BMW X3

Where Does It Fit?

In the original BMW X lineup, the X1 was a compact luxury SUV ideal for self-driven buyers, and the X5 positioned itself as a proper 5-seater with ample space for all passengers as well as a spacious boot, while maintaining the ‘driver first’ approach of BMW. The X3 fit somewhere in the middle, offering just about enough space to be chauffeur-driven, while not breaking the bank. In the new-gen models though, the X1 has grown to offer what the X3 once did, adapting fuel efficient and smaller engines than brisk ones, and in turn, being a better chauffeur-driven model than a self-driven one. And the X5 still does what it once did, just better. So where does the X3 fit in? And more importantly, is it a vehicle you consider buying? 

BMW X3 Pros and Cons 

BMW X3 Exterior Design 

The BMW X3's facelift sports a more contemporary look, in line with BMW’s new design language. The front grille has been enlarged and updated with a brushed metal, single-piece design, but it doesn’t look excessively large like on some other models. It is complemented by adaptive LED headlamps featuring modern 'J-blades' for DRLs, and the less-than-aggressive outline of the headlamps makes the X3 look elegant and business-class-like from the front. This new facade not only modernises the X3, but also maintains BMW's design language without becoming overly polarising. Side profiles are enhanced with optional 20-inch wheels, which, while offering a striking appearance, won’t be the most comfortable on sharp bumps thanks to the lower profile tyres. The rear continues the sharp, modern theme with attractive tail-lamps and a sporty bumper, but looks too similar to the smaller X1. Given that the X1 has grown in dimensions, it would’ve been better if BMW added some distinguishing elements at the rear to give the X3 its own identity.

BMW X3 Interiors 

With the facelift, the interior of the X3 has received substantial updates, aligning with the latest in BMW's cabin design philosophy. At the heart of the dashboard is a large, free-floating 12.3-inch touchscreen that looks crisp and is responsive to operate. However, it doesn’t get the large curved display housing as seen on all new BMWs including the smaller X1 and the larger X5. The space in the interior remains generous, with no compromise on legroom or headroom. The quality of materials used throughout the cabin — from the leather upholstery to the meticulously designed gear lever and sporty steering wheel in the M-sport version — is top-notch in typical BMW fashion. The boot capacity remains at 550 litres, which should be plenty to house 4 people’s luggage for a long road trip.  

BMW X3 Comfort 

The BMW X3 comes across as a driver's car, and that is evident from the front seats, which are big, sporty and comfortable. However, seat ventilation and massaging features should’ve been a part of the package, especially considering that the smaller X1 does get the latter. While the X3's seats offer great comfort thanks to a broad and sculpted shape, the suspension setup leans on the sporty side, which is characteristic of BMW. The X3 gets adaptive dampers, which allow for a customizable ride, firming up in Sport mode for dynamic driving and softening in Comfort mode for a more relaxed journey. However, the inherently firm nature of the suspension can result in a ride that is less forgiving on rough surfaces compared to some competitors. Despite this, the suspension's design and the available adjustments ensure that the X3 retains a balance between engaging driving dynamics and everyday usability. 

Where the X3’s front seats make you feel special, the rear seats are less so. They do offer a decent amount of leg and knee room, and the support is also great. But the seats don’t feel particularly better than that of its smaller sibling. An upgrade to an X3 should’ve meant better and more spacious rear seats, but the same doesn’t look to be on the cards at least until the next-gen model arrives. Elevating the rear seat experience are retractable sun blinds, a panoramic sunroof, and 3-zone climate control.

BMW X3 Performance and Handling

The BMW X3 is offered with two engine options — a 2.0-litre diesel, and a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol, which is available in the M40i guise. The diesel will be the pick for most, thanks to the high pricing of the M40i, so let’s talk about that first.

The diesel engine under the hood of the X3 puts out 188 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, and it is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive AWD system. This setup ensures swift acceleration and decent power for overtaking, while maintaining BMW's hallmark smoothness and refinement. While the power output on this unit is good, it’s not thrilling. What makes up for that is the X3’s sharp and precise handling, which is further enhanced by an adaptive suspension and sporty calibration of the steering and gearbox in sport mode, providing an exhilarating driving experience. In fact, the X3 lets you choose to keep individual parts in different modes, allowing you to keep the engine and gearbox in sport, and the suspension in comfort, for example. 

The X3 xDrive M40i on the other hand gets a significantly faster engine, which is essentially a detuned version of the M340i’s engine. Output here is 355 bhp and 500 Nm, making it a performance champ. The torque band is also wide, ensuring tractability, and the 8-speed gearbox only enhances the experience. The suspension on this variant is also re-tuned to offer a stiffer and sportier ride, making it a delight to drive on twisties. While this variant is a pricey affair, it does get a punchy in-line 6 engine, with figures that are only matched or bested by SUVs that are half a crore costlier than this one, like the Porsche Cayenne. As great as this combination is though, it is not the most fuel-efficient, and you would be lucky to ever see it return double digit fuel economy even on long road trips.

BMW X3 Key Specifications

BMW X3 Safety Features

BMW has equipped the X3 with an array of safety features that bolster its appeal as a family-friendly SUV. From driver-assistance systems to robust passive safety structures, the vehicle is designed to protect its occupants effectively. The inclusion of features such as a 360-degree parking camera aids in manoeuvring in tight spaces, adding to the vehicle's practicality and user-friendliness. While the facelift is yet to be crash tested, the pre-facelift model scored 5 stars from Euro NCAP — despite its stricter testing protocol — recording a 93% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection. However, inclusion of level 2 ADAS features — especially at this price point — would’ve made the safety package more appealing.

BMW X3 Technology and Infotainment

With the latest facelift, BMW has added an array of tech features to the X3. However, despite the additions, it still feels a step behind the new X1 on the features front. The X3's infotainment system, for example, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen offering intuitive navigation, crisp visuals, and seamless integration with mobile devices through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But it features BMW’s OS 7.0 instead of the latest OS 8.0. The infotainment also sits in a floating housing, unlike the curved housing seen on most modern BMWs which also houses the digital instrument cluster. Speaking of which, the X3 does get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but it is similar to the pre-facelift model, missing out on newer customizability options. A wireless smartphone charger is also not standard, and the optional extra sits in the cupholder drawing power from the 12 V socket — a not-so-elegant arrangement. A 16-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system, gesture controls for the infotainment screen, and park assist paired with a beautiful 360-degree parking camera elevate the experience, making sure the X3 doesn’t feel lacking on the features front. 

Is the BMW X3 for You?

The BMW X3 does a lot of things well. It is practical, spacious, loaded with all the necessary creature comforts and then some. However, the biggest thorn in its side is the existence of the new-gen X1, which does most of what the X3 does, so long as you’re not driving yourself. And if you are taking the step up from the X1 to X3 for driving pleasure, the diesel engine on offer is not as rewarding as the price delta suggests. As for the X3 xDriveM40i, it sits just ₹9 lakhs shy of the X5 xDrive40i, which is a much larger car and gets a more powerful engine too, making things for the X3 complicated.