BMW

X3/X3 PHEV

When BMW launched the X3 back in 2003 it was viewed as the very first mid-size SUV. Fast forward to 2024 and we have the all-new fourth generation car. It’s bigger, better and more appealing in every way with a choice of powertrains and trims to suit needs and budgets accordingly.

Test Drive

BMW X3 (Fourth Generation) – First Drive (2024)

BMW introduced its five-door X3 in 2003, claiming it as the first ever mid-sized SUV and since then the market has been flooded with similar models all vying for sales.

But now with in excess of 3.5 million X3 sales globally, the all-new fourth-generation model arrives, boasting a modern exterior, a refreshed interior, updated digital features and, most importantly, a significantly improved driving experience.

With a broad selection of models available, customers are faced with plenty of choice. There is a plug-in hybrid variant, offering up to 56 miles of electric range, which is expected to make up more than 30 per cent of UK sales. Other variants include 2.0-litre diesel and petrol driven cars, while the range-topping M50 offers a high-performance six-cylinder petrol engine.

With prices starting from £48,375, all versions of the latest X3 come with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and buyers can choose between two trim levels called xLine or M Sport. The M50, however, stands as a distinct, top-tier model in its own right, and it was this version that we took for a test drive.

The fourth-generation X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, but features a lowered height that gives it a more aggressive and dynamic stance. The distinctive large kidney grille remains a signature feature, though it’s still a point of debate for some.

On our M50 model, the grille was illuminated, making a strong visual statement. Other key design elements include L-shaped light clusters, Matrix high beam assist, quad exhausts, privacy glass, a roof spoiler, and 21-inch M light-alloy wheels with M Sport brakes featuring red calipers.

Inside, the cabin is sleek and modern, with heated and power-adjustable seats standard across the range. A large panoramic sunroof brightens the interior, and ambient lighting surrounds the centre console and door handles. The main focus is the dual curved digital screens, which run BMW’s latest Operating System 9, with a physical rotary controller providing easy access to the car’s many features.

The infotainment system includes full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon sound system, three-zone climate control, navigation, and lots more besides.

There is a chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel with numerous buttons for quick access to various functions, and large paddles allow for manual gear shifting. A head-up display keeps essential information in the driver’s line of sight, namely the speed and everything is nice and easy to operate on the move. That said; some haptic controls can be difficult to master initially, though this is a minor issue in an otherwise driver-focused cabin.

Our test car was priced at £66,980, but as is the norm with premium car makers, a raft of optional extras and specialist packs saw the final cost increase by a further £11k.

So, the X3 looks great and is packed to bursting with high-end kit, but how does it handle when put through its paces? The answer is very well indeed.

The X3 M50 xDrive is the performance flagship of the range, boasting a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology. With a massive 398hp and 580Nm of torque, it powers from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds, reaching a top speed that is electronically-limited to 155mph. And let’s not forget this vehicle, that weighs in at two tonnes, is aimed at families so can tow a caravan or trailer weighing up to 2.5 tonnes with the added bonus of xDrive for extra traction and stability.

The eight-speed Steptronic transmission offers smooth and responsive acceleration, and the steering wheel-mounted paddles provide the option of added driver engagement. With advanced chassis technology and upgraded adaptive dampers, the X3 boasts excellent balance and agility to confidently tackle winding roads while displaying impressive body control in the process.

Instant power is always at your disposal to help make light work of overtaking slower vehicles and there are modes called Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax, Digital Art and Silent that alter the dynamics of the car or the ambience and display screens accordingly. I’ll leave it to you to guess which mode is the most fun to explore.

The SUV will sit effortlessly at 70mph if long motorway miles are needed and the perfectly weighted steering, along with an array of parking aids, cameras and sensors will make light work of squeezing into tight bays. While the driver visibility is generally very good, the wide pillars do impact upon over-the-shoulder visibility at particularly angled junctions.

Stretching 4,755mm in length and 1,920mm across, the X3 M50 can easily accommodate five occupants although the middle rear passenger will have to straddle a large transmission tunnel.

