BMW X3 Review (2025)

Introduction

The BMW X3 was less highly rated when it first came out.

It wasn’t manufactured by BMW and smacked of corner cutting - a car put on the market by the company's accountants for the sake of it.

But fast-forward twenty or so years, and the X3 is the brand’s most popular SUV, offering formidable competition to all in its class.

Last year, 350,000 were shifted worldwide - almost 1,000 per day - so the successor - the fourth-generation model - is vital to BMW.

While its underpinnings are largely the same as before, the new X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor.

The shape, including the interior, has also been entirely overhauled. It takes some inspiration from the all-electric BMW iX, albeit not quite to the same extremes.

Speaking of electric, if you’re wondering what happened to the battery-powered iX3, you may be surprised to hear it’s been discontinued in favour of the combustion-engined models offered in the new version.

That may sound at odds with current trends towards electrification, but it’s because the iX3 has been made redundant by a clean-sheet design, arriving next year.

Nevertheless, a plug-in hybrid model is still offered, along with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel variants - and there's the hot version, the X3 M50.

We are not testing the ultra-fast variant today, but we are going to see if this important BMW car retains the appeal of the outgoing model.

At A Glance

The X3 has changed significantly but still looks unmistakably like a BMW SUV.

The kidney grilles at the front now feature a mixture of horizontal and diagonal lines, some thin air intake slits at the sides and a modest lower grille toward the bottom.

Everything else is solid bodywork, especially on the M Sport version, which has a much cleaner appearance than the retiring model.

Around the sides, the doors bulge out, so they sit further away from the car's centre than the windows - a bit like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, one of the X3's primary foes.

The roofline slopes towards the BMW's rear, and the roof spoiler extends over the top of the back window.

The shapely taillights change as they reach around the corners, while the back is the only place you notice the SUV cladding, which is present but minimised at the front and sides.

The new look is divisive. Some say the body panel domination is excessive, resulting in a car that lacks menace, while others think it still looks quite aggressive, although the looks do vary slightly depending on trim level.

We suspect it’ll still be leased in vast numbers.

Key Features

The BMW X3 is available in two trims – xLine and M Sport.

The xLine has 18-inch alloys and BMW Live Cockpit Plus, which includes a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio, satellite navigation, and voice control.

You also get LED headlights and taillights, aluminium roof rails, an automatic tailgate, electrically adjustable sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and a wireless phone charger.

The M Sport has 19-inch alloys and various M Sport décor, including the steering wheel, high-gloss Shadowline, anthracite headlining, sports suspension, brushed aluminium interior decor, and part-Alcantara upholstery.

There is technically a third trim, but that's the M50 performance model, which is entirely different. It offers 20-inch alloys and adaptive M suspension.

Four ways can be used to power the X3, one of which is via plug-in hybrid (PHEV) propulsion.

The entry-level petrol model, known as the 20 xDrive, has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 208PS.

There is also a diesel, called the 20d xDrive, which is the same size but slightly less powerful, coming in at 197PS.

If you pick the PHEV, you'll combine the above petrol unit with an electric motor, producing a total of 299PS.

Alternatively, the M50 version gets a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol lump, outputting 398PS.

All models come with all-wheel drive.

Performance & Drive

Our test has mainly focused on the entry-level 20 xDrive petrol in M Sport guise.

Zero to 62mph is achieved in 7.8 seconds, which is reasonably good for a fairly hefty SUV, although plenty of its rivals can do better.

With 208PS underneath the bonnet, it’s not bad with just me and a front-seat colleague, but if you’re carrying three adults in the back, we suspect the car will be found wanting.

It feels a little laboured when overtaking, and the engine needs to be worked hard to make significant progress.

The mild-hybrid system compensates elsewhere, but we felt it was a little lacking if you're trying to get from 50 to 70mph quickly.

As a car to waft along in, it’s utterly fine if you’ve got the patience.

While the 20d xDrive only has 197PS, it will naturally have more low-end grunt, helping to push you along. Its 0-62mph time proves it more than makes up for the 11PS deficit to the petrol model, given that it’s marginally quicker at 7.7 seconds.

Admittedly, there are two other variants that are considerably more potent - the plug-in hybrid produces 299PS, while those seeking ultimate performance may want to look at the M50 xDrive version, which adds another 99PS to that figure.

