Best Car Seat for BMW X3 – Baby, Convertible & Booster Seats

Introduction

Welcome on here, where you will be reading on the best car seat for BMW X3, and I hope, in the end, this article can help you make a choice seat for your precious little one.

In putting together this article, several factors in my experience were considered for several use scenarios, and to accommodate different types of users, including as a good family car.

The factors considered include:

Heights of the front passenger and driver (rear-facing car seats)
If 3 car seats can fit in the back seat
If 2 seats and an adult can fit in the back seat
Seat mode usage – rf, ff, and booster
Ease of installation
Stroller compatible infant seats

Overview of the BMW X3 and Interior Dimension

The BMW X3, a compact luxury crossover SUV, manufactured since 2003, has seen several modifications over the years, through three generations.

Smaller than the X5 and X6 but bigger than the X1 and X2, the X3 measures an internal width of 56 inches for the rear shoulder room, making it a good choice for baby car seats and a good family car.

After a redesign in 2018, the third generation, the center seat became 3 inches wider, which makes models from that year more suitable for more or wider child car seats.

Depending on your needs, at this width (56 inches), your BMW X3 will accommodate wide and big car seats. As such, if your desire is three car seats, your options become even more expansive.

Key Decision-making Factors to Arrive at a Recommendation

Reiterating the factors considered in writing this best baby car seat for BMW X3, the following were considered:

Heights of the front passenger and driver (for rear-facing car seats)
3 car seats in the back seat
2 seats and an adult in the back seat
Seat mode usage – rf, ff, and booster
Ease of installation
Stroller compatible infant seats

Going through all these factors, the convertible car seat that meets the most conditions was picked as the overall best convertible car seat for your BMW X3, which is the Diono Radian® 3RXT® SafePlus™, for its diversity as a car seat.

Best Infant, Convertible & Booster Seats for BMW X3

A quick insight to all the safety seats that fit in the BMW X3; (Infant, Convertible and Booster);

Infant Car Seats:

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller (best for its double build) – 26″D x 17.3″W x 22.4″H
Uppababy Mesa (stroller compatible – without adapters) – 28″D x 17″ W x 25″H
Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit (stroller compatible – with adapters) – 17.9″D x 26.6″W x 25.85″H

Convertible Car Seats:

Diono Radian® 3RXT® SafePlus™ – fits 3 across – 16″ D x 17″ W x 28.5″ H
Graco 4Ever DLX – fits 2 with little space left- 20D X 21.5W X 24H
Cybex Sirona S – best feature is the rotation, – 20″D x 25.3″W x 25.5″H

Booster Seats:

Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 – fits 3 across – 15.5″ D x 16.2″ W x 26.5″ H
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 – fits 2 with little space left – 28″ D x 19″ W x 8.6″ H
Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Booster – fits 2 with little space left – 16″ D x 19.5″ W x 27.5″ H

At A Glance, Top Spot Child Restraint for Each Seat Mode

Best Infant Seat

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
#CommissionsEarned

Best Convertible Seat

Diono Radian® 3RXT® SafePlus™
#CommissionsEarned

Best Booster Seat

Graco TurboBooster LX Highback
#CommissionsEarned

The Diono Radian® 3RXT® SafePlus™ wins the top spot as the best car seat for BMW X3 for its diversity in build, safety, seat modes, and, ultimately, safety features.

It is slim: Measuring 17 inches in width at the widest point, the car seat is super slim for a BX3 and will fit three seats conveniently (51 inches total, against 56 inches shoulder room in X3), irrespective of the installation method – safety belt or latch.
Dimension: The Radian 3RXT measures 16D x 5Hx 17W (inches). The car seat doesn’t affect the front passenger or driver seat at this height when rear-facing, say for a tall driver.
Preemie friendly: The 3RXT+, at 4lbs. minimum weight, is suitable for a ‘tiny’ baby with 2-in-1 infant head and body support.

Nonetheless, you should still read on and make a decision based on your conviction.

Now in Detail – Before Making that Choice

You can skip to the sections you want here:
– Baby car seats
– Convertible car seats
– Belt-positioning booster seat

In Detail
Reading up a mushed-up recommendation of car seats for a vehicle model isn’t helpful as it doesn’t give you an in-depth insight into what a car seat offers and why it may be suitable for your vehicle.

