BMW X3 vs Volkswagen ID.4

Since its inception in 2003, the BMW X3 has grown to become one of the brand’s top sellers. And starting with its second generation (circa 2010), the luxury compact crossover has been built at BMW Spartanburg—the automaker’s only manufacturing facility north of the Mexican border. Incidentally, because Spartanburg is the global producer of every gas-powered BMW crossover besides the X1 and X2, the plant also boasts the highest production numbers of any BMW plant worldwide. One can speculate that the popular X3 has a lot to do with that.

Last redesigned for 2018, the X3 receives a rather hefty mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Updates include design tweaks, new engines, more technology, and an expanded suite of safety features. (Interestingly, while the BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped from the lineup in the United States, it continues in 2022 in Canada. This model is not covered in this review.)

Thanks to a new, more powerful rear-drive motor, increased maximum driving range up to 468 kilometres, a next-generation infotainment system with substantial user-experience improvements, and a handful of comfort and convenience upgrades, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is a better electric SUV than before. In Canada, it also includes complimentary DC fast charging for four years or 1,400 kWh with Electrify Canada.

Verdict: With the technology better sorted, improved comfort, an impressive sound system, and more power, performance, and range, VeeDub’s ID.4 electric SUV need not make apologies.