There's a lot of competition in the compact luxury crossover segment. Giants like BMW are slugging it out with Audi, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Lexus, etc. Inside BMW's arsenal is the BMW X3, which has been around for almost two decades and has become a strong contender in the segment. The 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i we're reviewing in this article impresses on several fronts for performance, luxury, features, etc. The sDrive30i trim offers a rear-wheel-drive setup, which provides excellent value to anyone not impressed by the xDrive trim. For this review, we'll spotlight the sDrive30i trim to see what makes it different from the X3 trims.
The BMW X3 has been around for about 2 decades. It came to life when BMW thought of what to do to get more customers into the BMW family with a unique yet affordable SUV that addressed their needs. Hence, when the first-generation X3 emerged, it was seen as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the X5, and the target audience was the younger demographic. The second-generation X3 arrived in 2010, further refining the offerings of the previous generation. There were noticeable improvements in interior quality and the tech features it had. BMW expanded the lineup and offered a wider range of engine options. This second generation heralded the X3 M, which is a high-performance variant. The third-generation X3 was launched in 2018, and BMW adopted its latest CLAR platform. This ensured the SUV was more spacious, lighter, and rigid. This 3rd generation also introduced plug-in hybrid variants as BMW started leaning more in the electric direction. This 2022 X3 sDrive30i belongs to the 3rd generation, and it's undoubtedly an excellent SUV for anyone looking to cop up something nice and solid.
Compact crossovers like the BMW X3 aren't known for exceptional horsepower, so it doesn't surprise us that this 2022 X3 sDrive30i has average performance specs. A 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine snuggled under the hood makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. From such numbers, it's easy to deduce that 0-60 happens in around 7 seconds. While these figures might not be groundbreaking like the competition model, they provide ample power for everyday driving, and you won't have any issues merging or accelerating. The X3 sDrive30i's eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently while the rear-wheel-drive setup, unique to this trim, gives the SUV a solid push on the road. The X3 sDrive offers a similar level of performance to rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the Porsche Macan. Some competitors edge it out in certain areas while it outdoes the others. But as we mentioned, this X3 sDrive30i will not disappoint you performance-wise.
You and your passengers will attest to the luxurious ambiance of the X3's interior. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and it's as spacious as many of the cars in this segment, if not more spacious. The driver and front passengers get very comfy seats that are adjustable to different positions and angles. Memory seating function is available, and you can upgrade to the heated seats for extra bucks. The rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom for passengers. There is no compromise on that since BMW ensured the X3 is spacious. The X3 sDrive's dashboard features a decent-sized touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and many driver-assistance technologies. The intuitive infotainment system is easy to use and offers seamless you won't have issues connecting it with your smartphones.
The 2022 X3's exterior design is sleek and athletic and not devoid of the usual signature BMW kidney grille, which sits princely in the front of the car. You'll also not miss the headlights in all its glory as they flank the grille. Its adaptive function is handy for driving at night to illuminate areas as you turn your wheels. Viewed from the side, you can't help but appreciate the fit and finish, including wheel options. For the 2022 X3 sDrive30i, BMW offers standard 18-inch alloys, although you can go for the optional 19 or 20-inch wheels if you want more grip and ground clearance. The rear end features stylish taillights which extend into the tailgate and dual exhaust tips. Other sights to behold in the rear are the BMW logo and trim badges. The side mirrors are large and feature integrated blinkers. They're heated as well.
The 2022 X3 sDrive is home to many tech packages that make driving it worthwhile. Inside, the iDrive infotainment system, which you can access via the display on the center console, offers a user-friendly interface that has improved over the previous model year. The available head-up display aligns with features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking to keep you safe and focused as you drive.
If you're lucky to find a brand new 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i, it'll cost you at least $44,000. This is a good price for an SUV that has all the right features and can meet your needs. Opting for the used ones will set you back by around $25,000. If you're lucky, you can even find a decent unit at a lower price. Factors such as mileage, condition, and specific features will influence the cost of this SUV, so we recommend spending a few hours researching if you want to find excellent deals. Exotic Car Trader has a few treats in store for you when you check our inventory.
The 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i is a well-rounded luxury crossover that won't cost you an arm and leg to buy or maintain. It holds its ground in the luxury crossover segment with its stylish design, robust performance, and tech features; if you want to buy or sell a used car, consider using Exotic Car Trader. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily list your car for sale and connect with potential buyers worldwide.
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