2010 BMW X3 | Automotive.com

2010 BMW X3 Review Summary

(3 Stars) Sport sedan feel in a luxury compact crossover

Reviewed by Automotive 12/22/2010

Overview

The 2010 BMW X3 is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) noted for its luxury features, superior handling, and all-road capabilities. Propelled by a 3.0-liter engine generating 260 horsepower and 225 foot-pound of torque, the X3 is the first car manufactured by BMW with xDrive. Power is routed through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

Packed with storage power, the BMW X3 has versatile cargo space, fully-enclosed bins in the front doors for small items, a cup holder in the center console, and a retractable cup holder in the dashboard for a passenger. When the 60/40-split rear seatbacks are lowered, the cargo capacity expands to 71 cubic feet. With great safety ratings, the X3 boasts fuel economy rated at 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.

The Range

Engine: 3.0L I-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Body Style: SUV
Trim: xDrive 3.0i Sport Utility

What's New

For the 2010 model year, the BMW X3's panoramic moon roof became optional as part of the Premium package. New packages include the Sport Activity, Premium, Sport, and Cold Weather. Comfort Seats, STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, Xenon adaptive headlights, park distance control, 18-inch wheels, all-season tires, and metallic paint are all optional features.

Exterior

On the BMW X3 base trim, the body side wheel arch and rocker arm trim panels are composed of flexible, damage-resistant black surfaces. Sport Package-equipped trims have body-colored wheel arches, lower bumpers, and distinct rocker panels.

Interior

Inside, the BMW X3 boasts automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way adjustable power front seats with driver memory settings, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, HD radio, and auxiliary audio jack.

Performance & Handling

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2010 BMW X3, while the six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is a no-cost option. The sole engine is a 3.0-liter I-6 with 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the BMW X3 features four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side door mounted airbags with side-impact sensors, first and second row curtain airbags, airbag occupancy sensors, traction and stability control, and all-wheel drive.