Test drive: BMW X3 grows, but remains driver-oriented
What distinguishes the BMW X3?
The X3 series has been a permanent fixture in the BMW portfolio since 2003 – the 3 Series as an SUV, so to speak. The mid-size SUV from BMW impresses with its stately appearance, typical BMW driving characteristics and space that is a small step above that of the 3 Series Touring. The predecessor, the G01 series, built between 2017 and 2023, was the first to be available with both combustion engines and in an all-electric form (called iX3). This model series of the BMW X3 also impressed in the test. The current X3 (G45), on the other hand, will only be available with combustion engines, and the iX3 will soon be replaced by the battery-electric "New Class SUV" with 800-volt technology and an independent platform. Back to the X3: It is an absolute bestseller – worldwide. In 2023, almost a thousand X3s rolled off the production line every day. BMW now wants to continue this success story with the new, larger BMW X3.
Automotive journalist Peter R. Fischer on a test drive with the new BMW X3
The BMW X3 20 xDrive on a test drive
Already after the first few meters in the X3 with the 208 hp basic gasoline engine, a familiar BMW feeling sets in. The seating position is elevated, but relatively low in the vehicle itself, which ensures a good connection between man and machine. The steering responds directly and sensitively. Thus, the rather generous curb weight of 1,930 kilograms and the stately width of 1.92 meters quickly fade into the background; the X3 can be steered nimbly and easily through traffic.
Even the entry-level engine with 208 hp system output gets along well with the X3. The combination of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor (18 hp) harmonises and helps the SUV to start spontaneously. This duo sends a maximum of up to 330 Newton meters of torque to all four wheels, which makes the X3 appear powerful during normal driving. If you let yourself be tempted by the typical BMW stiff but not uncomfortable chassis and demand more from the drive, the eight-speed automatic quickly and cleanly changes to a lower gear and the four-cylinder engine goes all out with low vibration but audibly. The automatic transmission acts without any reproach. Depending on the driving mode, it shifts from imperceptibly smooth to pleasantly fast. In addition, depending on the driving mode, it also sends the combustion engine into a break. Then the X3 sails along thanks to the 48-volt on-board electrical system and electric motor, the transitions are extremely polished - and appropriate for a premium SUV.
Typical of modern BMW vehicles is the fine-nerved response of the accelerator, steering and brakes – everything responds practically instantaneously. This character is reinforced by the adaptive suspension installed in the test car, but you shouldn't expect sedan-like comfort in the X3. So there is no need to use the sport mode - in fact, it makes a rather hectic impression with the 208 hp petrol engine. Even apart from the sport mode, the X3 seems driver-oriented for an SUV, as you can probably expect from a mid-range BMW.
The engines of the BMW X3 G45
BMW has a wide range of engines available for the X3 – all of them are at least designed as mild hybrids with a 48-volt on-board electrical system, regardless of whether they are gasoline or diesel engines. The 208 hp four-cylinder gasoline powertrain, which was installed in the test car, makes the entry. The provisional top model of the X3 series is the M50 with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine and almost 400 hp. BMW will add a more powerful inline six-cylinder diesel to the only diesel at market launch (20d xDrive) in the coming months.
| Engine | Engine type | Achievement | Cyl./Displacement | Consumption/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 20d xDrive | Diesel, Mild Hybrid | 145 kW (197 hp) | 4/1,995 cc | 5.8–6.5 l |
| X3 20 xDrive | Gasoline, mild hybrid | 153 kW (208 hp) | 4/1,998 cc | 6.9–7.6 l |
| X3 M50 xDrive | Gasoline, mild hybrid | 293 kW (398 hp) | 6/2,998 cc | 7.7–8.3 l |
| X3 30e xDrive | Gasoline, plug-in hybrid | 220 kW (299 hp) | 4/1,998 cc | 22.3–24 kWh/0.9–1.1 l |
How much does the BMW X3 cost?
The starting price for the BMW X3 (G45) is 57,900 euros. For the diesel, interested parties have to make a note of the minimum price of 60,400 euros, while the 299 hp plug-in hybrid with an electric range of around 80 kilometers costs at least 66,000 euros. The current top model, the X3 M50 with 398 hp, is available in the configurator for 82,500 euros. As always, however, the prices - depending on the equipment and extras - can be extended upwards by several thousand euros.
What are the dimensions of the BMW X3?
The fourth edition of the X3 has grown significantly compared to its predecessor: The X3, presented in 2024, is 34 millimeters longer and 29 millimeters wider than before. In height, on the other hand, it is 25 millimeters flatter, and the wheelbase of 2.87 meters is exactly the same as the G01.
- Length: 4.76 meters
- Width: 1.92 meters
- Height: 1.66 meters
- Wheelbase: 2.87 meters
How much luggage can I store in the BMW X3?
The trunk of the X3 is larger than that of its mid-range brother, the 3 Series Touring. The X3 fits up to 570 liters in normal condition. If you fold down the rear seats, the capacity of the luggage compartment expands to 1,700 litres – as much as in the larger 5 Series Touring. If you opt for the plug-in hybrid X3, the trunk volume is reduced due to the battery: 460 to 1,600 liters should still be sufficient for most applications.
How is the interior of the current BMW X3 designed?
However, if you expect a restrained interior in the X3, you will have to come to terms with an avant-garde cockpit. This is because the layout is strongly reminiscent of the BMW iX XL electric SUV. The obligatory double display consists of a monitor for the digital instruments and a large touchscreen for operating the latest generation infotainment system (BMW OS9). Ergonomically, the X3 is beyond reproach. You can use four methods for operation: touch, voice control, gesture control – and the classic iDrive controller. The space in the front is very good, but the picture changes in the back: For a 1.95 meter tall person like me, it gets tight at the back of the knees. On the other hand, we can say that the materials at the front and back make a good impression in terms of the quality used.
There are large storage areas in the center console and storage options for large bottles in the door panels. Here you can tell that the X3 was also designed for the American market.
The advantages and disadvantages of the BMW X3 20 xDrive
Strengthen
-
Well-made, modern and high-quality mid-size SUV
-
Active design despite increased dimensions
-
Harmonious tuning of the mild hybrid powertrain in the basic gasoline engine
Weakness
- Relatively high entry price
- Rear not suitable for tall people
My conclusion of the BMW X3 G45
The current X3 is likely to continue the success story, because its facilities are good. In everyday life, the infotainment system with iDrive controller, very good voice recognition and countless comfort functions should be particularly convincing. In addition, the X3 combines practicality suitable for travel with a driver-oriented set-up, which exudes a dose of the typical BMW spirit even with the basic petrol engine on the country road. If you want to experience the full load of sovereignty in the X3, you should take a look at the upcoming in-line six-cylinder diesel. Having driven it without it, this is certainly the drive that puts the X3 in the best light. I'm looking forward to being able to move it!