BMW X3 - Boot space, comfort & practicality
The BMW X3 doesn’t offer class-leading boot space, although it’ll easily cater to a family’s needs for a long weekend.
The X3 is a mid-size SUV with five seats and plenty of space in the cabin and boot to accommodate most families. The driving position is a touch on the high side, although this enables a clear view out (helped by A-pillars that aren’t too raked back or thick) and general decent visibility.
Tall adults will be able to get comfortable in the X3 whether up front or in the back, although middle-seat occupants might feel cramped after a long trip thanks to a ridge in the foot space. Despite being a lofty SUV, ease of access to the cabin is good.
Cabin storage is acceptable, with two cupholders in the centre console and a useful storage box under the armrest. You’ll find two bottle holders in the doors for the front occupants, although a two-litre bottle will be a struggle to fit.
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,755mm |
| Width | 1,920mm |
| Height | 1,660mm |
| Number of seats | 5 |
| Boot space | 570 litres |
Dimensions and size
It might have a very similar bodystyle to the old X3, but at 4,755mm long and 1,920mm wide, the new model is 40mm longer and 20mm wider than the previous-generation car. The X3 also sits 25mm lower than before, giving it greater feeling of width when stationary, and a sense of sportiness on the road. The X3 is also longer, wider and taller than the Mercedes GLC and has a 100mm longer wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing Audi Q5, the BMW is longer and wider, but marginally shorter in height.
How practical is the BMW X3?
Legroom and headroom in the BMW X3 are equally good, with adults over six foot easily able to get comfortable. That’s thanks in part to the cushioned seats up front and the bench in the rear, but also the sheer amount of space on offer. It’s unlikely to cause an issue, but the backs of the front seats are made from a hard plastic rather than a soft material to protect against knee-rub. Most will find a few inches of headroom above them, and even more if you specify the optional panoramic sunroof.
Boot space
The BMW X3’s boot is about average for the class at 570 litres, although this is 20 litres more than you got before. The Mercedes GLC comes with up to 620 litres and the outgoing Audi Q5 served up 550 litres. The old X3 plug-in hybrid sacrificed 100 litres of boot space due to the battery location, and unfortunately the new car is even worse in this respect, with 110 litres lost over the mild-hybrids. Fold the rear seats down (they don’t go completely flat) and you’ll be met with 1,700 litres in the MHEVs and 1,600 litres in the PHEV X3.
Helpful features such as a luggage net, movable boot floor and a sliding parcel shelf are fitted as standard in the X3. There’s also a large boot opening with no loading lip, so heavy items are easy to chuck in the back.
Towing
Maximum towing capacity in the X3 with the plug-in hybrid powertrain is 2,000kg. This rises to 2,400kg with the xDrive20 petrol, while the M50 and diesel xDrive20d offer up to 2,500kg. There’s no air suspension to level out once a trailer is fitted, and a tow bar can be added as an extra for just over £1,000.
