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In-depth reviews

BMW X3 - Reliability & safety

There’s plenty of safety tech on board the X3 that offers reassurance if the worst should happen

Reliability & safety rating

4.0

How we review cars
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£49,505 £69,090
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£2,770 off RRP*
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Safety organisation Euro NCAP has yet to test the latest BMW X3, but with the exception of the BMW i4 and the BMW 2 Series Coupe back in 2022, every new BMW has scored a five-star rating since the previous-generation X1 in 2015. 

Those two exceptions only missed out on the maximum rating because of their scores in the Safety Assist category, but the X3’s comprehensive suite of driver-assist systems, including standard front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and its Driving Assistant – which comes with a blind-spot warning system – suggest that it’s unlikely to slip up there. 

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A 14th-place finish for BMW in our 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey ranks the brand just above mid-table, and places it comfortably ahead of German rivals Mercedes (25th) and Audi (27th).

Key standard safety featuresEuro NCAP safety ratings
  • Cruise control with brake function
  • Two Isofix mounts in rear seats
  • Tyre pressure monitors
  • Dynamic stability control
  • Auto hold
  • Post-crash collision warning
  • Euro NCAP safety rating - Not yet tested

 

Warranty

All BMWs come with a fairly standard three-year warranty, but as with other premium marques, BMW doesn’t have a mileage cap. Breakdown cover also lasts for the length of the warranty, while extended warranties are available at extra cost.

Servicing

BMW offers an optional Service Inclusive package, which includes oil and filter changes, spark plugs and brake fluid for the duration of a finance agreement. For three years, this costs just over £1,000 on the petrol models and closer to £1,500 for the diesel.

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