BMW X3 Review: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Performance, Features, and Interior—Where Luxury Falls Short

OVERVIEW

The BMW X3 Review; it rules as the most vital vehicle in the lineup, measured by global sales data. In contrast to the popular models of the 3 Series or even the varied 5 Series—which goes from Munich cab to luxurious plugin hybrid monster—the X3 steals the attention. In 2023 alone, its production rate increased to 1,000 units daily, confirming its title as BMW’s best-selling car.

Despite its success, the absence of a completely electric iX3 in this generation is noticeable. However, expectation surrounds the medium-sized crossover set to launch in late 2025 as a part of BMW’s Neue Klasse EV family.

The entry-level X3 is operated by a 2.0-liter petrol engine with effective 48-volt minor hybrid technology. Private buyers requiring trailer-towing capacity can go for the sole diesel option, the 20d.

Meanwhile, company-car buyers have mostly switched from diesel alternatives to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), selecting the petrol 30e equipped with an 184bhp electric motor perfectly integrated between the flywheel and gear box. At the top of the range lies the solid straight-six M50. Rumors say that new version of the X3—the G45—will prevent a full-performance X3 M Competition model.

All X3s have 4WD, was known in BMW’s terminology as xDrive. Oh and the petrols no longer have an i in the badge. Not 20i and 50i, but 20 and 50. Us neither.

BMW X3 EVOLVES OVER THREE GENERATIONS

The BMW X3, recognised as the most interacting midsize luxury SUV for 3 generations, adopts a new strategy with its fourth generation—comfort above thrill. This adjustment is not disappointing; instead, it delivers the most balanced X3 to date, boosting excitement among UK buyers. Unlike other BMW vehicles designed to generate differed responses, the new X3’s appearance finds greater appeal.

While keeping a connection to earlier generations with its long bonnet stance and upward glasshouse sweep, the new X3 has polished, modern design elements. With sleek, simplified bodywork and few sharp edges, it illustrates the modern BMW looks.

The famous kidney grill remains prominent, decorated with parallel bars and lighted elements, contributing to BMW’s apparent light signature. “The LED outline for the grille might seem kitsch, but it does give BMWs an unmistakable light signature.”

The modified headlights match with the bonnet line and feature appealing blue accents. “Edgy detailing for the flush set front bumper, sporty 19-inch rims and a diffuser-like panel at the back do their bit to up the show value.”

EXTERIOR AND STRUCTURE: A MIX OF OLD AND NEW

While the current model includes a completely updated design, renewed interiors, and modified furniture, its basis remains roughly the same. “It all sits on a basic chassis and dimensions that’s largely unchanged, but the track is wider, a few extra underbody braces have been added and the steering improved.” Innovation extends to the engines, with hybrid technology strengthened even in the mild hybrid (MHEV) form. The plugin hybrid (PHEV) now possesses an amazing WLTP electric range of 55 miles with the small-wheel version.

The vehicle’s new design is causing conflicting views. Polite observers describe it as “the acceptable face of the iX,” while others regard it as having wide flat surfaces deformed by meaningless lines. “There’s a whole lot of car.”

FRONT AND BACK DESIGN DETAILS

Up front, the vehicle offers BMW’s signature rim-lit grill kidneys, which have evolved from traditional kidney designs. Though no longer large, they guarantee the vehicle maintains its unique presence.

The back features a clean tailgate connected with the bumper for a solid, “monolithic” aspect that tends toward estate-like style. Its rear angle has earned attention, with robust tail elements and a sleek design lowering drag to 0.27Cd, increasing fuel efficiency and limiting wind noise at higher speeds.

PRICE BREAKDOWN AND BUYING OPTIONS

For those looking at the base-spec xLine trim, the starting price is £48,375, giving entry-level petrol performance. Going for the diesel alternatives adds around £1,500 to the cost, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) starts at £57,245. “For the M50 you’ll need to dish out £66,980 before any options. Get a bit trigger happy on the configurator and you’ll rapidly get up around £80k.”

