BMW X3 - TopCarNews

BMW X3 (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW X3 is a mid-size SUV/crossover, with the current model launched in 2017. This is the third generation of X3, with the first model being launched in 2003 and the second generation launched in 2010.

The X3 has received positive reviews from the UK motoring media, ranging from good to outstanding. It has received particular praise for its driving dynamics and high-quality interior. The main criticisms have been directed at the relatively poor standard equipment list, with many features only available as expensive options.

An electric version of the BMW X3, called the iX3, is set to arrive in the UK in Summer 2021. We have a separate page for that car here. A facelifted X3 range is set to arrive in the UK in the Autumn of 2021, which will have lightly revised styling and more standard equipment.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £42,140 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Autumn 2021

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Score: 8.2 / 10“The X3 ticks so many boxes that one might wonder why it isn’t more feted. Perhaps it remains an under-the-radar success because it does just about everything right, and simply becomes a part of the owner’s daily life.”
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Auto Express

Score: 8 / 10“The latest version of the BMW X3 improves refinement, ride quality and style. Cutting-edge technology marks it out as one of the best in the business in this area, too.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive30e 2020Score: 8 / 10“The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in petrol SUV offers potentially huge savings in running costs and maintains the typical X3 strengths of comfort, build quality and tech.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The latest version brings new levels of refinement, ride quality and style, as well as a raft of new technologies that return the model to the ranks of the market leaders.”
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Model reviewed: M CompetitionScore: 7 / 10“This new X3 M Competition is what you’d expect, given its target audience, blending a user-friendly all-wheel-drive system with steering and suspension that do well to disguise the heft.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive30e plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“The xDrive 30e will no doubt appeal to SUV buyers currently unable to commit to an electric car. It looks and drives like an X3, and that’s no bad thing at all.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The X3 sits in the middle of the incredibly competitive mid-size SUV sector and BMW has gone all-out to make it a true premium player. As such it’s packed with the latest technology, spacious, luxurious and available with a wide range of engines.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid xDrive30e M SportScore: 8 / 10“For fleet drivers in need of a good-sized family car, who like SUVs but also enjoy a good drive, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is a very commendable option. Just make sure you get one with the M Sport Plus package and those adaptive dampers.”
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Car

Model reviewed: M CompetitionScore: 8 / 10“That engine is a real treat, though – generating huge power throughout the rev range and doing so in a linear, boost-free way that feels distinctly un-turbocharged.”
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Model reviewed: M CompetitionScore: 8 / 10“Displacing three litres and boosted by two independent monoscroll turbochargers the X3M produces 503bhp and 443lb ft of torque in Competition specification.”
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Model reviewed: 20d M SportScore: 8 / 10“For those who want an SUV, and want one that’s good to drive and offers great practicality – and more off-roading ability than you’ll ever need –the new BMW X3 is a fine choice.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The BMW X3 is a great all-rounder. It offers space, versatility, refinement and engaging driving dynamics, so much so that X5 owners might be tempted to downsize.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2021Score: 8 / 10“When it comes to driving enjoyment the BMW X3 remains right at the top of the segment, while a classy interior and a still-stylish design helps matters.
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: M CompetitionScore: 7.2 / 10“The BMW X3 M Competition is a fast, practical SUV with a great engine but the ride is firm.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The latest BMW X3 blends comfort, technology and real driver appeal in a very well rounded package.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The BMW X3 is a comfortable and roomy family car that’s easy to drive and comfortable. Sadly, some advanced safety kit and high-tech infotainment features cost extra.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid xDrive 30e M Sport“Despite the compromised boot design, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is still ahead of its competition for space, range, fun and tax band.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 20d M SportScore: 8.2 / 10“A car with few weaknesses, although it would have been nice if emissions had come down, and BMW could also have done more to make the new X3 look different.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: MScore: 4 / 10“This might sound harsh, but the X3 M feels like a product of an internal department’s will to have this small niche in the market filled, rather than a car engineered by people with the passion or interest to execute it properly.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“BMW’s latest SUV should sell better than ever, but entertainment takes a back seat to practicality and tech.”
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Model reviewed: M40iScore: 8 / 10“Brisk with an impressive chassis but, like most SUVs, short on thrills.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: X3 xDrive30e M SportScore: 8 / 10“Appealing economics arrive with the plug-in X3 making it the obvious fleet choice, but other plug-in BMWs offer even more appeal.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 10 / 10“Third-generation BMW X3 combines rugged off-road looks with sporting presence.”
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Model reviewed: 30d“The biggest question posed by the excellent new BMW X3 is why would you need the slightly bigger X5? The new X3 is almost extraordinarily good, as if BMW engineers have used a check-list of every fault and criticism of the old X3 and corrected all of them.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9 / 10“Spacious, dynamic SUV for drivers who rarely venture off-road”
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The Sun

“Britain’s appalling roads are BMW’s gain, as the latest incarnation of its X3 does smooth-riding ‘family SUV’ as well as anything on the market.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid xDrive30e M SportScore: 8 / 10“If you really want to take full advantage of the electric revolution, you’ll still need to wait for the iX3 to come along next year; doubtless, it’ll be quieter and smoother. But until then, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is a worthy stand-in – and if you need a company car right now, it’ll do the job very nicely indeed.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Nothing exactly new, more a raised game from this premium family SUV. Quite likeable, though a little dull and not a great-looking car.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The X3 has never done BMW much credit, but the new one is a thorough enough job to take on the class best.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 10 / 10“An Audi Q5 might be more comfortable, but a BMW X3’s superb driving experience and spacious, high-quality interior makes it one of the very best large SUVs to buy.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid xDrive30eScore: 7.2 / 10“Plug-in hybrids suit certain drivers more than others – if most of your journeys are short, the BMW X3 PHEV could make sense. It certainly ticks the boxes in terms of family usability and practicality, and is a comfortable, strongly performing SUV choice.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.8 / 10“The BMW X3 is a great all-rounder: perfect as family transport and as a luxury SUV. It’s not without its flaws but overall it’s a very solid contender.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017

93%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

70%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

58%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The BMW X3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X3 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Sports SUV for Families

2019

What Car? Awards – Best Sports SUV £40K – £60K (X3 M40i)

2018

Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Premium SUV

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