Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

BMW X3 (2017-2024) xDrive30d M Sport review

The BMW X3 has been updated to keep it fresh in the face of competition from the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60, but have the changes improved the popular SUV? We find out...

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£3,936 off RRP*
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

Verdict

The BMW X3 has been improved in the areas where it needed it, mostly the on-board tech and connectivity, giving the styling and equipment levels a boost at the same time. But at the core of this car is a smooth-riding, refined SUV that handles well and is spacious inside. The 30d engine is mighty, too, although there’s better value and lower running costs to be explored elsewhere in the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like many premium players, BMW is pushing ahead with a flurry of fully electric models. Its iX and iX3 electric SUVs have received strong ratings recently, but until combustion-engined cars are legislated off the road, BMW won’t completely give up on them, which is why it’s updated its strong-selling petrol and diesel powered X3 premium off-roader.

Renewed competition in the form of the facelifted Audi Q5 earlier this year, an updated Volvo XC60 that launched recently and a new Mercedes GLC waiting in the wings is also strong motivation from BMW, with tweaks to the tech and looks the main focus here.

It’s recognisably an X3 from the outside, with styling that’s been sharpened up to add a sporty new look. As is seemingly the way with any new BMW, the grille has also been enlarged, although not to the extent seen on the brand’s 4 Series, for example.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X3

2021 BMW

X3

20,347 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £30,049
View X3
X3

2024 BMW

X3

29,925 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £31,699
View X3
X3

2021 BMW

X3

23,267 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £29,176
View X3
X3

2017 BMW

X3

19,861 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,950
View X3

There are now slimmer headlights, smarter-looking rear light clusters and sharper creases in the bumpers and body work to give a sportier look and reinforce BMW’s focus on driving dynamics, even in a premium family SUV.

Under that newly sculpted bonnet all of the X3’s engines feature some form of electrification – it’s mostly mild-hybrid tech, with every petrol and diesel featuring assistance from a 48v electrical system and a belt starter-generator.

We tested the xDrive30d model in Munich and although the upgrades for the powertrain are marginal, optimisation in every area adds up to deliver a very smooth and linear-feeling engine. It delivers its power in an easy, refined surge, offering a total of 282bhp and 650Nm of torque.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 0-62mph time is 5.7 seconds officially, but you can forget about that, because it’s how the 30d drives in transient conditions that matters – think gentle use of the accelerator on the school run, swifter acceleration up to motorway speeds and all manner of cruising. The low-down torque is so easily accessible and swells to a point in the mid-range where you never need to rev the engine out. It always feels like there’s a reserve of performance available. Of course, if you do push it harder then it’s surprisingly quick, and this capability for high-speed cruising is matched by great stability, as we found out on the autobahn.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

In town, mild-hybrid tech means the stop-start system is keener to cut in, while the engine is also happy to coast, switching off to boost refinement and helping save a little more fuel.

On that subject, official claimed economy of up to 44.8mpg in M Sport trim is not bad for a chunky, 2,010kg SUV with a big engine, while CO2 emissions for the 30d start from 164g/km, so realistically it’ll be the bottom of your company car choice list with 20d, plug-in hybrid and fully electric iX3 variants all available in the revised range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MHEV system also means the engine restart after cutting out is smooth, too, which is a good description of the powertrain, in fact, as it emits a characterful multi-cylinder rumble that sits distantly in the background, but you don’t feel any vibrations or rattles more commonly associated with diesel cars.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that rarely seems to be in the wrong gear but shifts down smoothly when it is. With equally silky upshifts it makes the most of the engine’s performance and keeps progress refined, too. Rarely does the X3 sound coarse or strained, even when accelerating at a faster lick.

There is a Sport mode, but once you’ve pressed the button once you’ll likely never do it again; the gearchanges get ever-so slightly grabbier, but more importantly, our car’s adaptive dampers firm up. While the more taut control over vertical body movement reinforces the X3’s status as one of the most dynamic SUVs in this class, despite numb but direct steering, with the suspension in its firmer setting even on super-smooth German roads you do notice an extra edge to the ride over some bumps that’s not really necessary.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the X3 has received an even greater makeover than it has outside. The basic dash design is inherited from the current 3 and 4 Series models, so along with a configurable 12.3-inch digital dash, the new central display is an identical size if you go for the Live Cockpit Professional upgrade. Otherwise, the panel is 10.25 inches as standard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The infotainment is based on BMW’s Operating System 7, so again, it inherits features from the 3 and 4 Series, including the intelligent voice assistant, which is one of the best on the market.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feature, as well as Amazon Alexa integration, boosting connectivity, but as with most BMWs, the real highlight is how accessible it is; the graphics are great and the touchscreen responds instantly, but you can also select and navigate with the click wheel controller, which makes it easier to use on the move. Logically laid-out menus also mean the infotainment is intuitive, while over-the-air software upgrade capability make the new X3 about as future proof as a combustion-engined car can be in 2021, too.

As the X3’s basic CLAR platform is unchanged it means practicality isn’t any different, which means there’s still ample space inside for passengers, with plenty of legroom and even more headroom making it a fine family vehicles. Boot space still stands at 550 litres with the rear seats in place. It didn’t need improving and is still a match for its rivals.

There’s been an added boost to kit as well. BMW saw a high take-up rate on features such as three-zone climate control, so this is now fitted as standard, along side sports seats on all cars. Our M Sport model also boasted a sporty body kit, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, leather trim, cruise control and a powered tailgate.

Model:BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport
Price:£52,515
Engine:3.0-litre 6cyl turbodiesel
Power/torque:282bhp/650Nm
Transmission:Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 
0-62mph:5.7 seconds
Top speed:152mph
Economy:44.8mpg
CO2:164g/km
Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

New & used car deals

BMW X3

BMW X3

RRP £51,605Avg. savings £3,936 off RRP*Used from £19,800
BMW X4

BMW X4

RRP £49,455Avg. savings £5,992 off RRP*Used from £20,495
Mercedes GLC

Mercedes GLC

RRP £54,450Used from £51,305
Mercedes GLE

Mercedes GLE

RRP £61,475Used from £26,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Polestar 4 review
Polestar 4 - main image

Polestar 4 review

In-depth reviews
14 Jul 2025
KGM Actyon K50 long-term test: practical SUV proves both thirsty and bouncy
KGM Actyon K50 long-term - header with laptop

KGM Actyon K50 long-term test: practical SUV proves both thirsty and bouncy

Long-term tests
14 Jul 2025
Cupra Tavascan V1 long-term test: fast charging makes journeys less heated
Cupra Tavascan long termer second report - header

Cupra Tavascan V1 long-term test: fast charging makes journeys less heated

Long-term tests
3 Jul 2025

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025