The BMW X3 compact SUV is the standout among a dozen premium compact SUVs: a triumph of sporty handling, technology, driver assists, roominess for all passengers, and comfortable ride. Drive the X3 to work today, take it to the track tomorrow for a lapping day, carry two couples for a long weekend in the country.

The X3 does it all. Features that others have, BMW does better. BMW’s excellence comes at a price: the cost of options. 42,000, with rear drive and vinyl seats. The features that make the car so desirable, such as a giant center stack display and adaptive suspension, can push the price into the high fifties.

Driver safety assists that come free on most Hondas and Toyotas are extra cost, as is Apple CarPlay. In a week driving the X3 in early spring weather (which included snow), it was a solid highway cruiser, with a big head-up display and a bigger center stack display that allowed for a split screen with multiple windows. The car was loaded with safety features and driver assists.

Upsizing the third-generation X3 to longer than the original X5 makes the X3 a comfortable weekend cruiser for four adults. Separately, I drove the X3 at BMW’s Performance Center racetrack in Las Vegas. It was exceptionally stable, exhibits little lean in corners, brakes well, and feels much like a 3 Series sedan — except the driver sits six inches higher and there’s 8 inches of ground clearance.

Memo to self: Next time, turn off forward collision warning before venturing onto the track; the X3 sensors do not approve of the instructor-recommended following distances when diving into a corner. Driving a third X3 onto a deserted Nevada beach, it was comfortable and sure-footed in loose sand. The third-generation X3 looks a lot like the 2011-2017 second-generation model.

The G01, BMW’s development code name for the 2018 to probably 2024 X3, is 3 inches longer at 186 inches. The wheelbase is 2 inches longer at 113 inches, width remains roughly the same at 74 inches, and height drops an inch to 66 inches. Weight has been reduced by as much as 120 pounds. Standard features now include a 3D kidney grille with aero shutters, underbody cladding, a roof spoiler with “aero blades” on the sides, and air curtains to channel wind around the car.

Also standard now are reclining rear seat backs, sport seats, and three-zone HVAC (front left, front right, rear). The optional HUD is 75 percent larger, while the touch screen is a roomy 10.25 inches. Gesture control is an option. A factory-installed trailer hitch is now available, a BMW first, and allows the 4,156- to 4,277-pound pound X3 to haul as much as 4,400 pounds, an exceptional amount for a compact SUV. This is the first X3 with an M Performance variant, the X3 M40i.

The base X3 has has a 255-hp turbo-four cylinder that lacks the audible thrill of the 355-hp M40i’s turbo-six. With the X3, you can add options equal to more than half the base price. 2,050 worth of features, but you have to hunt to find out what they are; or M Sport Design, which adds “aggressive features inspired by BMW M Cars,” but mentions only parking sonar.

Step three is choosing among nine colors. There are two whites, two grays, two blacks, two browns (olive and terra brown), a dazzling Phytonic Blue, and no reds, greens, or yellows. 550. There are also BYO steps for wheels, upholstery and interior trims, but most of those are set by packages. 9,650 (includes Convenience and Premium).



There is, however, no I’m-Cross-Shopping-Volvo-So-Mama-Wants-All-The-Safety-Options tier. If you’re considering a well-equipped X3, choose Premium; some of the packages require it, so you’ll wind up there anyhow. Step five is choosing packages. 1,700 (plus required Driving Assistance) comprises adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front collision warning, collision mitigation braking, and pedestrian protection.