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The 2022 BMW X3 will cost you $700 more for the base sDrive30i than the 2021 model, but the 2022 X3 brings redesigned exterior elements, light interior enhancements, and improved overall safety to go along with its powerful engine lineup. Thanks to all of these features, the 2022 X3 is the one to buy.
BMW
has reinvented itself as a maker of top-notch luxury SUVs to go along with its stellar lineup of performance sedans and sports cars. Accordingly, many experts agree that the Bavarian automakers’ SUV lineup has emerged as the contemporary torchbearers of the brand’s classic Ultimate Driving Machine slogan—lofty praise, but the 2022 and 2021 X3 live up to it.Aside from the 2021 X3’s plug-in hybrid xDrive30e model being discontinued in favor of the 2022 M40i gaining a mild-hybrid engine setup, the newer X3 is similar to the 2021 version. Still, there are some important differences. If you’re in the market for a luxe SUV, which should you choose?
2022 BMW X3 vs. 2021 BMW X3: what’s the difference?
In terms of competitors, the compact X3 dukes it out with other high-end rivals such as the
Porsche Macan
, Mercedes-Benz GLC class
, and the Volvo CX60
.What changed from 2021 to 2022? It wasn’t a full-on redesign, but there are some important changes, including exterior enhancements such as an updated front grille, revamped head- and tail lights, fresh front and rear bumpers, and restyled exhaust tips. Interior changes were minor, including redesigning the center console and re-orienting some of the controls. The 2022 X3 gained important safety improvements, and the plug-in hybrid was dropped. Instead, the sporty M40i trim gained a mild-hybrid system. These changes give the 2022 X3 the upper hand over the 2021 model.
Want to see a more detailed comparison? Let’s dive in.
Pricing
Both the 2022 sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims get a $700 increase from their 2021 contemporaries, while the 2022 M40i costs $1,200 more than the 2021 M40i—likely due to the mild-hybrid system added to its engine setup. Here’s how the 2022 and 2021 X3 trims compare in terms of pricing:
Model | 2022 MSRP | 2021 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
BMW sDrive30i | $44,695 | $43,995 |
BMW xDrive30i | $46,695 | $45,995 |
BMW xDrive30e | N/A | $50,595 |
BMW M40i | $58,795 | $57,595 |
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General specs
As mentioned, the price bump for the 2022 BMW X3 stems from its exterior and interior changes along with safety improvements across the board. The bigger price jump for the M40i likely stems from the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the X3’s engine bay, which allows for more efficient operation.
Both the 2021 and 2022 X3 are more than capable of handling dirt and gravel trails, but if you’re thinking of doing some light off-roading, make sure you choose the xDrive30i or higher. These trims have all-wheel drive, while the sDrive30i features rear-wheel drive. This isn’t a model for serious trail-trekking, though—the X3 is designed for pavement, and that’s where it should stay.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the X3 powertrains:
2022 BMW X3 | 2021 BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (Base and Premium) | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower) | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (Sport and Limited) | 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (382 horsepower, including 48-volt mild-hybrid system) | 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (382 horsepower) |
Hybrid engine | N/A | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine w/ electric motor (288 horsepower) |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) | Rear-wheel drive (RWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Maximum towing capacity | 4,400 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
Fuel economy
According to the EPA, fuel economy dipped slightly for the 2022 X3. Of course, fuel economy can vary depending on where you live and how you drive—drivers who accelerate and brake more aggressively tend to experience lower gas mileage. That said, here’s how the 2022 and 2021 X3 match up in terms of fuel efficiency:
2022 BMW X3
- sDrive30i: 23 mpg city/29 mpg hwy/25 mpg combined
- xDrive30i: 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy/24 mpg combined
- M40i: 21 mpg city/26 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined
2021 BMW X3
- sDrive30i: 25 mpg city/29 mpg hwy/27 mpg combined
- xDrive30i: 23 mpg city/29 mpg hwy/25 mpg combined
- xDrive30e: 24 mpg combined/60 MPGe/31 miles all-electric range
- M40i: 21 mpg city/27 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined
Again, measuring fuel economy can be a bit of a guessing game. While the EPA gave the 2022 X3 slightly poorer marks for fuel efficiency, Car & Driver Magazine gave both the 2022 and 2021 X3s identical fuel economy scores, and even noted that both outperformed the EPA’s expectations during testing.
MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?
Safety ratings
The 2022 BMW X3 gets top safety marks across the board, scoring a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as being named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2022 X3’s only blemishes are the Marginal scores given to the SUV’s electronic seat-belt reminder and the LATCH ease of use (child seat anchors).
As with 2021, a full suite of driver-assist technology is available, but only automatic emergency braking, forward-collision monitoring, and lane-departure warning are standard. The 2022 X3 also gets standard Traffic Jam Assist. Other safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, is optional.
The 2021 X3 can’t claim the same top-notch safety grades. While the 2021 X3 did get five stars from the NHTSA, the IIHS noted a few problem areas, meaning the 2021 SUV didn’t get a Top Safety Pick nod (let alone a Plus one). The IIHS gave the 2021 X3 a Marginal grade for its headlights, noting the low glare created by the X3’s low beams, and uneven brightness when using the high beams. The 2021 X3 also received Marginal grades for the seat-belt reminders and the child safety anchors, as did the 2022 X3.
Styling and interior changes
The interiors of the 2022 and 2021 BMW X3s look remarkably similar, save for a few minor changes and some extra options for the newer version. Both model years feature a stylish (if slightly conservative) look, though not as flashy a cabin as you might find in a Mercedes or Audi. Stitched-faux leather seating makes both front and rear seats comfortable, while glossy woodgrain trim gives both interiors a sophisticated, old-world flair. The driver’s seats for both years are 10-way power adjustable, and both feature reclining rear seats. Cargo space remains at 29 cubic feet for both.
- Standard 10.3-inch twin, touch screen and digital gauge display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- Bluetooth capability
- Wifi Hotspot
- One USB port
- BMW’s iDrive software
The 2022 X3 has a few extras in the form of a revamped center console, redesigned secondary controls, and the option to upgrade both the infotainment and digital gauge display screens to 12.3-inches.
Plug-in hybrid dropped
The xDrive30e, the plug-in hybrid trim, has been dropped for 2022. Instead, BMW added the aforementioned 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the M40i, which gives the vehicle an electric boost while coasting or facilitating the X3’s start-stop function, all in order to offer the most efficient drive possible.
2022 BMW X3 vs. 2021 BMW X3: which should you buy?
We’d have to give the nod to the 2022 BMW X3, specifically the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i. Sure, it's not as nimble & powerful as the M40i, but the sDrive30 offers plenty of power and ample shiftiness, not to mention refined inner and outer styling, to satisfy most drivers. Its slight price increase might make some buyers back away, but the improved safety technology makes the newest X3 the one to drive off the lot. If you live in a state that experiences cold and snowy winters? Go with the xDrive30i and its all-wheel drive.
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