𝙻𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙴 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝙲𝙰𝚁 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙷𝙴𝚁𝙴

Every version of the automobile comes equipped with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission, combined with either the 48V mild hybrid system or the PHEV 30e arrangement. The entry-level model is the xLine trim, which may hint at off-road capability but doesn’t quite deliver on that notion.

Regardless, it’s well-equipped and priced at £48,375 for the 20, with an additional £1,400 for the diesel-powered 20d, which is good for towing needs. “The lowest standard is named xLine, which denotes a 4×4 tuftiness but that’s not obvious.

Anyway, it’s nicely equipped and starts at £48,375 for the 20, and an extra £1,400 for the torquey tow-friendly 20d.”

Going for the PHEV 30e delivers a price jump of roughly £9,000 over the regular model, delivering higher power. However, to make this purchase profitable, you’d need either access to inexpensive overnight electricity or be a business car taxpayer.

“The PHEV 30e is almost £9k over the 20. OK, it’s got more power but you’d really need to have access to incredibly cheap overnight electricity, or be a business car taxpayer, to justify it.”

For all powertrain options, upgrading to M Sport trim costs around £2,000—a choice that’s particularly popular among UK purchasers for its bigger wheels and edgier bumpers. “For all those powertrains you can upspec to M Sport for roughly £2,000, and we guess practically everybody in the UK will. For some reason we enjoy huge wheels and stylish bumpers on our family SUVs.”

The M50 model is priced at £66,980, bringing considerable increases in features and power. Key features include adaptive LED lighting, 20-inch wheels, and an Alcantara-finished interior. “The M50 gets you for £66,980, and its spec as well as its power is a proportional step up. Examples include adaptive LED headlights, 20in wheels and an Alcantara-clad interior.”

EXPLORING OPTIONS

Optional extras are packed into packages, corresponding with current industry standards. For example, the Comfort Plus Pack at £1,350 adds adaptive LED headlights, a Harman Kardon radio update, electric lumbar support, heated seats for both front and rear, and more storage solutions.

“The extras are grouped into packs, as tends to be industry norm these days. So for instance you would add adaptive LED headlights, a Harman Kardon radio update, motorised lumbar support, heated front and back seats and a storage system for £1,350 as part of the Comfort Plus Pack.”

On a personal lease through BMW, the base 20 xDrive xLine trim is available for £703 per month over four years with a £4,500 deposit and a 10k annual mileage limit. The M50, under the same leasing arrangements, reaches £1,000 per month.

“On a personal lease from BMW, the base 20 xDrive xLine is £703 a month over four years with £4,500 up advance and a 10k km limit. On the same parameters the M50 narrowly tips over the £1,000 per month level.”

ALTERNATIVES

For buyers looking for comfort, rivals like the Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60 present more delicate suspension settings. Alternatively, for those desiring intense driving dynamics, the four-cylinder Alfa Romeo Stelvio delivers a decidedly athletic experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUYERS

Given the absence of driving impressions for the PHEV 30e and diesel 20d vehicles, the entry-level petrol-powered 20 emerges as the current recommendation. While the M50 is an amazing performance, its stiff ride, fuel consumption, and starting price of £67k may not suit those wanting a practical family SUV.

“Well, we’re yet to drive the PHEV 30e or the diesel 20d, so for now we’ll have to recommend the entry-level petrol-powered 20. The hotter M50 is a remarkable item, but with a hard ride, a thirst for gasoline and a £67k starting price, it definitely won’t be the family runabout that you’re certainly searching for.”

For a better balance, opting for the xLine trim with the 20 and eschewing the M Sport option is advised. Allocating part of the savings toward extras like the Fire Red exterior (£875), vegan leather interior (£725), and the Comfort Plus Pack adds a sense of customisation and value to the purchase.

“We’d even skip the M Sport model with its larger wheels and aggressive suspension. Stick with the 20 in xLine standard and spend some of the additional cash on a fancy exterior paint like Fire Red (£875), a vegan leather interior (£725) and the Comfort Plus pack.”

