Introduction

BMW’s mid-sized X3 is the second-oldest ‘off-road’ vehicle in its line-up, after the X5. Built since 2003, the X3 has evolved into its third generation for the 2018 model year and the current version is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, while also featuring claimed class-leading aerodynamics and a wealth of high-end technology to make it feel like a truly premium proposition.

Taking on upmarket rivals including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC60, the third-gen X3 is offered with a quartet of four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, all of which are mated to the company’s acclaimed eight-speed automatic gearbox and ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive. In finest BMW tradition, the X3 attempts to blend the generally refined manners demanded of SUVs in this class, while at the same time possessing a chassis that’s honed to be sharper than those underpinning all its chief rivals.

Did you know? The BMW X3 was originally built by Magna Steyr in Austria, but from the MkII onwards, production moved to Spartanburg, in the US.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

The BMW X3 ramps up the rolling refinement and interior quality s...