Since its introduction in 2003, the BMW X3 has garnered substantial interest from buyers and is now the manufacturer’s highest-selling model in North America. Unsurprisingly, BMW is doing everything possible to keep it fresh and flying off dealership floors as steadily as always. For 2022, the X3 went under the knife for a significant refresh, bringing a fair share of cosmetic updates and even more changes beyond the eye can see.
The 2022 BMW X3 is available in multiple trims, and picking the one that’s right for you can be cumbersome if you’re uncertain of what each has to offer. This guide details the best bits of each trim to make your decision a lot easier.
2022 BMW X3 – What’s New?
This year’s update included a refreshed exterior with a redesigned kidney grille – that now joins in the middle as a single, coherent piece – and tweaks to the headlights, taillights, and front and rear bumpers. The 2022 BMW X3 is also available in two new color schemes: Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II.
Changes on the inside are a tad more substantial. The X3’s already impressive infotainment system now features a larger screen and offers Android Auto compatibility, a better lane departure warning system, and connectivity to the “My BMW” smartphone app. The central control panel that houses the gear lever and most of the knobs and buttons you’ll find on the X3 has been redesigned, as well. Lastly, there’s the addition of perforated faux leather seats.
Available Versions
As we mentioned earlier, the 2022 BMW X3 comes in multiple trims, from the entry-level X3 sDrive30i to the X3 M, each catering to a different kind of audience. What we like about the X3 (and most BMWs, in general) is that even the base model comes reasonably well-equipped, while the additional trims offer a little more based on individual needs.
X3 sDrive30i or X3 xDrive30i?
The X3 sDrive30i is the base model in the X3 line-up, but in no way does it lack any substance. Powering the sDrive30i is a 2.0L turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine that produces a decent 248bhp. Driving power to the wheels – just the rear two in the sDrive30i’s case – is an 8-speed automatic transmission. You also have the option of using the steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the line-up, the sDrive30i offers a host of electronics and driver aids. The X3 comes with BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control that includes Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes. Driver aids include Start Off Assistance and Hill Descent Control, both making it substantially easier to go uphill; a forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitor, and lane departure warning.
On the inside is a new 10.25” central infotainment system, along with a 5.1” inch instrument cluster. Buyers also can spec their car with a larger 12.3” instrument cluster, and this upgrade also adds the BMW Maps feature to your vehicle.
At the time of writing this, prices for the sDrive30i start at $43,700. The BMW X3 xDrive30i is essentially the same car, but with the addition of BMW’s xDrive system that drives power to all four wheels. This will set you back an additional $2,000, with a base price of $45,700.
Optional packages
Like most of its portfolio, BMW offers add-on packages that you can include to get more out of your car. For the X3, there’s an M Sport trim, along with Convenience and Premium packages.
M Sport trim
The standard X3 comes in what BMW calls the xLine trim. It features an aluminum finish for trims bordering the headlight, kidney grills, and other areas. The xLine also features 19” Y-spoke gray wheels as standard.
For an additional $4,000, you can get your car with the M Sport trim. This includes differently colored roof-rails, bi-color wheels (still 19-inch), and added cosmetics in the form of more substantial bumpers and side skirts. For even more money, you can also spec your car with 20” or 21” wheels.
Convenience Package
The Convenience Package brings keyless entry and start, a panoramic sunroof, and powered lumbar support for an additional $1,850.
Premium Package
Meanwhile, the Premium Package includes what the Convenience Package has to offer, in addition to heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display. Prices for the Premium Package starts at $3,450.
Dynamic Handling Package
The Dynamic Handling Package offers even more customization, giving you the option to color your brake calipers and add Dynamic Damper Control and a sportier steering wheel.
2022 BMW X3 M40i
For 2022, the BMW X3 M40i gains a 48-volt hybrid system that works alongside its turbocharged inline-six engine. However, combined horsepower remains identical to the 2021 model’s 382bhp.
The M40i packs the M Sport package that we just addressed as standard – this includes the 19-inch alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with colored calipers, and other design elements. Considering its sportier intentions, it also features a sportier steering and the ability to control the power to each wheel individually.
You also have the option to equip the X3 M40i with an M Sport rear differential and carbon-fiber interior trim.
Optional packages
For $1,700, you can get access to Active Cruise Control and the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant that partially automated steering input on limited-access highways (up to 40mph). An additional $700 will give you parking assistance, while another $1,600 can get you the Premium Package, which offers the same contents as it does on the sDrive30i and X3 xDrive30i.
BMW X3 M
The X3 M is the top-of-the-line offering in the X3 range and stays true to the M badge with its 473bhp 3.0L turbocharged, inline-six engine. An optional Competition Package bumps that number up to a whopping 503bhp.
Keep in mind that this will set you back an additional $7,000. A much more affordable route would be to spend $2,500 on the M Driver’s Package that unlocks top speed from 155mph to 177mph. Even better, you’ll also get to attend a day of high-performance driving class at a BMW Performance Center.
The X3M is also equipped with notably more competent features – the M Servotronic sport steering is improved, there’s active damping suspension, and the xDrive system features an M Dynamic mode that’s constantly varying power to each wheel. The exhaust system and electronics like the traction control and stability control are tweaked as well.
Standard wheels on the X3 M are 20-inch units, and the Competition package gives you the option to switch them to 21-inch options. Prices for the X3 M start at $69,900.
Which 2022 BMW X3 Should You Buy?
The BMW X3 is the German manufacturer’s most popular model in North America for a reason. It combines effortless practicality, comfortable seating for your family and gives you the option to accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just 3.9s if that’s what you want to do.
We find that the BMW X3 M40i acts as the perfect middle-ground, in terms of performance and features, between the base X3 sDrive30i and the range-topping X3 M.
