2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i Luxury CUV Video Review

The 2013 BMW X3 occupies a unique space in BMW's lineup. Since its introduction back in 2003, the X3 has been the smallest crossover in the lineup. This year, the new X1 took the place of BMW's smallest crossover and bumped the X3 to middle-car status.

The BMW X3 is very much like the X1 in its design. The front end is almost vertical with the trademark kidney grille sitting in the middle. The side sees a very strong character line running through the door handles to the back. Moving inside, the X3 is somewhat more in line with the previous-generation 3-Series in its design. You have the choice of wood or aluminum trim, leather, and infotainment systems.

You have the choice of two different engines for the X3:

• 28i: 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder, 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
• 35i: 3.0L TwinPower turbocharged inline-six, 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with BMW's xDrive AWD system.

EPA rates the 2013 BMW X3 at:

• xDrive28i: 21 City/28 Highway/24 Combined
• xDrive35i: 19 City/26 Highway/21 Combined

The 2013 BMW X3 starts at $39,600 for the xDrive28i and $44,700 for the xDrive35i. Competitors to the BMW X3 include the Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class.