A CHANGE IN THE X3’S CHARACTER

The X3’s earlier two generations were known for their decent and unconstrained character, with only minor defects discernible upon thorough investigation. However, this version brings modest changes: “For two generations the X3 has been capable and uncontroversial… this time round it’s a little different.” Cabin quality falls short due to “low-rent” plastics, yet quick-responding screen displays, logical menus, and imaginative use of cloth in the facia contribute positively.

Despite various shortcomings, the X3’s engineering remains noteworthy. Solid handling is noticeable even at high Autobahn speeds, and the M50 offers greater accuracy, allowing drivers to feel the tyres’ engagement during turns. “And it’s quick, if inevitably thirsty.”

On the other hand, the twenty struggles with performance, slipping into an odd category that reduces its attractiveness. “Given the want of performance we can’t imagine you pasting it. So it’s in an odd space.”

INTERIOR FEATURES AND DESIGN

The inside of the X3 covers the core necessities, providing enough space and an excellent driving position. “It covers the essentials. It’s roomy enough, and the driving stance is truly comfy.”

However, it disappoints in certain places, failing to emanate the premium vibe one may imagine. Hard, scratchy plastics dominate areas like door knobs, handles, and center console storage bins, which detract from its overall quality. ” The let-down is unexpected: it just doesn’t feel costly.

There’s a lot of hard scratchy plastics where your touch encounters it: door pulls and knobs (with the latter nearly completely hidden in the dark), centre console storage boxes.” The ambient light strips, while visually appealing in images, come off as uninspired in reality, evocative of glow sticks from bonfire night.

“And the ambient light strips look good in photos but in real life resemble the glow sticks you wear round your neck on bonfire night.”

TEXTURE AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS

BMW counters some of these defects with updated textured material on the dash, which feels soft. High-resolution and responsive screens increase the user experience, even if their angular design isn’t everyone’s favorite. “To compensate, the textured material on the dash is fresh and feels soft.

And the screens, even if you don’t like its angular style, are high in resolution and responsive to the touch.” Unfortunately, simple circular dials are omitted in the digital dashboard—a missed chance for more intuitive controls.

Good news for traditionalists: the rotary controller stays intact, keeping ease of use alongside multiple buttons and screen shortcuts. “Still – huzzah! – the rotary controller lives on.

Cherish it, since when Neue Klasse sweeps the BMW range it will be erased forever.” However, many drivers would still prefer a unique climate control panel for improved functionality.

DRIVER AIDS AND SEATING COMFORT

Setting up driver aids is uncomplicated, with mandatory systems running effortlessly, inviting drivers to explore advanced assist options. “Configuring the driver aids is rather straightforward, but it all works seamlessly so you are less inclined to turn the obligatory systems off, and more eager to employ the other sophisticated help systems. Many of those are optional anyhow.”

Front seats provide excellent comfort, while storage is restricted. Rear legroom is sufficient for outer-seat occupants, but the middle passenger might find the gearbox hump a nuisance. Headroom is decent, and standard rear temperature control adds a layer of convenience.

“In the rear, the footwells are deep so there’s plenty legroom for the outer two; the centre one might find the massive transmission hump gives them the hump. Headroom is fine for all. And there’s independent back climate control as standard.”

BOOT SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

The plug-in hybrid model, with its 19.7kWh battery under the cargo floor, offers 460 litres of storage with back seats in place and 1,600 litres when folded. Other models tout a more capacious 570 litres with seats up and 1,700 litres when folded flat.

“With its 19.7kWh battery under the cargo floor, the plug-in hybrid X3 provides 460 litres of room with the back seats in place, and 1,600 litres when those seats are folded. All other models have a decent 570 litres of cargo space with the seats up and 1,700 litres when they’re folded flat.”

Although cargo room marginally trails mild-hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLC models, the X3 outdoes competitors such as the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 in this area.

“That latter figure means the X3 is slightly down on cargo space versus the mild-hybrid versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the BMW does at least beat both the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60.”

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