As a car seat enthusiast who has reviewed and analyzed many child restraints across seat brands, I have garnered good experience over time and have helped make excellent recommendations for several readers in past articles.

Now let us get into the detail of these car seats as we review those factors in choosing a car seat for your X3.

Heights of Front Passenger and Driver (rear-facing car seats)

As new parents considering getting the BMW X3 and considering if the car is family-friendly, this is crucial if you are contemplating this model.

On the other hand, if you already have the car and you are tall, or your spouse is, and have a newborn who should be riding rear-facing, you should choose a car seat with a low-height clearance.

This is more important if you want a convertible car seat that can be used in three-seat modes through your child’s growing years instead of an infant seat for the first two years.

Most infant car seats have reasonable height clearance, even with the seat base.

The best convertible car seat that ticks off this factor is the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ at 28.5H inches.

The other convertible seats recommended here – Graco 4Ever DLX and Cybex Sirona S measure 24 inches and 25.5 inches, respectively.

Can You Get 3 Car Seats in a BMW X3?

With the interior width of the BMW X3 in the second row at 56 inches, your car will conveniently fit three car seats, but not just any random infant or convertible seat.

Of the seats recommended here, the:

Doona infant car seat & stroller combo measures 17.3″ W – fits 3
Uppababy Mesa measures 17″ W – fits 3
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ measures 17″ W – fits 3
Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 measures 16.2″ W – fits 3

However, if you already have other car seats and need a third seat, you should take note of the width of the ones you already have and subtract the total from 56″. That will give you a guide on what the third seat width should be.

2 Seats and an Adult in the Back Seat

For a seat to accommodate a clothed adult, there has to be 20″ – 22″ of space available, and less for a teenager.

Let’s do a quick calculation.

Using the upper limit above, which is 22″ as the available space that will fit an adult.

Back row width (shoulder room) 56″.

56″ – 22″ = 34″

34″ / 2 = 17″

That means to accommodate 2 seats and an adult in the back seat, your car seats have to measure at most 17″ wide.

The best car seats that fit here are:

Uppababy Mesa measures 17″ W
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ measures 17″ W
Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 measures 16.2″ W

Seat Mode Usage – rf, ff, and booster

Depending on your choice, you may want to start with an infant seat or go ahead with a convertible car seat which saves you more money in the long run, or just a booster seat if you transferred your convertible to your younger one and need a booster for your bigger boy/girl.

An infant seat offers you more convenience on the one hand, such as using it with a stroller or, as is, as an infant carrier. On the other hand, depending on state law, you get to use it for 2 – 4 years and then look out to buy a convertible seat.

A convertible seat serves your newborn straight from birth up to 10 years of age, including as a booster seat.

The Graco 4Ever DLX (review) offers you even a fourth seat mode – a backless belt-positioning booster seat.

Regardless, all the car seats recommended in this article are great for your BMW X3 and will serve you well, irrespective of the type you want.

Stroller Compatibility

Choosing an infant seat over a convertible car seat will depend on the basis that you want to take your precious born on a walk in the park in a stroller – great plan!

The Doona infant car seat & stroller combo is the perfect choice. While you save more going for this option, the Uppababy Mesa, on the other hand, is compatible with the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller but is more expensive even as a pair.

An advantage of the Uppababy Vista infant seat is that it is compatible with many other strollers like the VISTA, CRUZ, VISTA V2, and CRUZ V2 without adapters in case you already have one.

Nonetheless, we desire luxury, comfort, and safety, and these products offer just that.

Ease of Installation and Car Seat Safety

Safety is the primary aspect to consider when it comes to car seats, as that is their primary function.

It is worth noting that every car seat is designed to be secure, as they all undergo rigorous federal safety standards before being sold in the market in the United States.

Despite this, certain car seat manufacturers choose to exceed these safety standards by incorporating additional safety features to instill more confidence in their customers.

However, the key to ensuring that a car seat serves its purpose in the event of an accident is to guarantee it is correctly and firmly installed right from the beginning.

