BMW X3 review – an upmarket SUV that’s fun to drive

Verdict – is the BMW X3 a good car?

Could this be the last combustion-engined BMW X3? It looks likely given BMW’s strategy, and on this evidence it’s a great send off. The fourth-generation X3 still leads the upmarket mid-size SUV class when it comes to driver feel. It’s pretty good in most other respects too, with first-rate interior quality and infotainment software that works well. All but the middle rear seat are spacious and comfortable, and the boot is generously sized. One of the only missteps is that practicality is slightly compromised for the plug-in hybrid, though that’s easily forgiven in the sure-footed and fast M50 model.

BMW X3 models, specs and alternatives

For those of us who can remember the arrival of the original BMW X3, the fact the fourth-generation is now upon us might come as something of a shock. BMW’s ‘small’ SUV has certainly grown up over the years – it’s now easily the size of an original X5, and smaller BMW X1 and X2 models now sit beneath the X3.

Competing with models including the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5, the X3 has also risen in price over the years, now starting from over £49,000. We recently tested the X3 alongside the Lexus NX and the BMW came out on top – it was a very close call and the Lexus NX has been our favourite of the class for some time, but with great driving feel, a big boot, impressive in-car tech and a wider choice of engines and powertrains, the BMW pipped it. If you want the ultimate X3 driving experience, the M50 is the one for you.

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Trim levels start with xLine, which gets plenty of features like a curved infotainment and driver’s display, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated seats as standard. M Sport is a popular trim in the UK, thanks to its sporty styling inside and out and starts from just over £50,000. At the top end of the price list sits the M50 xDrive that has a list price just shy of £70,000.

Buyers choices start with 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, both coming with  48-volt mild-hybrid technology that can give the engine a small nudge when setting off to help improve efficiency. These both produce around 200bhp and get from 0-62mph in just under eight seconds, so should feel brisk enough for the average driver. Economy wise, expect close to 40mpg for the petrol, while the diesel can officially hit 47.9mpg.

Business drivers and private bean-counters will want to take a long look at the X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), because with a much-bigger-than-before 22.3kWh battery it needs to use its 2.0-litre petrol engine less often than ever, so long as you keep it topped up with electricity. It’ll manage up to 55 miles using electricity alone, boosting its economy figure above 300mpg.

If you think your X3 should be able to surprise sports cars off the line, there’s the M50 version, which is the only fourth-gen X3 with a six-cylinder petrol engine. Hotted up with a twin-scroll turbocharger, it can get from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. 

MPG, running costs & CO2 emissions

BMW is renowned for turning out highly advanced engines, and its mild-hybrid petrol and diesel versions of the X3 boast some of the best figures in the class. While they will likely emit too much CO2 for business choosers, they should suit private buyers really well. There’s also the PHEV with just over 20g/km of CO2, but this does cost quite a bit more to buy. Read more about the BMW X3's MPG, running costs and CO2 emissions...

Engines, drive & performance 

The BMW X3 has always been one of the most fun cars to drive in the mid-size SUV class, and it’s still the same story. The fact it’s based on similar building blocks to the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series means it has a great start in life, and careful fine-tuning by BMW means it’s responsive without being uncomfortable. Both the petrol and diesel are sub-eight-second 0-62mph cars, and the M50 is even faster. Read more about the BMW X3's engines, drive and performance...

Interior & comfort 

While the third-generation X3 was rather traditional inside, the latest model takes inspiration from the futuristic iX. Buttons are mostly gone in favour of curved digital screens, glowing ambient lighting and high-quality materials. Read more about the BMW X3's interior and comfort...

Boot space, practicality & dimensions 

There’s ample space with four adults, but the middle back seat isn’t as spacious because of a transmission tunnel. A 570-litre boot is a good size too, but this drops to 460 litres for the PHEV, and we wish there were some more ingenious storage solutions. It’s not bad overall though. Read more about the BMW X3's boot space, practicality and dimensions...

Reliability & safety

BMW has risen up the manufacturer rankings in our Driver Power survey, now ahead of Audi and Mercedes. We don’t see much cause for concern, and while the latest X3 hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP yet, the previous model scored five stars. Read more about the BMW X3's reliablity and safety...

BMW X3 alternatives

The upmarket mid-size SUV class is still alive and kicking, but there’s now a host of all-electric SUV alternatives as well. Audi and Mercedes are the obvious options, but you could also look to Volvo.

Premium mid-size SUVs:

• Audi Q5
• Mercedes GLC
• Jaguar F-Pace
• Lexus NX

Premium electric SUVs:

• Mercedes EQB
• Audi Q6 e-tron
• Porsche Macan Electric
• Polestar 4
• Tesla Model Y

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Should you buy a BMW X3?

If you’re in the market for a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV with a touch of luxury, then the X3 should definitely be on your shortlist. That’s especially the case if you enjoy driving, because the BMW retains its position as the most engaging car in its class.

It no longer serves EV buyers of course, with the deletion of the iX3 from the range, buyers after zero emissions will need to await the arrival of the Neue Klasse X – which could be some time – or shop elsewhere.

Still, if you’re a private buyer who's a fan of turbocharged petrol or diesel engines, and if you need to tow a caravan or trailer, then you are still well served by the X3. The PHEV slashes emissions to just over 20g/km, so it’s also a solid pick for business choosers who aren’t put off by the 8% BiK band.

Given BMW’s reputation for great sporting cars, the X3 doesn’t disappoint with the M50 xDrive version. It packs a 393bhp 3.0-litre inline-six engine – the only six-cylinder left in the X3 range – that carries the car from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. It’s also equally good in corners, yet it can still offer 36.7mpg combined economy and 175g/km CO2 emissions that are acceptable for such a quick car.

The X3’s cabin quality and software is worthy of a special mention, because it feels a cut above the old X3 and now elevates the BMW to the top of the class for quality. It’s not quite perfect, with slightly strange door handles that take a bit of getting used to, but it’s not far off.

While criticisms are few and far between, it’s a shame the otherwise decent boot space is compromised to the tune of 110 litres if you pick the PHEV. Still, even with this drop in space, it should still be fine for most family duties.

What is the best BMW X3 for low running costs?

This clearly goes to the plug-in hybrid BMW xDrive30e, because its large battery means it can drive for up to 56 miles using electricity alone. This pumps up its economy figure to 313.9mpg and slashes emissions to 21g/km. This isn’t a no-brainer though, as you’ll need to be a business user or drive lots of short trips to really overcome the fact it costs around £9,000 more to buy than the entry-level petrol. 

What is the best BMW X3 for keen drivers?

While some performance SUVs are faster in a straight line, but a bit lacklustre in other respects, the X3 M50 does manage to deliver a pretty fun experience. This is helped by the X3’s already-sharp chassis and some clever tuning that makes the six-cylinder engine feel more visceral when you are pressing on.

What is the Carbuyer pick of the range?

It’s a tricky one, because which engine you pick will really depend on your lifestyle and circumstances. Unless you do need to get the PHEV to lower your BiK liability, though, we’d stick with the entry-level xDrive20 petrol in M Sport trim. It’s plenty quick enough, has the lightest feel, has the big boot and comes with features that should help bolster its residual values.

How we tested the BMW X3

We’ve driven the BMW X3 in Germany, on a mixture of motorways, A and B-roads, city driving and even venturing slightly off-road.