressive SUV that's easy to recommend if you're shopping in the small luxury SUV category. Though it doesn't stand out in any one category, the BMW X3 is a capable all-rounder. It's comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The cabin isn't as pretty as those of its contemporaries, but overall the X3 is a solid pick for a compact luxury SUV. Rated for you by America's best test team. Performance 7.5/10 How does the X3 drive? We tested the X3 xDrive30i. Around town, the eight-speed transmission smartly keeps the smooth 2.0-liter engine right in the heart of its power delivery. The high 6-second 0-60 mph result we recorded should be quick enough for most people. The brakes are strong for panic stops and easy to modulate in typical driving. Around turns, the X3 provides composed and enjoyable handling that's often associated with BMW. Alas, the steering is typical of a modern BMW too. It's too easy to turn the wheel in the Comfort setting, making it a little imprecise. The Sport mode provides additional heft and quickness, but there's still not a whole lot of feel coming through the wheel. Comfort 8.0/10 How comfortable is the X3? The front seats deliver the comfort and support needed for long stints at the wheel. A wide range of adjustments ensure a good fit for almost everyone. On bumpy roads, our test X3 had a fairly busy ride quality, which we partially attribute to it being outfitted with the optional Dynamic Handling package. The solid level of control means you feel impacts, but they don't reverberate through the cabin or bounce your head around. At idle, it's so silent that you'll want to check the tachometer to see if the engine is running. There's a little bit of wind noise from the driver-side window at freeway speeds. Engine noise is pronounced under moderate to hard acceleration, but it's not unpleasant. Interior 8.0/10 Hows the interior? The X3's cabin is spacious and smartly arranged. Most controls are immediately understandable. The large doors translate to big openings, and the sills are low enough so that you don't have to step up into the cabin. Various driver's seat and steering wheel adjustments ensure all instrumentation falls easily into view. There's plenty of headroom for all passengers, while foot- and legroom is adequate for even tall passengers. A tall roof means large windows all around, so there's a good view outside no matter where you look. Cleverly, the rear headrests are short so they don't cut into your view through the rearview mirror. The large side mirrors and optional blind-spot monitoring make lane changes safe and easy