Both are considerably more expensive to lease and difficult to recommend unless you have deep pockets.

The M50 version will undoubtedly offer the best handling, given its badge means it’s part of the brand’s ‘M’ performance division, alongside iconic siblings such as the BMW M3, M4 and M5, plus many others.

The X3 is very pleasing to drive. It controls body lean better than nearly all its rivals and feels nimbler than just about any other competitor. The steering is accurate and precise, too, offering plenty of feedback through the wheel, which firms up nicely at speed.

BMW has a knack for combining the best of both worlds: handling and ride comfort, whereas mere mortal opponents have to pick one or the other.

The X3 is further proof of BMW's abilities, although making something like an SUV handle well is all but impossible without a firm ride.

Given we’re testing the M Sport version, it’s fitted with non-adaptive sports suspension, which has a stiffer setup than the entry-level xLine models.

This is worth avoiding if ride comfort is a priority. It is not uncomfortable, but you’re paying extra to trade off some spinal protection for the sake of improved handling.

Adaptive suspension is available as an extra on both xLine and M Sport models. It enables you to customise its settings via the infotainment screen, and if you like tinkering around, this might be worth considering.

We recommend avoiding the temptation to choose larger alloys unless you're willing to sacrifice more ride comfort. However, regardless of which model you choose, the eight-speed automatic gearbox is joyfully smooth and responsive, and the car is well-soundproofed from road and wind noise.

Running Costs & Emissions

The X3 petrol returns 40.4mpg and emits 158g/km of CO2, while the diesel manages 47.9mpg and emits 155g/km of CO2.

The plug-in hybrid is, naturally, in a different league. It returns 282.5mpg while producing just 22g/km of CO2.

While the plug-in hybrid is difficult to justify due to its higher leasing price, it's definitely the one to go for if you're after a company car, as eco-friendly cars equal less Benefit in Kind tax.

It will perform a 0-100% top-up of its 19.7kWh (usable) battery in just two and a quarter hours at a maximum 11kW charging speed. Its all-electric range of 54 miles is a near 70% increase on the previous X3.

That is significantly more than an equivalent Audi Q5 PHEV, although the Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV can manage almost 80 miles without needing its combustion engine.

Nobody will lease the M50 version for its economy figures, but for what it’s worth, it returns 36.2mpg and emits 177g/km of CO2. To be fair, those numbers aren't bad for a performance car.

In terms of reliability, BMW seems to be climbing higher – at long last. The German brands, once famed for their dependability, have become some of the least reliable manufacturers in recent years, but BMW has recently outperformed expectations.

We hope the new X3 continues that upward trajectory.

Interior & Technology

The interior of the new BMW X3 is quite striking, with plenty of eye-catching features.

It looks luxurious and is heavily inspired by the all-electric iX, which is even more minimalistic inside and offers a substantial departure from the outgoing X3.

The hexagonally shaped steering wheel is one of several features taken from the iX.

A storage area connects the dashboard with the centre console, which is surrounded by a large, light blue border.

The same colour is used on the doors and as the backdrop to a couple of controls which sit beneath the infotainment screen.

The touchscreen is also striking, with a darker blue neon light beneath it. Both the infotainment screen and digital instrument display are housed in one ultra-widescreen unit, which looks mightily impressive.

Equally impressive is the infotainment system itself, with gorgeous, pin-sharp graphics.

Unfortunately, the BMW X3 has succumbed to the trend of embedding the air conditioning controls within the infotainment system, as you need to touch the screen to change the temperature, which isn't convenient on the move.

What's more, although icons are along the bottom of the screen to quickly access specific menus, they're small and not easy to hit without taking your eyes off the road.

However, crucially, there's still a rotary controller. Some manufacturers have ditched them in the touchscreen era, but we think they remain a key tool to have when the vehicle is moving.

The infotainment system, featuring the latest version of in-house software - BMW Operating System 9 - is lovely to use, with intuitively laid-out menus and attractive graphics. It is still a class-leading system.

Likewise, the digital instrument display looks equally attractive and provides plenty of useful information, including a SatNav map, while you're driving.

We just wish there were a few more physical buttons on offer.

Nevertheless, it’s classy, sophisticated and quite ostentatious, which is as contrasting as it gets compared with the old X3, which, if anything, looked excessively understated.

