Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X3 review - strong engines help make this an impressive SUV - Design

Do you really need an X5?

Evo rating
RRP
from £33,945
  • Decent to drive, strong diesel engines, good interior tech
  • Bested by Macan dynamically, numb steering, slightly stiff ride, dated interior design

The X3 has much more in common with its X5 bigger brother than the original model did. It’s an attractive SUV and features BMW’s signature kidney grille, giving the X3 a commanding presence. M Sport models look more aggressive with lower bumpers, gloss-black trim and larger alloy wheels.

At the rear, LED tail-lights are standard. The tailgate opens to reveal a low loading space, which can be accessed hands-free if you choose the optional comfort access package. The rearmost windows are angled up at the bottom in classic BMW SUV fashion. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite solid aesthetic foundations though, the X3 does look dated compared to new rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. An all new model promises to take on board the lastest BMW design cues, but till then, the X3 will struggle to make the other parents at your kids football match look over in envy.  

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
Features

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week

In the current issue of evo, we test BMW’s updated M240 against the Audi RS3 – these are our favourite shots
18 Jul 2026
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – one of the best hot hatches just got better
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance – front
Reviews

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – one of the best hot hatches just got better

The winged GR Yaris Aero Performance has arrived, with more aggressive looks and incremental mechanical upgrades making it the best version yet
17 Jul 2026
Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
Reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence

Despite its age, the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom remains in a class of its own as the most luxurious way to travel by road by a significant …
20 Jul 2026