For A sharp-driving car that wears the right badge for school-run kudos. Some ability off-road should you need it, and the diesel engines are excellent. Good for boot space, too.
Against Rivals offer smarter interiors for both versatility and build quality. Jarring ride is way too firm for our terrible roads. Looks dated alongside BMW’s never models.
What Car? says
BMW’s X3 is looking and feeling its age. Sharp drive comes at the expense of ride quality – which is plain uncomfortable. Interior build not up to BMW’s usual standards, either.
Reader review rating
There are 13 BMW X3 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
After the phenomenal success of the X5, the smaller X3 has been a disappointment. It lacks the gravitas and peerless build quality of its larger relative, and has never managed to achieve its potential.
Ride comfort is seriously compromised by over-firm suspension, and the X3 is never settled on our less-than-perfect roads. Find a stretch of smooth tarmac, though, and the X3 is a revelation, delivering precision and control that’s surprising for something riding so high.
That’s largely thanks to BMW’s clever xDrive 4x4 system, which also gives the X3 some off-road capability – just don’t try venturing too far into the wilderness.
The engine line-up follows that of its 3 Series relatives with four- and six-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel choices, the diesels making the most sense and the six-cylinder petrols the best noise. BMW’s Efficient Dynamics system means respectable economy and emissions.
Reader test team says:
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