What does it cost?
For With the optional Variable Damper Control, the BMW X3 strikes a fine balance between comfort and agility. The cabin is classy and spacious, and running costs are low.
Against Its wide transmission tunnel makes life uncomfortable for a central rear passenger and the manual gearbox is a bit clunky. We’re yet to try the X3 on standard suspension.
What Car? says
The BMW X3 is the best compact 4x4 you can buy, and that's why it's our reigning SUV of the Year. It’s classy, practical and good to drive. The engines are very efficient, too, and standard kit pretty generous.
What Car? readers say
4.166667
There are 8 BMW X3 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
We haven’t driven the entry-level X3 (18d sDrive) yet, and until we do, the next one up (xDrive20d SE) is our favourite. It provides all the performance you need and comes with lots of luxuries, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control.
There are two other diesel engines available, both 3.0-litre units with either 255bhp or 309bhp. They're both fast, but cost thousands more that the perfectly-adequate 20d.
There's also an M Sport trim available, but we'd resist the temptation. It looks great, with a sporty body kit, but again, it costs thousands more than the SE.
BMW also offers numerous cost options, and we’d be tempted to specify the eight-speed automatic gearbox because the standard six-speed manual has a stiff action that makes it a bit too much like hard work.
Reader test team says:
BMW X3 4x4 xDrive20d SE 5dr
After 4 years of a Volvo XC90 D5 we wanted to down size to get better economy BUT still needed space for kids university run. I went for the SE but…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW X3 4x4 Prototype 5dr
I've run this from new for 1000 miles so far. Diesel consumption is very good on long runs and when it's set to eco pro. A motorway trip of 400…
3
out of 5 stars
BMW X3 4x4 xDrive30d SE 5dr
I've had my X3 3.0SE for 3 months now and overall it's a great car. I'll start with the bad, the hard plastic trim on the inside of the rear hatch…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW X3 4x4 xDrive30d M Sport 5dr
This is an update to my previous submission. I have now done 8000 miles in this car and I am growing more pleased with my choice every day. The only…
4
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
BMW X3 4x4 xDrive20d SE 5dr
The BMW X3 xDrive20d SE is our pick of the X3 range. It has all the performance you need, and it's efficient enough to keep running costs down.
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