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In the highly competitive luxury midsize SUV segment, playing it safe might no longer be enough to have an edge over competitors. Instead, to stay ahead manufactures have to keep pushing the envelope. The BMW X3 started out being a radical model amongst then a small pool of more conventional rivals. The second and third generation models were less controversial. Now, in its fourth generation, the X3 is once again trying to be different – styling wise at least. Is this a good gamble for BMW? Let’s find out.
I have to admit, I was quite a fan of the second iteration X3. It was a little toned down from the awkward original X3 but still an interesting thing to look at. The latest model is a bit like that. Replacing the bland third-gen model, the new X3 is a breath of fresh air with its daring design that is sure to turn some heads and start a few debates.
It seems the designers have given the styling a good clean up, removing all unnecessary clutter, mouldings and framing to give a nice, modern and sleek look. The proportion is still unmistakably X3 and road presence is guaranteed with those large kidney grilles – now with the surrounds illuminated.
In Australia, M Sport styling is now standard across the range with M Sport front and rear bumpers, 19-inch M light alloy wheels and M high-gloss “Shadowline” window trim decor. My tester is fitted with the optional 20-inch double-spoke wheels ($2,000) which look great on the X3.
Tested was the X3 20 xDrive which is the range-opener priced at $86,100. It is expected to be the most popular model in the line-up. Moving up the range, the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid lands at $104,800, with the X3 40d xDrive diesel model costing a little more at $109,600. The X3 M50 xDrive, price at $129,600, is the current flagship if the X3 M isn’t happening. All stickers exclude on-road costs.
The pricing puts the X3 in the upper middle tier of the segment’s price bracket, undercutting the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLC but costing more than the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. The base X3 20 xDrive is also about $4,000 pricier than its predecessor, though its standard specification level has been slightly improved to justify the hike.
After a decade of trailing its fellow German rivals in the interior department, BMW has not only stepped up its game but taken it to a whole new level. The current crop of BMW interiors looks more like the inside of a futuristic spaceship than a car, and the X3’s cabin is no exception. It is the most contemporary interior in class, with a dual-screen curved display on the dashboard, concealed air vents and ambient light bar which BMW calls the Interaction Bar.
Unlike conventional lighting strip, the Interaction Bar looks more like light tubes integrated into the dashboard, centre console and door cards. The coolest thing about it is that it animates depending on scenarios. For instance it performs a “welcome” when you enter the car, or flashes as a warning when the door is not safe to open. When functioning as ambient lighting, you can customise the colour or link the colour to drive modes. However, there’s no ambient lighting in the back so rear passengers might feel a bit short changed.
The flat-bottom steering wheel not only looks cool but the thick rim falls nicely to hand. BMW has simplified the controls on the steering so there are fewer buttons to distract and confuse the driver. The functions that have now moved to the centre touchscreen include the distance setting for the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist activation and steering wheel heating. Is it essential for them to be on the steering wheel? Probably not but it’d be nice to have them at your finger tips.
I also feel that BMW is reinventing the wheel by concealing the air vents. Yes they do make the dashboard less cluttered but I find it more difficult the adjust the direction of the vents. You now use a small slider at the base of the vents to adjust the louvers, but because the louvers are hidden you can’t really see their exact direction. Rather, you have to rely on physically feeling the airflow. That said, it’s still better than those fully digital, touchscreen-based controls found in the likes of Tesla’s and various Chinese makes.
However, that’s about as convenient as it gets when it comes to climate controls, as all other functions are now operated from the touchscreen, including fan speed, temperature adjustment and seat heating and cooling. Physical switches are retained for media and volume controls, navigation and drive modes, but they are located in the centre console near the centre armrest. I find this location less ergonomic as operating them requires taking your eyes off the road.
While the X3’s interior is no doubt a tech feast and the trimming on the upper dashboard and door cards feel soft and plush, some of the material choices in other areas of the cabin leave a lot to be desired. The big piece of plastic trim next to the front door handle is, well, a big piece of plastic. The trim surrounding the door grab not only feels hard and scratchy, but the seams where the trim pieces join can also be felt. BMW can certainly do a lot better than this, especially in a mid-tier luxury car like the X3.
Fortunately, the seats are superb with high quality vegan (synthetic) leather upholstery that feels very much like real leather. The front sport seats contour nicely to the body while offering great support all around. The back seats aren’t as flat as some other SUVs and so the outboard seats are also comfortable and cocooning. The rear passenger floor has a centre driveline hump but it’s not very bulky and hence not intrusive for the middle rear passenger. The rear climate control is now all on a small touchscreen so there is less chance of accidental pressing.
Boot space measures 570 litres, which is about class average. Drop the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats and the space expands to a class-leading 1,700 litres.
