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A comparison between the BMW X3 2023 vs. 2022 reveals minimal differences. The addition of several new features is attractive, but some features are no longer available. Price is the major differentiator, with the 2023 BMW X3 sDrive30i starting at $46,395 MSRP compared to $44,695 MSRP for the 2022 version.
With top ratings for strength, style, and safety, the BMW X3 continues to be a popular
SUV
. Multiple trim levels
allow drivers to customize their BMW experience, from hood to tailpipe. But new isn’t always better. Wondering which Bimmer is right for your needs? Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the 2023 and 2022 BMW X3 (hint: there aren’t many).
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Let’s start with the exterior of this sleek vehicle.
A
brand new color
is now available on four-cylinder 30i (non-M) trims. Skyscraper Grey Metallic is a bit like gunmetal with a glow. The 2022 X3 already received a style update, so it’s understandable that the 2023 model doesn’t get a big facelift. The kidney grille looks contemporary and the body styling is luxurious.Now, onto the X3’s convenience features and performance specs.
Keyless entry is a new standard feature on the 2023 BMW X3. The Parking Assistance Package is newly available on 30i models.
There are some exclusions that are worth noting. For instance, the Driver Assistance Professional package is not available on the 2023 BMW X3.
Trim levels:
The base sDrive30i X3 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, compared to the X3 M Competition model—which does it in 3.7 seconds. A power liftgate, LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, and dark oak interior trim are standard on the base sDrive30i.
The mid-tier xDrive30i is very similar to the sDrive30i but it comes with all-wheel drive. There are no additional features here, except the addition of AWD.
Next is the M40i, with M Sport brakes. A sporty appearance package improves the exterior of the M40i. Inside the cabin, the M40i offers a SensaTec dashboard, aluminum trim, an M steering wheel, and an improved sound system. Adaptive headlights with automatic high beams are a valuable addition, and the panoramic moonroof and 12.3-inch touchscreen don’t hurt either. This model gets the 3.0L TwinPower inline six-cylinder engine that can produce 382 hp.
Then there’s the X3 M with 20-inch wheels. This model gets the six-cylinder turbo engine with sporty tuning and 473 hp. Under the hood, there’s an M Sport differential and dynamic damper control. The eight-speed M Sport automatic transmission with multiple drive modes is well worth the upgrade. Inside the X3 M, you’ll find heated seats and a premium Harman Kardon audio system with 16 speakers. That’s on top of the 12.3-inch touchscreen that is exclusive to M trim vehicles.
The Porsche Macan and the Volvo XC60 are the top competitors for the X3. Depending on how you value luxurious finishes, fuel economy and performance, there may be an X3 trim that could beat out these other crossovers to win your heart.
Want to see a more detailed comparison? Let’s dive in.
Pricing
Pricing for the 2023 BMW X3 has increased in price by between hundreds to thousands of additional dollars at each trim level. Here’s a look at the pricing for each trim level in 2023 and 2022.
Model | 2023 MSRP | 2022 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
BMW X3 sDrive30i | $46,395 | $44,695 |
BMW X3 xDrive30i | $48,395 | $46,695 |
BMW X3 M40i | $60,945 | $58,795 |
BMW X3 M | $72,900 | $71,095 |
MORE: BMW buying guide
General specs
There are some key differences between the trim levels for the BMW X3.
The lower two trim levels have a standard powertrain with 2.0L turbocharged inline-four with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s 248 hp. Fuel economy is 23/29 with rear-wheel drive, or 21/29 with all-wheel drive.
The X3’s top two trim levels include a more powerful engine and luxury touches, for instance. Upgrade to the M40i and get the turbocharged six-cylinder with AWD, or splurge on the X3 M and get even more power. That’s 384 hp and 21/26 on the M40i, or 473 hp and 15/20 mpg on the X3 M. But do these features justify the extra $15,000? You’ll have to decide.
From 2022 to 2023, there is one area in which BMW has actually backtracked. The backup camera is no longer standard on the 2023 BMW X3.
If power is your priority, then the X3 M is the undeniable champion of the lineup. But if you’re happy with a non-performance vehicle, then the xDrive30i with AWD comes out in front.
Fuel economy
The BMW X3 gets reasonably competitive fuel economy compared to other vehicles in its class. While your specific fuel economy ratings will depend partially on where and how you drive, here’s what the EPA estimates for the X3’s mileage by trim level:
- Base engine (2.0-liter) on sDrive30i with RWD: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- xDrive30i with eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
- M40i with AWD: 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- X3 M: 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
The base model X3 with inline-four gets the best mileage of the bunch—but if you’re horsepower-hungry, then the M40i isn’t too far behind.
Safety ratings
Both the 2022 and 2023 BMW X3 have excellent safety ratings, thanks to BMW’s suite of standard safety features:
- Blind spot monitor
- Auto-leveling headlights
- Lane departure warning
- Cross-traffic alert
In 2022, the X3 got an impressive five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. This is the best possible result! From the IIHS, the 2022 X3 received the highest possible rating on all six crash tests. It was a Top Safety Pick in 2022, in fact, and experts say there’s no reason to expect anything different from the 2023 X3.
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Styling and interior changes
The 2022 BMW X3 already received some nice updates from the previous model year:
- New tail lights
- New front headlights
- Lower-level air vents
- Run-flat tires
- Chrome exhaust pipes
On the interior, the 2022 and 2023 X3 are nearly identical. There are 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, with USB ports in both rows. A WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, hands-free comms and a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive are standard as well. Higher-end trim levels get a 12.3-inch screen.
Optional features include a wireless charging pad, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and a deluxe speaker system with 16 speakers.
Ultimately, there are no major style changes between the 2022 and 2023 X3 models despite the higher price tag. The X3 offers a comfortable and luxurious experience, but some of BMW’s competitors deliver more opulence in this category.
Optional packages
The Competition package adds an M Sport exhaust, fancy Merino leather interior, and all the M branding you need to impress your pals. Plus, it’ll put you over 500 hp. This package will set you back about $7,000.
The Premium package adds some of the higher trim features to the lower trim levels, plus heated seats and a head-up display. The Convenience package for the 2022 model added keyless entry (which now comes standard on all 2023 X3s).
The Parking Assistance package offers Park Assist Plus, 360-degree camera, and Active Park Distance Control to help drivers avoid hitting obstacles and slide into parking spots (parallel and perpendicular) with ease.
The Dynamic Handling package includes variable sport steering and active dampers, plus M Sport brakes with either red or blue calipers.
The Driving Assistance Professional package is not available on the 2023 X3. If the coveted Extended Traffic Jam assist feature is on your wish list then you’ll have to look for a 2022 model.
Some standalone upgrades are available on the BMW X3 2023, including remote start, ambient interior lighting, drive recorder, Live Cockpit Pro, and more.
2023 BMW X3 vs. 2022 BMW X3: which should you buy?
Let’s put it this way: the 2023 and 2022 BMW X3 are nearly identical twins. But if you fall in love with one of these models, you’ll quickly realize a few important differences between them.
Although the 2023 model is more expensive, the crowd-favorite Driving Assistance package is not available on the newest BMW X3. It does come in a sleek new color, but is that really worth the extra cash? On the other hand, the 2022 BMW X3 is slightly more affordable with almost the exact same configuration options.
Either way, the six-cylinder M40i offers a healthy compromise for most drivers. We think you’ll probably be happy with the 2022 X3 with Driving Assistance. Then, set aside the extra cash you would have spent and get yourself some fun car tech.
MORE: Pump up your drive with the best turbocharged cars
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