BMW X3 review
While not a driver’s car like other BMWs, the X3 is one of the better mid-size SUVs from behind the wheel
Is the BMW X3 a good car?
The original BMW X3 was one of the first models to kick off the mid-size premium SUV segment, and after two decades of refinement to create this fourth-generation G45 model, there are still some areas where its rivals struggle to compete. Driving dynamics and tech are two trump cards for the latest model, while in its weakest areas it’s merely average at worst. Pricing is also competitive when compared against its key challengers, with the entry-level model undercutting the most affordable Mercedes GLC, and running the Audi Q5 very close. At the top of the range, the most powerful models deliver entertaining handling you wouldn’t consider possible for an SUV.
| Key specs | |
| Fuel type | Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid |
| Body style | Five-door SUV |
| Powertrain | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, four-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, four-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, electric motor, four-wheel drive 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol, four-wheel drive |
| Safety | Not yet tested by Euro NCAP |
| Warranty | Three years/unlimited miles |
How much does the BMW X3 cost?
It costs around £49,500 to get behind the wheel of a BMW X3, and while that sounds like a lot, it’s less than the starting price of a Mercedes GLC, and matches the older Audi Q5, although the Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 start from £3,000-£5,000 less.
The X3 line-up kicks off with the 20 xDrive which, like the entire X3 line-up, is four-wheel drive and has a 205bhp turbo petrol four-cylinder engine connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox (all X3s are automatic).
For around £1,500 extra, the 20d xDrive has a 194bhp turbodiesel engine under the bonnet that offers similar performance and better fuel economy. And for around £6,000 more than the petrol, the 30e xDrive is the plug-in hybrid variant. This uses the same 2.0-litre petrol engine as the 20 xDrive, but adds an electric motor for a total output of 295bhp and a 22.3kWh battery that offers an all-electric range of 56 miles, according to BMW.
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These three engines are available in two trim levels, xLine and M Sport. The former is well equipped, including LED lights front and rear, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, plus a large curved display that combines a 12.3-inch screen for the driver and 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
M Sport is around £2,000 extra and adds a sportier exterior look, blue brake calipers, 19-inch wheels and M Sport suspension and cabin detailing. Both cars can be upgraded with packs that add more kit or enhance the car’s looks.
At the top of the range, the current flagship until a new X3 M arrives is the BMW X3 M50. It starts from around £68,500 and includes 20-inch alloys, different styling to help separate it from the M Sport models, with horizontal grille bars and an illuminated frame for it, as well as the obligatory two pairs of exhaust tips poking out at the rear. Under the bonnet is the only six-cylinder currently in the line-up: a 3.0-litre petrol twin-turbo unit that makes 393bhp and means the X3 M50 can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds.
If you’re looking for an electric iX3, you’re out of luck, because BMW’s Neue Klasse SUV will be the company’s EV offering in the compact premium market.
Engines, performance & drive
The BMW X3 has always been one of the more enjoyable cars to drive in the premium compact SUV sector, but the fourth generation has a more grown-up character that delivers better comfort and refinement. It doesn’t come at the expense of how it drives, though, and the responsive powertrains and agile chassis keep it a step ahead of rivals. Read more about the BMW X3's engines, performance and drive...
MPG, emissions & running costs
As well as offering a decent driving experience, the BMW X3 is also pretty efficient, according to the official figures. The 20 xDrive petrol has an official fuel economy of more than 40mpg, while the diesel is closer to 50mpg. The eDrive plug-in hybrid has on-paper fuel economy of 282.5mpg, which isn’t as high as some figures offered by rivals, although of more importance is that it can travel up to 55 miles on electricity alone, so for many everyday trips, the engine may not even fire up if the battery is fully charged. Read more about the BMW X3's MPG, emissions and running costs...
Interior, design & technology
As with most modern BMWs, the latest X3 features a widescreen dashboard set-up comprising two screens, one for the driver, one for touchscreen functions. The displays look fantastic, with crystal-clear graphics and lots of smart technology built in to keep you connected, while a rotary iDrive control wheel is present to help you navigate through the assorted functions. Unfortunately, some material quality is disappointing, with the flimsy door handles being particularly poor. Read more about the BMW X3's interior, design and technology...
Boot space, comfort & practicality
A raised seating position gives a clear view of your surroundings, while the X3’s cabin has been optimised to deliver generous passenger space throughout. However, back-seat space isn’t the roomiest in the class, with headroom being a little short in a relatively tall car. Boot space is generous, with a square floor and there’s a relatively low lip to help with loading items. Read more about the BMW X3's boot space, comfort and practicality...
Reliability & safety
The latest BMW X3 has yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares the latest safety technology with a number of other BMW models that have earned a five-star rating from the safety body. There’s the usual suite of airbags and electronic control systems, while the car’s touchscreens offer the ability to adjust which systems are active when you’re driving. Read more about the BMW X3's reliability and safety...
BMW X3 alternatives
The BMW X3’s position in the compact premium SUV market puts it in line with its usual German rivals, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. Both cars are due to be replaced in the coming months, but they’ll have to be pretty special to have the better of the X3. Another alternative is the petrol-engined Porsche Macan, which offers performance and handling that is a match for the X3’s, although it’s getting a bit old these days.
If you’d prefer a non-German car, then the Lexus NX is a good option that offers plenty of tech and premium kit, but isn’t as sporty to drive as the X3. The Volvo XC60 is another old-stager that’s been updated in 2025 to keep it competitive.
You can no longer buy a new Jaguar F-Pace in the UK, but the platform-sharing Range Rover Velar is still offered, while the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a more family-friendly alternative to the X3.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fourth-generation X3 uses the in-house model code G45, while in China there’s a long-wheelbase version that carries the G48 code. For reference, the Mk3 X3 (introduced in 2017) was the G01, the Mk2 (2010-2017) was the F25 and the original X3 (2003-2010) was the E83.