The boot, accessed via a powered and wide-opening tailgate, can swallow 570 litres of goodies, a capacity that expands to 1,700 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. The cabin also features plenty of storage options, including a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, door bins, a large central cubby, seat back nets and a wireless charging pad.

The day-to-day running costs of the flagship model don’t make great reading with fuel efficiency of 28.3-30.5mpg under WLTP testing and CO2 emissions between 175-189g/km. For better economy, it’s worth considering the plug-in hybrid or diesel models.

All in all, when you factor in the comprehensive list of safety features and driver assistance aids, the fourth-generation model certainly raises the bar for family SUVs. It offers bold styling, cutting-edge technology, and a well-rounded driving experience. With a variety of powertrains to suit different needs, we would definitely suggest taking the M50 for a test drive before signing on the dotted line.

Test Drive

BMW X3 xDrive30e M Sport (2023)

The BMW X3 is a stylish five-door family SUV that has proved a popular model in the Bavarian carmaker’s line-up. Add plug-in hybrid technology to the mix and the appeal gets even stronger.

With an electric-only driving range of 27 to 30 miles, along with low carbon emissions, the X3 plug-in hybrid is a very attractive option for anyone with a short commute, someone living or travelling through ultra-low emission zones and also business drivers.

The X3 xDrive30e is available in two trim levels called xLine and M Sport costing £55,665 and £57,465 respectively. We opted for the range-topping M Sport model and with a few optional packs added, the price crept up to £64,280.

Not cheap admittedly, but you do get a whole lot of car for the outlay. Powering the vehicle is a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine working with a 109hp electric motor. Together they deliver a combined 288hp and 420Nm of torque which results in a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.1 seconds and maximum speed of 130mph.

According to official WLTP-tested figures, the vehicle can deliver a combined 117.7-141.2mpg with carbon emissions of 48g/km. Realistically, the official fuel efficiency figure could only be seen in real-life driving if the car’s compact 12kWh battery was kept charged and the vehicle driven for the majority of the time in EV-only mode. However, the Benefit in Kind rating of 14 per cent for business owners is an attractive prospect.

When viewed from any approach, the X3 PHEV has a strong road presence thanks to is athletic, dynamic lines, along with traditional black kidney grille, slim headlights, full LED rear lights with smoked casings, twin tail pipes, tinted windows, plus 20-inch alloy wheels with blue brake calipers.

Moving inside, the cabin is pure class with high-end leather upholstery, soft touch surfaces, M Sport seat belts with red and blue stripes, along with a wealth of technology to explore. The seats are powered and, together with the steering wheel, can be heated to fend off the winter blues.

The main focal point is a 12-inch infotainment system which offers easy access to the likes of the sat nav, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harmon Kardon sound system and much, much more. There is a rotary dial to navigate the screen that’s easy to operate on the fly or you can summon up the BMW voice activated assistant.

A separate panel located below the touchscreen houses all the climate control settings and there is a clear 12-inch driver display behind the steering wheel where all the vital driving data is shown.

So the X3 plug-in hybrid certainly looks the business, but how does it handle when put through its paces? The answer is exceptionally well.

With rapid acceleration out the starting blocks, this X3 belies its SUV status at times with excellent grip and balance through twisting country lanes. The steering is perfectly weighted with plenty of driver feedback and you can take control of the eight-speed automatic gearbox via steering wheel paddles for added engagement.

It’s a car that eats up motorway miles for fun cruising effortlessly at 70mph and then in busier town centre settings, the X3 PHEV is agile and easy to manoeuvre into tight parking bays with the aid of cameras, sensors and a park assist system.

There are the usual drive modes called Sport, Hybrid and Electric that alter the driving mannerisms of the car, but you can explore these even further. For example, when in Sport there are extra selections called Standard, XtraBoost, Individual and Configure Individual with the latter option allowing you to choose your favourite setting for the steering, engine, damping and transmission. The Hybrid mode also offers a choice between Standard or EcoPro settings. Alternatively, you can simply sit back and let the car make all these choices for you.

