2019 BMW X3

Pros: Sport-sedan-like handling agility; generous passenger room front and rear; respectable fuel economy in 30i

Cons: Shifter isn’t intuitive; stingy levels of standard equipment, and options add up fast; some complicated audio controls

CG Says: The 2019 BMW X3 gains a new lower-priced, rear-wheel-drive version of the base 30i. Also, front automatic emergency braking and parking sensors are now standard. Otherwise, the X3 is unchanged after last year’s redesign. The X3 slots above the X1 and new-for-2018 X2 in BMW’s crossover lineup. Note that the X3’s fastback-roofed sibling, the X4, is redesigned on the new X3’s platform for 2019. The X3 is available in two models: the 30i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and the M40i with a turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder that is rated at 355 hp. Both models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 30i offers sDrive rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive. The M40i is all-wheel drive only. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and city collision mitigation, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Other available features include heated/ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate controls, head-up instrument display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay. The X3 delivers the BMW brand’s trademark athletic handling and performance combined with the practical benefits of a crossover SUV, and those qualities were only heightened with the excellent redesign last year. However, standard equipment levels aren’t particularly generous, and you’ll pay plenty for options.