BMW X3

Name: 2026 BMW X3
Brand: BMW

CR MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The fourth-generation X3 is an evolutionary step forward, with incremental gains in size, power, and equipment. We found it a delightful small luxury SUV, with a peppy, polished, and fuel-efficient powertrain, nimble handling, and comfortable seats. The cabin’s transformation is the most dramatic aspect of the new X3, shifting to a high-tech, minimalist interior aesthetic. Unfortunately, the controls are harder to use than in the previous X3, and the cabin doesn’t feel as luxurious as most other BMWs.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW X3

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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$50,900 - $65,900

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Take

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$60,300 - $64,450

54 miles

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See All Luxury compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (393 hp)

8-speed automatic

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Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 12 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 4 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2025, the fourth-generation X3 grows slightly in length and power, and it adopts a high-tech, minimalist interior design. It launches in two trims: 30 xDrive with a 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and M50 xDrive with a 393-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, augmented with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and employs all-wheel drive. The optional driving assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance. The dash is dominated by a wide, curved display that houses the iDrive 9 infotainment system, available with numerous connected features. Among the notable upgrades is the ability for navigation instructions to be overlaid on the road ahead using the head-up display for augmented reality.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

BMW's redesigned, third-generation X3 adds upscale cabin amenities, technology, and safety features. Most X3s are the 30i version, which uses a 248-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It delivers quick acceleration and returned 24 mpg overall in our tests. The uplevel M40i gets a 355-hp, turbo six-cylinder. As before, its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The new X3 is super quiet inside, with impeccable fit and finish. Handling is quite responsive, and the ride is firm yet absorbent. The latest generation of the iDrive infotainment system has been simplified. Blind-spot and lane-departure warnings, as well as low speed automatic emergency braking, are common options. A rear-wheel drive sDrive30i is added for the 2019 model year. The 2020 model adapted the latest iDrive version, and made Apple CarPlay standard. Updates for 2021 included standard lane departure warning and blind spot warning.

2011-2017

2011 Redesign Year

The second generation X3 impressed us with its sporty handling, composed ride, seamless eight-speed automatic, and nicely finished interior. Supportive seats, easy access, tasteful but understated interior ambiance and a manageable size make it a very compelling compact luxury SUV. The iDrive control system takes some getting used to, but proves logical over time. The electronic gear selector is also a bit unintuitive at first. Two versions are available, a 28i and a 35i. Most are going to be the 28i. The 2011 and 2012 28i models had a normally aspirated 3.0-liter six cylinder. Starting in 2013, the engine was replaced by a 2.0-liter four, making the same 240 hp and getting only slightly better fuel economy (23 mpg vs. 22). The 2013 model year also brought standard 18-inch wheels and a powered lift gate. Make sure you get an X3 with the optional and essential rear view camera and avoid the optional 19-inch wheels.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

The first generation X3 was narrow, stiff riding and the interior wasn't up to BMW's usual fit and finish standards. The very hard and choppy ride takes a toll on one's bladder and vertebrae. Handling is agile and very secure. Through 2006, a pair of six-cylinder engines was available. These were a somewhat underpowered 184-hp, 2.5-liter and a more powerful 225-hp, 3.0-liter. The five-speed automatic was a fairly smooth. All-wheel drive was standard. The 2007 models brought a revised suspension that improved the ride only marginally, as well as a six-speed automatic, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with more horsepower. Fuel economy, at 19 mpg isn't all that great.