When it comes to practicality, the X3 PHEV is a spacious car with room in the back for a couple of adults or a trio of youngsters. The person sitting in the middle seat will have to straddle quite a large hump though.

Elsewhere the boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can accommodate 450 litres of kit, a limit that increases to 1,500 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. In addition, there is a lockable glovebox, door pockets, a deep central cubby bin, seat back nets, front and rear cup holders, a wireless phone charging pad and a secret covered compartment by the driver’s door.

Charging the vehicle’s 12kWh battery will take 3.75 hours when plugged into a home wallbox.

All in all, when you also take into consideration the vehicle’s wealth of safety systems, along with all-wheel drive capability, this BMW X3 PHEV is the ideal all-rounder for any active family who wants something rather classy sitting on their driveway.

Test Drive

BMW X3 2.0-litre sDrive 18d SE

BMW’s popular crossover X3 model has been given a face-lift, but you will be hard-pressed to spot any major changes.

It has grown just a single centimetre in length, additional kit is being offered as standard on all models and there are a few very subtle design changes.

These include new twin circular headlights, a new surround to the distinctive kidney grille, re-shaped bumpers front and rear, LED indicators housed inside the mirrors plus buyers can select from additional paint colours along with a wider choice of alloys.

As one would expect from a premium car maker, the interior is beautifully designed and the finest materials have been incorporated to create a cabin environment that befits its high status.

Interior space is substantial for all occupants and the boot is generously sized and can cater for 550 litres of luggage (that’s easily room for large suitcases, bicycles or golf clubs complete with trolley).

This capacity can be increased to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat. And the boot lid can be opened and closed automatically which is another plus factor.

The seats are very supportive and can be adjusted manually to find the ideal driving position and these can then be stored in the car’s memory settings.

Back seat occupants can really stretch out in comfort and the high roofline means there is bags of head space.

The entry-level SE model that was tested boasted a whole host of techno treats and creature comforts, including Nevada leather upholstery, dual-zone air conditioning, heated seats, sat nav, cruise control, DAB radio, rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing headlights, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

There is also a drive performance control feature that allows the driver to switch between Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes. Each setting changes the car’s dynamics, performance and handling accordingly and it can be switched over whilst on the move.

The test car also came fitted with a number of optional extras such as an automatic gearbox, sports seats, a visibility package and sun protection glass and these bumped the asking price up a further £5,615 to £36,345.

But appearances, styling and equipment levels aside, one attribute on the latest X3 that cannot be overlooked is the impressive new 2.0-litre diesel engine.

For despite being capable of sprinting to 62mph from a standing start in 9.5 seconds and redlining at 121mph, the car can deliver fuel efficiency of 56.5mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 131g/km.

And there has been absolutely no compromise on performance along the way as the new X3 still loves to be driven. It handles brilliantly out on the open road and can be pushed hard on winding country lanes with sharp bends and curves. The road-holding is exceptional and the steering is nice and responsive. There is a minimum amount of body roll at times, but only when driven with rather a heavy boot!

Although the test car was fitted with an automatic gearbox, there were no steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts which I found a tad frustrating at times, but that aside the car handled exquisitely. It was responsive and punchy with a constant supply of power on tap from the new highly-efficient powertrain.

And as one would expect, BMW has kitted the vehicle out with a comprehensive list of safety specifications to protect occupants and pedestrians alike.

So it just goes to show that first impressions can be deceptive. The BMW X3 may not look that different from the outgoing model, but the real treats are to be discovered beneath the bonnet and in turn, in the owner’s pocket.

Test Drive

BMW X3 xDrive35d M Sport

With its menacing, ready-for-action stance along with a whole host of techno treats, the BMW X3 is guaranteed to stand out in any crowded car park.

But the M Sport edition supplied for my test drive added the wow factor to an already impressive vehicle.

Sometimes car stats can bore people to tears, but the important reading material on the X3 M sport cannot fail to impress.

