The BMW X3: The Brand's Biggest Seller Gets a Cabin Overhaul
Both reviews agree the driving experience remains genuinely good — and both single out the same thing as the weak link: an interior that's traded some of its usual polish for touchscreen-heavy minimalism.
Illustration for editorial purposes
Common BMW X3 Parts & Costs
- BMW X3 Alternator
- BMW X3 Battery
- BMW X3 Brake Discs
- BMW X3 Brake Pads
- BMW X3 Cabin Air Filter
- BMW X3 Engine Mount
- BMW X3 Exhaust System
- BMW X3 Fog Lights
- BMW X3 Front Bumper
- BMW X3 Front Suspension
- BMW X3 Fuel Pump
- BMW X3 Grille
- BMW X3 Headlights
- BMW X3 Radiator
- BMW X3 Rear Bumper
- BMW X3 Rear Shock Absorber
- BMW X3 Rear Springs
- BMW X3 Spark Plugs
- BMW X3 Tail Lights
- BMW X3 Timing Belt
- BMW X3 Wing Mirror
More Sales Than the Badge's Own Icon
It says something notable when a manufacturer's best-known nameplate isn't actually its best-selling one. Reviewers keep pointing out that distinction here, since this model quietly outsells the 3 Series worldwide.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Compact luxury SUV |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L petrol (mild hybrid), 30e plug-in hybrid, M50 straight-six |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, xDrive all-wheel drive standard |
| Electric-only range (30e) | Up to 55 miles official |
| 0–60mph | 6.7 sec (30 xDrive) |
| Price range (new) | From around £48,375 |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear found the entry-level petrol engine underwhelming in a genuinely heavy car, describing it as having too much work to do despite the added hybrid boost, while rating the six-cylinder M50 as brisk without quite matching the outgoing full-fat M version's outright punch. They noted the exterior design has proven divisive, with some describing it as the more palatable face of BMW's bolder recent styling and others seeing largely unnecessary creases across flat surfaces. Ride quality stayed firm across the range even without engaging the sportiest adaptive damper setting.
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports rated the redesigned cabin a dramatic shift toward minimalist, high-tech styling, but found the controls genuinely harder to use than the previous generation and the overall ambience less luxurious than expected at this price point, citing plain black plastic door latches on a car costing $57,000 as tested. They praised the turbocharged four-cylinder as crisp and energetic, with a 6.7-second 0-60mph time a full second quicker than the previous generation, and recommended the standard 30 model over the pricier, sportier M50 for most buyers.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
Every X3 comes with xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard — there's no manual or front/rear-wheel-drive-only option in the current range.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 xDrive xLine / M Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl mild-hybrid petrol, AWD | 208bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 7.8s |
| 20d xDrive xLine / M Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl mild-hybrid diesel, AWD | 197bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 7.7s |
| 30e xDrive M Sport (PHEV) | 2.0L 4-cyl petrol + electric motor, AWD | 295bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 6.2s |
| M50 xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo petrol, AWD | 398bhp | 8-speed automatic | SUV | 4.6s |
Trim walk runs xLine → M Sport, with the M50 sitting above as its own performance-focused flagship pending a full X3 M. A broad exterior colour range is offered, with several metallic and premium finishes available at extra cost. Check BMW's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely quick, energetic turbocharged four-cylinder
- Nimble, well-controlled handling
- Competitive plug-in hybrid electric-only range
- Strong fuel efficiency for the class
Weak points
- New minimalist cabin trades some luxury feel for touchscreen reliance
- Controls harder to use than the outgoing generation
- Divisive exterior styling
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who prioritise driving dynamics and efficiency and don't mind a more minimalist, screen-forward cabin. Anyone wanting the previous generation's more tactile controls and richer material feel should test drive carefully before committing to this generation specifically.
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BMW X3 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)