Practicality & Boot Space

Electric adjustment is standard on all X3s. Therefore, it's easy to find a suitable driving position the first time you sit inside - and even easier to find it again when you drive it next time, thanks to the memory function, which is also standard.

Today, the BMW X3 is as big as the original X5, offering a commandingly high driving position.

That means forward visibility is good, and the German automaker has helped keep the front windscreen pillars relatively thin.

Rearward visibility isn’t as good, though, as the pillars are much thicker, the rear windows taper inwards, the roofline slopes down, and a sizeable roof spoiler overhangs the rear windscreen.

Thankfully, the issue is mitigated by front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and an automatic parking assistant, which manoeuvres the steering wheel for you - all of which are included as standard on X3 models.

That is impressive – but BMW gives with the left hand and takes away with the right, as adjustable lumbar support is an optional extra, which is frustrating.

Despite this, the front seats are very comfortable, and there's lots of space to stretch your legs and sprawl out. The headroom is plentiful, and the cabin feels very wide, too.

In the back, you’ll have no such problems either unless you're very tall, as, despite the noticeable slope in the roofline, it still provides a decent amount of space.

Three adults in the back is doable, too, and it offers a reasonably spacious environment for longer journeys, especially for the outer two passengers.

The cabin also has ample storage space, including a generously sized cubby beneath the central armrest, large door bins, and a large glove compartment.

Five hundred and seventy litres of boot space is offered, while the rear seats fold down in a convenient 40:20:40 configuration, expanding the available capacity to 1,700 litres.

The Jaguar F-Pace offers 80 litres more, though - and you'll lose some room if you opt for the X3 PHEV, which reduces the capacity to 460 litres and expands to 1,600 litres.

Nevertheless, the boot is very accessible and squared off in most places. The complete absence of a loading lip makes it much easier to slide more oversized, heavier items in and out.

Safety

Safety experts at Euro NCAP have yet to examine the new X3, but there should be few concerns.

BMW’s previous X3 earned a five-star rating in 2017, while the firm’s i4 and 2 Series Coupe are the only two cars to have failed to get five stars since 2015.

The last BMW SUV tested was the X2, which earned an 85% rating for adults, 88% for children, and 92% for safety assists in 2022.

On the new X3, you get BMW Driving Assistant, which offers a range of camera and radar-based utilities, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Parking Assistant includes a reversing aid, parking sensors, and a reversing camera, while Parking Assistant Professional is available as an optional extra. It enables the X3 to park itself automatically without you even being in it.

Road sign identification, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and lane departure warning are also standard.

Options

There are several optional extras available on the new BMW X3.

Solid white is the default colour, but up to nine other shades are available if you want to pay extra.

You can upgrade the alloy size on all models to as high as 21 inches, although you can't downgrade to a smaller-than-standard size.

Various upholstery upgrades are also offered, including part amber, black/grey, dark brown, beige and all-black colour schemes, including Alcantara material, depending on the model.

A Comfort Plus Pack, which includes adaptive LED headlights, front and rear heated seats, a Harman/Kardon sound system, lumbar support, roller sun blinds and ventilated front seats, is also available.

In addition, there is a Technology Pack, which includes an interior camera, Live Cockpit Pro with enhanced SatNav, a head-up display, and other enhancements.

Rival Cars

The BMW X3 isn’t short of competitors.

The most obvious alternatives are the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi's Q5, and the last run of Jaguar F-Pace models.

The Land Rover Defender, Discovery Sport, Lexus NX, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60 are also challengers.

Verdict & Next Steps

Overall, the new BMW X3 is excellent, offering yet another step forward.

It offers great practicality, a lovely interior, decent performance, and a wonderful infotainment system. Plus, it handles superbly for a big SUV.

We would likely pick the diesel rather than the petrol, thanks to its enhanced low-end grunt, but the petrol isn’t bad if that’s your preference.

The plug-in hybrid and M50 are costly to recommend unless either model fits your own circumstances.

The PHEV, for example, is a no-brainer as a company car, while those with deep pockets seeking a performance model will love the quite brilliant M50.

Regardless, the BMW X3 is excellent to drive and great to live with day-to-day.

And now it’s better than ever.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the BMW X3.

**Correct as of 02/12/2024. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 24 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £5,072.94 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.