To ease installation process, many car seat manufacturers include special features to make installation super easy.

Best Infant Car Seats for BMW X3

1. Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller (best for its double build)

This particular infant car seat and stroller could be the ideal choice for your BMW X3, as it functions as both a stroller and a car seat and can convert from one to the other in a matter of seconds, all while being lightweight.

This baby car seat saves you money over time and frees up extra space in your trunk due to its dual functionality.

It’s possible to have concerns regarding the safety of an infant seat that also functions as a stroller. Rest assured, this particular seat meets the highest safety and quality standards in both the US and EU.

In addition, the Doona car seat and stroller are designed to be slim and compact, which is particularly convenient when positioned rear-facing, as it won’t take up too much space.

The following table shows the specifications and features of the Doona infant seat, including the safety, installation, and ease-of-use features:

Doona Infant Seat & Stroller	Overview	Specifications	Features
	Infant car seat & stroller combo For use in rear-facing only Recommended weight range: 4-35 lbs. Height limit: 32 in. Expiration: 6 years from the date of manufacture FAA Approved Highest safety and quality standards (meets the strictest US & EU standards for car seats, strollers, and hand-held carriers)	Dimensions (WxLxH): Folded: 17.3 x 26 x 22.4 in Unfolded: 17.3 x 32.3 x 39 in Product weight: 17.2 lbs. LATCH Base: LATCH Base Dimensions (WxLxH): 16 x 20.2 x 9 in	Breathable fabric 5-point harness system LATCH Base Canopy Adjustable handlebar 2 recline positions Newborn insert and head support Vehicle seat protector

2. UPPAbaby Mesa (stroller compatible - without adapters)

Mesa infant car seat, a product of American company UPPAbaby, is a sophisticated and preemie-friendly infant seat that accommodates smaller babies from 4 lbs. with an inclusive infant insert for extra comfort.

Beyond this, the Uppababy Mesa infant seat is compatible with a wide variety of strollers without needing adaptors, including the VISTA, CRUZ, VISTA V2, and CRUZ V2 strollers, MINU (with adapters).

Another giveaway of this baby seat is the extendable UPF 25+ canopy which provides very good level of sun protection and easily tucks in when not in use.

UPPAbaby Mesa	Overview	Specifications	Features
	RF infant seat Weight range: 4-35lbs. Height limit: 32" Expiration: 7 years from the DOM Compatible with a travel system Approved for use on flight (FAA Approved)	Dimensions: 28"D x 17"W x 26H (infant seat on base) Product weight: the infant seat = 10 lbs.; the seat base = 18.7lbs.	5-point harness system No chemical fire retardant 6-positions adjustable headrest Built-in lock-off (for seatbelt installation) Dual-sided level indicators Extendable hood canopy (UPF 25+) Attaches directly to VISTA, CRUZ, VISTA V2, and CRUZ V2 strollers without adapters

3. Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit (stroller compatible - with adapters)

The Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit, an infant car seat, features a steel-reinforced base, SafeCell crumple zone, and two layers of side-impact protection, which ensures maximum safety while on the go.

Also featuring a no-rethread, five-point harness which moves with the headrest, making adjustments easy as your baby grows.

The SafeCenter LATCH ensures secure installation, and the European Belt Guide provides increased stability when the base is unavailable.

The Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit infant seat is comfortable for your little one with its spacious seating area and smooth-touch knit fabrics. And pairing it with any Britax single stroller makes it an ideal travel system, ensuring quick and easy movement from car to stroller.

Britax B-Safe Gen2	Overview	Specifications	Features
	RF infant seat Weight range: 4-35lbs. Height limit: 32" Expiration: 6 years from the DOM Approved for use on flight (FAA Approved) Compatible with all Britax Single Strollers, BOB Single and Duallie with adapters	Dimensions: 17.9" D x 26.6" W x 25.85" H	5-point harness system Reinforced steel base 6-position adjustable headrest No-Rethread Harness Two layers of side impact protection around the head

Convertible Car Seats for Tesla Model S

1. Diono Radian® 3RXT® SafePlus™ – fits 3 across

As we have seen, this convertible takes the top list as the best car seat for the BMW X3 simply for its diversity in meeting many factors in choosing a car seat for your BMW model.

