2020 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 2020 BMW X3 adds two new high-performance models. The base M is powered by a 473-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six and the M Competition has a 503-hp version of that engine. Both Ms have upgraded suspension. Mainstream X3s shuffle some equipment, but are otherwise unchanged. The X3 slots above the X1 and X2 in BMW’s crossover lineup. BMW also sells an X4, a fastback-roofed version of the X3. The X3 was redesigned for 2018. The base 30i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and the M40i has a turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder that is rated at 355 hp. All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 30i offers sDrive rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive. The M40i and M models are 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—but not Android Auto. 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 2018 redesign. However, standard equipment levels aren’t particularly generous, and you’ll pay plenty for options.