UK Drive: Is BMW’s X3 still the premium all-rounder to choose?

What is it?

When the first BMW X3 was launched all the way back in 2003, it marked a turning point for high-riding cars. Introduced as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), it was a road-focused model which had some of the look and feel of an off-roader but was one which, in reality, was never going to venture far off the beaten track.

Now, in 2026, it’s this segment of car which remains at the very top of its game. The thing is, while the X3 might have been a trendsetter back in the early 2000s, it has since been joined by all manner of rivals. Can this latest car still deliver a cutting-edge experience? We’ve been driving it in the UK to find out.

What’s new?

The BMW’s rivals really are numerous. You’ve got the shapely Volvo XC60, or the refined and popular Audi Q5. You could even look towards the upstarts shouldering their way into the segment, too, such as the Genesis GV70 or the BYD Seal U, both of which offer razor-sharp technology and some clever powertrains.

What BMW has done in order to keep the X3 ahead of the game is lean into what it knows best – dynamics. It’s lower to the ground than before, for instance, and it’s wider, too. You might notice that the X3 is longer than its predecessor, too, helping to increase interior space.

What’s under the bonnet?

You can get the X3 with a range of smooth-shifting engines, including both petrol and diesel options. There’s also an efficient plug-in hybrid with a battery-only range of up to 54 miles, while later on this year the electric iX3 will join the ranks. With a range of up to 500 miles, it’ll bring one of the longest electric-only ranges of any EV on sale.

But the one we’re testing sits at the top of the tree, performance-wise at least. It’s the range-topping M50, which gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six sending 376bhp to the wheels. With a zero to 60mph time of just 4.4 seconds, it’s certainly brisk, yet some mild-hybrid technology helps it to bring a claimed fuel consumption of 30.5mpg combined.

What’s it like to drive?

Make no mistake, the X3 in M50 specification doesn’t hang about. It surges forward with smooth, effortless performance and while the piped-in and artificial engine noise can be a little overbearing, you can switch it off via the main screen. Through the corners, the X3 remains flat and composed, with excellent levels of grip even when things are a little wet outside.

When on the motorway, the X3 feels truly at home. Wind and road noise are both kept to a minimum, and this helps this high-riding BMW to feel quite effortless when you’re doing those big-distance trips. As for fuel economy, we saw a mixed bag during our time with the X3 – you could get close to 35mpg on longer trips, but that would fall off a cliff during around-town driving.

How does it look?

BMW has certainly taken a turn for the controversial styling-wise in its latest cars and that’s still the case with the X3. While it isn’t quite as outlandish as something like an iX or the flagship XM, it’s still a car that’ll likely get people talking.

Those huge kidney grilles get an illuminated surround, too, so even at night there’s little way of disguising what type of car you’re driving.

What’s it like inside?

Sadly, it’s a little bit of a mixed bag inside the cabin of the X3. While the general fit-and-finish is good, it’s let down by some poor plastics – particularly on the sides. There’s also a large plastic section which surrounds the wireless charging pad and though it’s illuminated, it just doesn’t feel as high-quality as you’d expect from a BMW product. That said, storage is great with large door bins and a well-sized central cubby helping to keep things tidy.

There’s loads of room for those sitting in the rear, too, with headroom being more than plentiful enough, even for taller passengers. With 570 litres, the boot is also very usable in terms of size, bringing more room than the Volvo XC60, but falling short of the Mercedes GLC.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the X3 start from £53,305 for a standard petrol-engined car in regular xLine trim. The good news is that there’s plenty of equipment fitted to these models as standard, with features such as an automatic tailgate, cruise control and BMW’s widescreen system included from the off. The main infotainment system is one of the most intuitive on the market today, too, and in the X3, you also get a rotary controller, which can make operating certain functions much easier when you’re on the move.

If you’re fancying the M50, then prices increase to £73,715. Of course, much of this is going into the upgraded engine and revised suspension settings, but other additions include sport seats for a racier experience when you’re behind the wheel.

Verdict

The BMW X3 is a very accomplished mid-size SUV. In M50 trim, it offers an exciting driving experience with the smooth, refined character that you’d expect from a premium model. However, unless you really need that added performance, we reckon that most people would find that standard petrol and diesel models are a better fit.

Some patchy interior quality aside, the X3 feels just as rounded as before and, as a result, that puts it towards the top of its class.