Compare the2022 Infiniti QX55VS 2021 BMW X3

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Infiniti QX55 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X3 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the QX55. But it costs extra on the X3.

Both the QX55 and the X3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The QX55 comes with a full 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The X3’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 10,000 miles sooner.

Infiniti’s powertrain warranty covers the QX55 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the X3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The X3’s redline is at 7000 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The QX55 has a 6000 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Infiniti vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti 15th in initial quality. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 18th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Infiniti vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Infiniti 1 place higher in reliability than BMW.

The QX55’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (268 vs. 248) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the X3 s/xDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The QX55 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The X3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better traction, the QX55 has larger tires than the X3 (255/45R20 vs. 225/60R18). The QX55’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X3 (255/45R20 vs. 245/45R20).

The QX55’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X3’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the QX55 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the X3.

For better maneuverability, the QX55’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the X3 xDrive30i’s (36.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet). The QX55’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the X3 M40i’s (36.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the QX55 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X3 (8.6 vs. 8 inches), allowing the QX55 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The QX55 uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The X3 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The QX55 has .3 inches more front shoulder room, 2.3 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the X3.

The front step up height for the QX55 is 1.1 inches lower than the X3 (17.4” vs. 18.5”). The QX55’s rear step up height is .7 inches lower than the X3’s (17.8” vs. 18.5”).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Infiniti service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti third in service department satisfaction. With a 21% lower rating, BMW is ranked 8th.

The QX55 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The X3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The QX55 Essential/Sensory’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The X3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the QX55 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the X3 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.