2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i

About this X3

This is the one for the buyer who wants a real German SUV without the payment that usually comes attached. It's a 2012 X3 xDrive28i in Alpine White over Sand Beige leather - the classic BMW combination, and it still looks sharp fifteen years on because BMW got the proportions right on this generation.

Power comes from BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six paired to an 8-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. The inline-six is the reason to want this particular year: it's smooth all the way to redline, it makes a great noise, and it's the simpler naturally-aspirated engine rather than a small turbo working hard. xDrive sends power wherever it's needed, so Indiana winters and wet on-ramps stop being something you think about.

The interior is where it earns its keep. Full leather seating, wood trim across the dash and doors, iDrive with the center screen, and a panoramic moonroof that runs most of the length of the roof - open the shade and the whole cabin lights up. The back seat is genuinely usable for adults, and the rear seats fold to open up the cargo area when you need it.

It drives tight and quiet, the body and paint are straight, and it's priced well under what a German SUV with this equipment usually brings. Power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate so driver and passenger set their own temperature, rear climate vents for the back seat, roof rails ready for a cargo box or bike rack, and a power tailgate that opens with your hands full. Come drive it - the inline-six is the part that sells itself.

Features & equipment