Should you buy one?

If you’re looking for an upmarket mid-size SUV, the BMW X3 continues to be an excellent choice. This is a significant reinvention for BMW’s most popular model, and despite there being a backward step in some areas, we don’t see it proving any less desirable to customers in this new generation. 

It successfully builds on two areas the previous X3 excelled, with a brilliant driving experience that no longer sacrifices comfort, and a spacious layout that’s ideal for families. The only area where we think BMW can improve is the interior, which though packed with technology, feels quite cheap in some areas and not quite up to this German firm’s usual standard.

What we like

Apart from the old and relatively cramped petrol Porsche Macan, no SUV drives as well in this class as the BMW X3. It offers a handling and ride balance that really impresses, with comfort a noticeable improvement compared to the old car, especially with adaptive dampers. It’s packed to the rafters with technology, which is easy to use, and we love that BMW has still kept its rotary iDrive controller so that you aren’t solely reliant on the touch screen. It’s spacious and continues to be available with a wide choice of engines, including diesel and plug-in hybrid. 

What we don’t like

The new X3’s material quality isn’t up to usual BMW standards, with various bits of cheap-feeling trim around the interior, and culling physical controls makes for a less user-friendly experience. The plug-in hybrid’s electric range could also be more competitive, with the Mercedes GLC and Volkswagen Tiguan PHEVs offering significantly more miles from a charge. .