In terms of tech and connectivity, both the 12.3-inch driver instrumentation display and 14.9-inch centre touchscreen display are some of most high resolution displays in the segment. Ultra high speed processing means the graphics and animations are rendered amazingly well. Such modern is the general design of the on-screen elements and graphical theme it makes certain rivals look a generation behind. Running BMW’s iDrive 9 the touchscreen packs a myriad of functions yet is quite intuitive, while the driver display offers good customisability.
A head-up display (HUD) is fitted as standard. In Sport mode it displays an animated rev bar that tilts in the direction of the front wheels. It also changes in size based on the throttle input – the harder you squeeze the pedal the bigger it gets. Now these are some cool little details that add to the driving engagement.
Standard Technology Specifcation
- 14.9-inch centre touchscreen display
- 12.3-inch driver instrumentation display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth
- Head-up display
- 6-speaker sound system
- Wireless charging tray
The X3 20 xDrive is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.
With 140kW of power and 310Nm of torque from the engine, assisted by a further 8kW / 25Nm from the electric motor, the X3 20 xDrive is the least powerful on paper compared to key rivals. While the combined output is fine for the daily grind, overtaking on the open roads with a full load requires some good judgement as rolling acceleration isn’t what I would describe as swift or sprightly. The 0 to 100km/h dash time is rated at 8.5 seconds which is decent but not sporty.
On the flip side the engine is generally smooth, refined and muted. The mild hybrid system allows the engine to shut off on coasting. It also helps with making the engine idle stop/start seamless by using the starter generator to restart the engine instead of the starter motor. You can barely hear the engine kicking in, nor can you feel any vibration. In fact, such discrete is the way the whole powertrain operates you don’t notice much of what’s happening behind the scene. It is one of the best mild hybrid setups in class.
Also impressive is the way it handles. It is grippy, composed and tidy through corners thanks to a well tuned M Sport suspension. It feels taut and rigid, yet supple enough to deliver a comfortable ride around town. Adaptive suspension is now standard on every X3 and it really gives the SUV an excellent ride and handling balance.
The official fuel economy figure for the X3 20 xDrive is 7.5L/100km on the combined average. On test with over 400km of mixed roads travelled, the trip computer returned an average of 7.7L/100km which is pretty decent for a medium SUV and not far off the rated figure.
Standard Safety Specification
- 6 airbags
- Driver assistance with lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, side door exit warning, automatic emergency braking
- Front and rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Surround view camera with parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
Unlike most manufacturers, BMW offers condition-based servicing for its vehicles. Rather than having a set servicing schedule based on distance or time interval, the X3’s servicing is determined based on how the car is driven. This means servicing is more frequent if the car is often used for short distance travel or in extreme cold condition, or less frequent otherwise. Normally, the X3’s servicing interval is 12 months or 20,000km.
The BMW Service Inclusive Basic package covers your scheduled servicing needs for 5-year/80,000km, whichever comes first. Priced at $2,475, the Basic package includes your annual vehicle checks, oil changes, all filters, spark plugs and labour costs for the duration of the package.
Verdict
Design & Comfort
Performance & Handling
Quality
Economy
Equipment & Features
OUR SCORE
4.1/5
+ Plus
- Standout design inside and out
- Advanced technology
- Refined mild-hybrid powertrain
- Excellent ride and handling balance
– Minus
- Touchscreen embedded controls lacks practicality
- Some average cabin trim materials
- Base engine could do with more power
Overall
There’s much to like about the fourth-generation BMW X3 in 20 xDrive guise. The styling, inside and out, is modern and interesting, the mild hybrid powertrain is smooth and efficient, the dynamics are properly good and the technology is advanced. But it feels as though that in the quest of being different and cool, the interior has been overly digitised just for the sake, compromising ease of use. Some interior plastics can also be improved. Otherwise, the X3 does most things expected of a luxury midsize SUV pretty darn well.
2026 BMW X3 20 xDrive pricing and specification
| Price (excluding on-road costs): | From: $86,100
As tested: $101,500 Options fitted:
|
| Warranty: | 5 years/unlimited kilometre |
| Warranty Customer Assistance: | 3-year roadside |
| Service Intervals: | Variable or 12 months/20,000km |
| Country of Origin: | Germany; manufactured in South Africa |
| Engine: | 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder petrol, 48V mild hybrid:
140kW @ 4,400-6,500rpm, 310Nm @ 1,500-4,000rpm Electric motor: 8kW / 25Nm |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain: | All-wheel drive |
| Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km): | Claimed: 7.5/Tested: 7.7 |
| RON Rating: | 95 |
| Fuel Capacity (L): | 65 |
| Body: | 5-door SUV, 5 seats |
| Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B): | 4,755/1,920/1,660/2,865 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1855 |
| Towing Capacity (kg): | Braked: 2,200 /Unbraked: 750 |
