Though the 2017 BMW X3 might seem like it's just donning a new shade of lipstick with its fresh paint colors, don't be fooled. There's more to this beauty than meets the eye. Nestled within its elegant frame are some nifty new features designed to make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Say goodbye to tangled charging cables, as the X3 now offers wireless smartphone charging, making powering up as easy as placing your device in the dedicated charging area. And with the addition of Wi-Fi hot spot, you can browse, stream, and work on-the-go without burning up your mobile data. Last but definitely not least, the X3 now comes standard with an updated version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, so your map, music, and messages are just a touch away. Clearly, the 2017 BMW X3 is more than just a pretty face.
Read on to learn more about the 2017 BMW X3.
The cabin's layout is simple yet effective, with every control and feature placed logically, making it effortless to operate while on the move. It may not be the trendiest party in town, but what makes it special is how practical and stylish it is. And the best part? The visibility is amazing, giving you a clear view of your surroundings, which is super helpful when cruising through those narrow city streets.
The car comfortably seats five with adult-friendly levels of headroom and legroom in the second-row bench. You could squeeze in a sixth passenger, but let's say you'd want to be on pretty good terms first. When it comes to cargo space, the X3 shines with more than 27 cubic feet of volume behind the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatback, perfect for your weekend getaways or shopping sprees. Technology-wise, the standard iDrive infotainment system has been updated for 2017, offering seamless control over your music, navigation, and communication. However, keep in mind that some features that you might expect to be standard, like heated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, and a rearview camera, are extra-cost items. Sure, you might raise an eyebrow at this, given the X3's hefty starting price, but one ride in this beauty, and we reckon you'll agree it's worth every penny.
The outer shell of the 2017 BMW X3 is where the enchantment truly unfolds. The outline embodies the timeless elegance of BMW - sleek, aerodynamic, and refined. The vehicle's face, characterized by the trademark kidney grilles and sharp LED headlights, exudes confidence and audacity, marking your presence with conviction. The meticulously carved body lines seamlessly transition from nose to tail, bestowing the car with a vigorous and sporty demeanor, portraying it as ever ready for action. The back end doesn't disappoint either, featuring LED tail lamps and twin exhaust outlets that subtly hint at the vehicle’s robust performance capabilities. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels across all variants add a dash of sophistication and promise a firm road grip.
Customization options include a palette of tasteful paint colors, enabling you to tailor the X3 to mirror your personal style. Simply put, the exterior of the 2017 BMW X3 is a demonstration of exceptional design and craftsmanship, harmoniously merging style, elegance, and functionality to craft a vehicle that not only captivates the onlooker but also stands resilient against time.
Under the hood of the base model, you'll find a punchy 2.0-liter turbo-four that cranks out a solid 240 horses and 258 lb-ft of twist. This powerplant, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, provides more than enough juice for your everyday motoring needs, ensuring a smooth, dependable drive. However, if you're the type who gets a kick out of sheer speed and raw power, the X3 doesn't disappoint. It offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that churns out a heart-pounding 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This engine essentially morphs the X3 into a wolf in sheep's clothing—a sports car masquerading as a family SUV. The standard all-wheel-drive system and the slick-shifting eight-speed automatic further boost this powertrain's performance.
Lastly, for those with an eye on fuel economy, there's a 2.0-liter turbodiesel option on the table. While its output of 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque might seem modest, it makes up for it by offering commendable fuel efficiency.
The 2017 BMW X3's fuel efficiency is remarkably decent for its class. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the base model 2.0-liter turbo-four engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, you can expect a slightly lower fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, the real fuel economy star of the line-up is the 2.0-liter turbodiesel variant, which offers an impressive 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway according to EPA's testing and reporting procedures. So, not only does the 2017 BMW X3 give you the thrill of a powerful ride, but it also ensures that your trips to the gas station are fewer and far between.
The 2017 BMW X3 takes safety as seriously as it takes performance. The vehicle comes standard with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, automatic brake drying (useful in rainy weather), front-side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active headrests. The X3 also boasts BMW's emergency services feature, which includes automatic crash notification and stolen vehicle recovery assistance. Optional safety add-ons include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera for easier parking, and an active blind-spot monitoring system to keep you alert of any vehicles in your blind spots.
The X3 also earns top marks in crash tests. It garnered a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including five stars for side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the 2017 BMW X3 its highest rating of "Good" in its crash tests. All of these safety features and accolades combine to make the X3 a vehicle that provides peace of mind along with its impressive performance.
The 2017 BMW X3 is a solid contender in the luxury SUV landscape, packing a punch where it matters most. Its engine lineup offers an intriguing blend of power and efficiency, with options to suit both the thrill-seekers and the fuel-misers among us. The vehicle scores high on versatility, gracefully handling both city and highway drives while providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The X3's exterior is a stylish, modern expression of BMW's timeless design ethos, while the interior boasts an array of standard and optional amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. The vehicle's safety credentials, backed up by top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, add an extra layer of assurance for potential buyers. On the downside, some might find essential features bundled into costly optional extras a bit of a letdown for a car with an already substantial price tag. In conclusion, the 2017 BMW X3 offers the right mix of luxury, performance, and safety, making it a worthwhile contender for your garage space. However, be prepared for the possibility that the optional extras may cause your eyebrows—and the final price—to ascend higher than expected.
