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

New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power
Lotus Esprit
News

New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power

Horse Powertrain is providing the new twin-turbo V8 for Lotus’s hotly-anticipated supercar
10 Nov 2026
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI
News

Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?

VW’s hot small EV will be more expensive than its rivals from France
9 Nov 2026
New Audi Nuvolari review – why Lamborghini Temerario’s half brother isn’t twice the car
Audi Nuvolari
Reviews

New Audi Nuvolari review – why Lamborghini Temerario’s half brother isn’t twice the car

Audi's new Temerario-based Nuvolari does not absolve the sins of Lamborghini's new hybrid supercar, but it's not all bad news
9 Nov 2026