Notwithstanding, the Diono brand prides itself as the original three across all-in-one car seat at 17“ wide for their Radian® series. While this can’t be disputed, they have a strong rival that even measures lesser, at 16.7″, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1.

However, the Radian 3RXT Safe+ beats the SlimFit3 LX for its luxurious feel, which matches the class of your luxury crossover SUV.

However, if you are on a budget, you may consider the SlimFit3 LX, which is relatively cheaper.

Diono Radian 3RXT+	Overview	Specifications	Features
	3-in-1 convertible car seat (3 seat modes) Recommended weight range: 4-120 lbs. Extended usage in rear-facing – up to 50 lbs. Height limit: 57.1 in. Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture FAA Approved	Product dimension: 16D x 28.5H x 17W (inches) Dimension (when folded) 11.5D x 28.5H x 17W (inches) Product weight: 28.1 lbs.	newborn travel high-wedge 2-in-1 infant head and body support Diono Safe+® Engineering – a more rigorous safety testing Safe+® 12-position one-hand adjustable headrest 6 layers of Safe+® Side Impact Protection Safe+® anti-rebound steel bar Reinforced steel frame 1 cup holder (you can buy an additional cup holder)

2. Graco 4Ever DLX – fits 2 with little space left

The presumed ‘hyped’ 4-in-1 all-in-one car seat from the best-selling car seat brand in units sold is a heavy, sturdy, bulky, convertible car seat that will serve your little one for ten years in 4 seat modes.

Featuring several ease-of-use, safety, and super easy installation features, this car seat gives you all the luxury you can imagine for a car seat at its price. Not to mention, it is also preemie friendly at a minimum recommended weight of 4lbs. up to 120lbs. where your child can use it as a backless belt-positioning booster seat.

Remember, this car seat will only fit 2 in your car seat. If that isn’t an issue, then it’s a great deal.

Graco 4Ever DLX	Overview	Specifications	Features
Graco 4Ever DLX Convertible Car Seat	4-in-1 convertible car seat Recommended weight range: 4-120 lbs. Height limit: 57 in. Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture	Dimensions: 20D X 24H X 21.5W Product weight: 23lbs.	Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™: rigorously tested for frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes Rear-impact tested, Side impact protection 5-point harness system Steel-reinforced frame LATCH/LUAS/ISOFIX system and Safety seat belt installations InRight™ LATCH attachment – enables easy and secure installation using the LATCH system. Easy-to-read recline level indicator during installation 10-positions adjustable headrest

3. Cybex Sirona S – best feature is the rotation

The Cybex Sirona S is a convertible car seat that can transition between two modes, with the ability to rotate the seat to switch between them.

While this feature may seem convenient and groundbreaking, it may not be the optimal choice depending on your state of residence’s car seat regulations and laws.

Some states have more relaxed car seat mode requirements, while others have stricter rules and regulations. It is essential to know the laws in your state to avoid accidentally placing your child in an incorrect position, such as being forward-facing instead of rear-facing.

Despite this potential issue, the rotating feature remains a valuable addition to the car seat, as it simplifies the process of placing and removing your child from the seat by allowing you to rotate it in your direction quickly.

Cybex Sirona S	Overview	Specifications	Features
	2-in-1 convertible car seat For use in RF & FF Recommended weight range: 4-65 lbs. Height limit: 49 in. Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture	EasyLock bar Dual level indicator – for right recline angle when installing SensorSafe that connects to your phone for alerts Linear side-impact protection 12-position adjustable headrest without rethreading	Rigorously tested for frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes (Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™) Rear-impact tested; Side impact protection equipped 5-point harness system Steel-reinforced frame Very comfortable for a child Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System 10-positions adjustable headrest Harness holder, Harness storage LATCH/LUAS/ISOFIX system & Safety seat belt installations InRight™ LATCH attachment – easy and secure installation with the LATCH system 6-positions recline Easy-to-read recline level indicator Machine-washable seat cover 2 square cup holders

Booster Seats for Tesla Model S

1. Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 – 16.2" – fits 3 across

The TurboBooster LX is the slimmest 2-in-1 booster seat that fits 3 across at a go that can be used in highback and, later, backless mode. The slim design also gives it the advantage of being combined as a third seat with other car seats in your X3.

