The BMW X3 is a mid-size SUV with the space and versatility you expect of a practical family car. It’s comfortable, full of high-tech features and has a premium feel. It’s great to drive and makes every journey a bit more enjoyable than it would be in many similar cars.
The current version of the X3 has been sold new since 2017, replacing a version sold from 2011 to 2017. The two look quite similar but the newer version has a bigger front grille, different front and rear lights and an improved interior design. It’s also a bit bigger and features the latest tech.
Both versions are available in SE, xLine or M Sport trim. The SE comes very well equipped, while the xLine has even more features as standard. The M Sport has a lot of equipment and sportier design details.
Petrol and diesel engines are available. Which engine a car has is indicated by a two-digit number, followed by the letter ‘i’ or ‘d’. The bigger the number, the more powerful the engine. The letter ‘i’ means it’s a petrol engine and ‘d’ means diesel. All models except the X3 18d have ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. There’s also a plug-in hybrid and the high-performance X3 M, which drives like a sports car.
All X3 models come very well equipped with smartphone connectivity, sat nav, climate control, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. High-spec models have features such as heated leather seats.
The current version is available with BMW’s latest tech, including a more advanced infotainment system and driver safety systems including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
The X3 is very efficient for this type of car. Official average figures show the X3 can give fuel economy of 26-40mpg with a petrol engine and 44-52mpg with diesel. The older version of the X3 is only available with diesel engines, giving up to 47-56mpg. The plug-in hybrid has a range of 29 miles on battery power.
As a product of one of the most desirable car brands, the X3 will cost you a bit of a premium over some other mid-size SUVs. However, its versatility, generous equipment and high quality mean it’s good value.
X3 rivals include the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX– all very good cars. But the X3, by a slim margin, is the best of them, offering a compelling combination of desirability, practicality and a great driving experience.
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The X3 has five doors and five seats. There’s generous room for four adults to sit comfortably for several hours and a smaller passenger can squeeze into the middle back seat. So there’s more than enough space for two or even three rapidly growing children. The boot isn’t the biggest you’ll find in this type of car but it’ll still hold six medium suitcases or a couple of pushchairs.
BMWs generally have efficient engines and the X3 won’t cost the earth to tax and insure. It doesn’t have to be expensive to own an X3 and other running costs will be comparable to its rivals.
The 2017 and 2011 versions of the X3 were awarded a full five-star rating by safety organisation Euro NCAP. Both should give very good protection in an accident and the latest version is available with more advanced driver safety systems.
A petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model of the X3 was launched in 2020. It’s called the X3 xDrive30e and can give fuel economy of up to 141mpg, according to official figures, and has a zero-emissions range of up to 29 miles on battery power alone. A fully electric version was launched in 202 – badged iX3, it has a range of up to 285 miles.
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