Turning on the headlights
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BMW followed up the rampant success of its X5 SUV in the 1990s with the slightly smaller X3 in 2003, and now in its third generation, the X3 remains a popular choice in the premium SUV market. It’s been one of the sportier models in the class since its introduction, while later cars have grown in size and luxury, supplemented by the smaller X1 and X2 and the sloping-roofed X4.
The current generation car was launched in 2018 and brought two new models to the table: a plug-in hybrid, and a full BMW Motorsport model, the X3 M Competition - giving buyers more choice than ever. At its core though the X3 is a well-judged premium SUV, and its popularity means plenty of choice on the used market too.
The BMW X3 slots between the X1 and X5 in the German manufacturer’s range, making it a great choice if you want to upsize from the former or downsize from the latter. The latest model, launched in 2018, is already more practical than its predecessors, having grown in size, so it strikes a good balance between not taking up too much space on the road, but still being spacious and comfortable.
It’s also not as brash as some other recent BMW SUVs, so offers all the usual BMW qualities while flying under the radar a little. That’s especially true of the smooth X3 30e, a plug-in hybrid introduced for this generation, with a 30-mile electric range, though there’s no real poor choice when it comes to the X3’s engines: all perform well, don’t generate too much noise, and return decent fuel economy (even the X3 M, given its performance).
The interior seats five, and it’s practical and well-equipped. Well-built, too - BMW is right at the top of the class at the moment for interior fixtures and fittings, and the feel of its materials. The cabin hasn’t yet been overrun with touchscreens either, so has a tasteful appearance and most of the minor controls are still easy to operate with just a brief glance, or even by feel. The tech you do interact with, such as the infotainment, works very well too.
The X3’s competitors include the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and depending on how far up the range you go, the sporty Porsche Macan too. Or, you could look at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which has a sporty feel to rival even the BMW, or the Lexus NX for those prioritising long-lasting reliability and an easy-going drive.
As is often the case in a car like this, it’s hard to beat one of the frugal diesel engines for all-round appeal. Diesel might not be as fashionable as it used to be but it’s still one of the best ways of extracting good fuel economy from a larger vehicle. The 20d has more than enough punch, though if you’ve got the budget, the allure of the six-cylinder 30d is hard to beat. The diesels (and indeed the petrols) still net you the most boot space too - opt for the plug-in hybrid, tempting though its economy figures are, and your space drops from 550 litres to 450 litres. As for trim levels, SE and xLine are both well-equipped as standard, but the M Sport’s styling does have some appeal, and gets upgraded infotainment too.
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The X3 has a relatively small and easy to understand range of trim levels. xLine is where the range currently starts though earlier models came in SE form, which is the de facto entry-level car but still well-equipped, as you’d expect given the badge on the front and the relatively expensive initial purchase price. We’ve included the performance models below here too - the M40i and M40d, and the X3 M Competition.
The BMW X3’s exterior dimensions are:
The BMW X3’s boot size is:
Most of the X3 range cost more than £40,000 new, which means most of the range is subject to a surcharge that lifts your annual tax bill to £600 per year from years two to six of registration. On the off-chance you find a lower-spec X3 that cost below that figure, then your bill will be £190 per year, while the plug-in hybrid 30e gets a meagre £10 discount.
Insuring an X3 will likely cost you more than it would for a non-premium model of similar size, but depending on the model, it may not be too expensive either. The range starts at group 28 out of 50, for an X3 20i xLine, with the 20d diesel being in group 33. The most affordable 30e steps up to group 38, the M40d and M40i groups 43 and 45 respectively, while the X3 M is in groups 45-46.
£29,538
£33,990
£16,500
£21,938
£51,493
£37,493
£40,695
£32,995
£45,999
£25,475
£29,470
£763 off£39,765
£72,425
£25,575
£36,497
£34,995
What is the most popular colour for BMW X3 ?
What is the most popular gearbox for BMW X3 ?
What is the most popular fuel type for BMW X3 ?
What is the most popular engine for BMW X3 ?
What is the average mileage for BMW X3 ?
22867
How many BMW X3 cars are available for sale?
391
