Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X3 (2017-2024) review - Interior, design and technology

The sharpened up exterior in the BMW X3 makes for a more premium cabin, with no shortage of tech

Interior, design and technology rating

4.2

How we review cars
Find your BMW X3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2017-2024 BMW X3. If you are interested in information about the interior of the latest BMW X3, or news of upcoming BMW models, please follow the links provided.

The latest BMW X3’s design gives the car a much more contemporary look than its predecessor, but it’s certainly evolutionary. Given the success of the previous model – and BMW’s inherent design conservatism – it was never going to be a radical departure.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s still just the one five-door bodystyle, with a strong family resemblance to the rest of the BMW SUV range, but the double kidney grille is more prominent with rounded edges. The headlamps have a more rakish appearance, and the entire front end is bolder. The long, squared-off bonnet is a design cue from the bigger X5, while the body sides taper towards a backend that’s more curvaceous than on X3s of old.

The 2021 facelifted model brought in a new front apron giving a sportier look, while the the kidney grille was lightly restyled. Slimmer headlights add to the sharper appearance, along with a new rear bumper and tail-light signatures. M Sport trim models look even more dynamic than before, with a updated bodykit.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

RS5 Sportback

2019 Audi

RS5 Sportback

50,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.9L

Cash £39,725
View RS5 Sportback
S3 Saloon

2018 Audi

S3 Saloon

46,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,786
View S3 Saloon
RS3

2020 Audi

RS3

47,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £35,990
View RS3
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

40,881 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,800
View Model 3

You can tell the models apart, as xLine versions have ‘off-road’ accents with highlighted sills and more rugged detailing, while M Sport versions have body-coloured trim and a more aggressive look.

The X3 interior is more of a leap forward, and shades of the 5 Series saloon are evident in the latest design, which features a broad central console topped by a slick-looking 12.3-inch display. 

As you’d expect from any new BMW, it employs plenty of the latest tech for safety and efficiency. Engines employ features such as variable vane turbocharging and common rail injection, while more advanced construction techniques mean the vehicle is lighter than before. The newly tapered rear end brings aerodynamic advantages, while ‘air curtain’ aero tech is designed to reduce drag around the front end.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Every X3 model features twin 12.3-inch displays as standard; the driver's digital instrument screen works well, while the media touchscreen is intuitive to use. 

The user interface is slick, fast and easy to understand, which puts it ahead of the Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC60 for use on the move; it features a rotary iDrive dial as well as a touch pad interface, too. Features include live traffic updates for the sat-nav (which are excellent), a 20Gb hard drive for adding your own music, online weather and news updates and 3D mapping. It’s a great system, and all the better now Apple CarPlay is standard. Android Auto is now supported as well.

BMW’s upgraded 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is available as part of the Technology Pack, although there is also a mid-range system which has 12 speakers. The real beauty of the BMW’s set-up, however, is its logical menu layout, crisp graphics and ease of use.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £11,795
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £18,185Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025