Measuring 16.2 in. wide, it is super slim and will fit 3 across. It can be used in highback booster seat mode and transformed into a backless booster seat as your child grows.

This wins it the best spot as a booster seat for BMW X3.

Graco TurboBooster LX	Overview	Specifications	Features
	2-in-1 booster seat Weight range: 40-100lbs. Height limit: 57" Expiration: 10 years from DOM	Dimensions: 15.5"D x 16.2"W x 8.6"H; Product weight: 9.13lbs.	3-point harness system Rigorously tested for frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes (Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™) Self-buckling feature Transitions easily from highback to a backless booster 6-positions adjustable headrest (with impact management) Front-adjust LATCH system (secures the booster seat to the vehicle seat) Energy-absorbing foam to manage car crash impact (EPS) One integrated cup holder “BEST Bet” Booster rating by IIHS

2. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 - fits 2 with little space left

The Chicco KidFit booster seat is another 2-in-1 booster seat that can transform from a highback to a backless booster seat and is a suitable option for your BMW X3.

However, at a width of 19 inches, it does not fit three seats across, and neither will it accommodate a third passenger in the center or the door side.

Despite this limitation, the safety, installation, and ease-of-use features of the Chicco KidFit booster seat make it an excellent choice for your child and your X3. Moreover, it is rated as the BEST BET booster seat by IIHS.

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1	Overview	Specifications	Features
	2-in-1 booster seat Weight range: 40-120lbs. Height limit: 63" Expiration: 12 years from DOM	Dimensions: with backrest (highback) – 17"D x 17"W x 26"H; without backrest (backless) – 15.9"D x 17"W x 9.4"H Product weight: 14lbs.	3-point harness system Transitions easily from highback to backless by the push of a button Aluminum reinforced backrest Removable backrest 3-position adjustable backrest 3-position adjustable side wings (side protections) 5-position adjustable headrest 5-position recline Adjustable side impact protection Energy-absorbing foams (EPS & EPP – within the side wings and headrest) Integrated Rigid LATCH connectors Integrated SureFix Base (for stable balance) Blind lock attaching system (to prevent accidental release of the seat) Two armrests 1 cup holder “BEST Bet” Booster rating by IIHS

3. Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Booster - fits 2 with little space left

Britax Highpoint 2-Stage booster seat, another car seat from the Britax brand, also gives you the luxury of a highback and backless booster seat for a reasonably reasonable price.

However, at 19.5 inches in width which makes it a good fit as a booster seat for a BMW X3, you cannot fit three across, nor can you fit two and have a third seat or enough space for another passenger by the side or in the middle.

Britax Highpoint Booster	Overview	Specifications	Features
	2-in-1 safety seat (forward-facing & booster seat) Weight range: 30-100 lbs. Height limit: 52" Expiration: 10 years from DOM FAA Approved when using the 5-point harness system (as forward-facing)	Dimension: 29.75"H x 19"W x 18.25"D Product weight: 11.5 lbs.	5-point harness system (for FF) LATCH or seat-belt installation systems Machine washable seat cover 1 cup holder BEST Bet rating by IIHS

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

At this very point, you may have decided on which car seat to go for for your BMW X3.

Notwithstanding, these are my final thoughts and recommendations:

If you are a new parent planning to get the BMW X3 as a family car, then it is a good choice from the perspective of child car seats.

If you already have the X3 and need to know your options of car seats, you have a great deal of wonderful choices.

Finally, if you need 3 car seats in your vehicle, the following are great options:

Doona infant car seat & stroller combo measures 17.3″ W – fits 3
Uppababy Mesa measures 17″W – fits 3
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ measures 17″W – fits 3
Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 measures 16.2″W – fits 3

If you already have other car seats and need a third one, you should take note of the width of the ones you have and subtract the total from 56″. That will give you a guide on what the third seat width should be.

I hope this article has been able to help you make a choice car seat for your precious little one in your luxury X3.

signing out…