2012 BMW X3 vs. Its Competition

2012 BMW X3 AWD 4-door 28i Side Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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Feb 24, 2012

BMW's bred one of the most carlike crossovers, and the X3 has good passenger space, too.

All of its competition suffers in one way or the other: the Acura RDX feels tight on room, and its interior doesn't meet most other luxury crossovers head-on.

The Audi Q5's cabin does, but a stiff ride upsets its pleasant demeanor.

The Benz GLK is a great choice for steering and ride, and for acceleration, but its cargo space is smaller than the X3's--and the same is true for the Land Rover LR2.

Of all the luxury crossovers, the Volvo XC60 has one of the best combinations of on-road handling, space, and fit and finish--and it's rated tops for safety, too.

2012 BMW X3 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Acura RDX Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi Q5 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Land Rover LR2 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volvo XC60 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 A great-looking crossover with its most carlike performance yet, the BMW X3 also has more interior room and better materials than before.	7.4 The 2012 Acura RDX satisfies those who want more driving excitement, but it might leave luxury- or tech-hungry shoppers wanting.	8.2 The 2012 Audi Q5 is one of the	7.8 More street-friendly than other Land Rover utes, the 2012 LR2 has some of the SUV hallmarks in a much more city-friendly size.	8.2 Rugged looks and lower gas mileage put the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class in an SUV state of mind, but its ride and handling are more carlike than you'd think.	8.6 The 2012 Volvo XC60 is an attractive, well-designed family luxury vehicle, with a class-leading roster of innovative safety and tech features.
MSRP From
$37,100	$32,895	$35,600	$35,700	$35,880	$33,300
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas I6	Gas V6	Gas I6
EPA Class
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
AWD 4dr 28i	FWD 4dr	quattro 4dr 2.0T Premium	AWD 4dr HSE	RWD 4dr GLK350	FWD 4dr 3.2L
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All wheel drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle	5 Door Wagon
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Transmission	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/manual shift