How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2022 BMW X3 M?
The verdict: BMW’s compact X3 SUV got some updates for 2022, including lightly revised exterior styling and a mild-hybrid powertrain on the six-cylinder M40i model. We tested the performance-oriented M version, and its Latch system earned high marks in our Car Seat Check.
Does it fit three car seats? No.
Take a look at how the Latch system and each car seat scored below in our Car Seat Check of the 2022 BMW X3 M.
Related: Search Car Seat Checks
A Grade
- Latch: The two sets of lower anchors are well marked, easy to use and covered with plastic flaps. Three top tether anchors are also easy to find and use on the seatback.
- Forward-facing convertible: This seat was easy to install thanks to accessible lower Latch and top tether anchors. We routed the top tether strap between the head restraint posts for connection.
B Grade
- Infant: This seat was easy to install and fit well after we adjusted the car seat’s base foot to accommodate the bolstered sport seats, which were affecting the car seat’s angle. We also had to move the front passenger seat forward a couple of inches. Our test passenger was comfortable, but just barely; taller front passengers will need more legroom.
- Rear-facing convertible: This seat was also easy to install, and again, the front passenger had a comfortable amount of legroom, but just barely.
- Booster: The booster fit well, but the seat belt buckle sinks into the seat cushion, complicating connection. Younger kids will probably have a hard time finding and grasping the buckle independently.
C Grade
- None
Grading Scale
A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; doesn’t impact driver or front-passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring. Easy access to the third row.
B: One room, fit or connection issue. Some problems accessing the third row when available.
C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. Difficult to access the third row when available.
D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues.
F: Does not fit or is unsafe.
About Cars.com’s Car Seat Checks
Editors Jennifer Geiger and Jennifer Newman are certified child safety seat installation technicians.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant-safety seat, a Graco Contender 65 convertible seat and Graco TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant and convertible seats are installed behind the front passenger seat.
We also install the forward-facing convertible in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and infant seat in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit; a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. If there’s a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Learn more about how we conduct our Car Seat Checks.
Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat, and that Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the weight of the child and the weight of the seat itself.
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