It may be a giant of a car, but the 3.0-litre diesel-powered engine can propel the X3 from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 149mph. That is just a hint of the vehicle’s capabilities.

The X3 looks magnificent from any approach – it’s the sort of vehicle you sit back and admire. Eye-catching features include M Sport aerodynamic body-styling, 19-inch alloys, roof rails, tinted windows, twin tailpipes and BMW’s distinctive kidney grille.

It has a truly proud look to it and, in fairness, it has every reason to be pleased with itself because it offers incredible driving dynamics.

The interior is richly equipped with plenty of technology built in and BMW has sourced the very finest leathers and materials to ensure the cabin has a premium feel to it.

Creature comforts include a reversing camera with top view, head-up display, internet connection, ambient lighting, a DAB radio, a state-of-the-art media infotainment package to keep you connected on the move, auto start/stop to help maximise fuel efficiency (46.3mpg on a combined run) and plenty more besides.

The bright and spacious cabin can easily accommodate five adults with ample room to stretch out in the back seats. Elsewhere the generously-sized boot offers 550 litres of storage space which is increased to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Another plus factor is the automatic tailgate which can be opened via the key fob. This is a real bonus when approaching the car laden down with shopping bags.

The test model was priced at £42,525, but the asking price was hiked up to £52k-plus due to £10,295 of optional extras. For that sort of outlay, buyers expect a whole lot of car and believe me, the X3 doesn’t’ disappoint.

As well as its incredible burst of speed and seemingly endless supply of power on tap, this Beamer is an absolute dream to drive.

The acceleration, although very rapid, is incredibly smooth and controlled and this makes mundane tasks such as lengthy motorway journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is exquisitely refined and the driver can opt to change gears via steering wheel-mounted paddles if desired.

Tight bends are attacked and conquered with virtually no body roll and the X3 seems to hug the road like glue.

Even at higher motorway speeds the silence within the cabin is noteworthy with almost no engine or road surface noise.

The high-seated driving position results in excellent all-round visibility and the driver-focused interior is relatively simplified in its layout with all controls and dials perfectly positioned for driver usability. This means less distractions and more concentration on the task in hand – driving.

As one would expect, BMW has packed a comprehensive range of safety features into the car which helped it secure a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings. Specifications include anti-lock brakes, stability control, cornering brake control, numerous airbags, cruise control with brake function and lots more.

And one shouldn’t ignore the fact that the X3 boasts 4×4 capabilities too. This means that even one of Mother Nature’s unexpected mood swings won’t phase it.

Test Drive

BMW X3 2.0d M Sport auto

IF you want to produce the perfect recipe for a sports utility vehicle then you simply need to blend in all the right ingredients.

And BMW have made that mix look easy with the X3. In fact, they have even added a little bit of the mmm factor by throwing in some M Sport features too.

However, there is a price to pay for such an excellent combination and the X3 is not cheap. But what you get for the outlay is a whole lot of vehicle.

From the second you enter the cabin, it feels like the X3 has been designed especially for you with the quality of leather and creature comforts immediately apparent.

And once seated, all the controls and dials are ideally situated for ease of use leaving you to concentrate on the main attraction – the drive itself.

And boy, what fun is in store. Immediately, a pop-up computer screen displays all the relevant functions such as outside temperature, fuel consumption and sat nav.

And with climate control and automatic headlights just a couple of the features included, you can relax and enjoy the journey.

The X3 cruises very smoothly through its six speed automatic gearbox and the two-litre engine delivers ample power both in and around town and on the open road where it hugs bends for fun.

My only real criticism was discovered when trying to pull onto a roundabout – the driver’s door pillar is very bulky and can cause a restricted view at times, so be careful. But that aside, the X3 seems like the perfect way to get from A to B.

All occupants are treated to first class luxury and there is room for four adults as well as the driver, although the passenger sitting in the middle of the rear seats may experience a bit of a bumpy ride.

As one would expect, BMW has pulled out all the stops when it comes to safety.

All in all, quite a car and one that’s going to offer plenty of fun in a safe environment.