2026 BMW X3

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The BMW X3 blends impressive performance with plenty of comfort. Acceleration is smooth and adequately powerful, complemented by strong, stable braking that inspires confidence even during hard stops. In our tests, the X3 reached 60 mph in a respectable 6.1 seconds, which feels decently zippy from behind the wheel. It's also composed and predictable when going around corners. If the base X3 30 xDrive isn't sporty enough for you, check out the M50 — it's quicker and more fun to drive.

The 30 xDrive's ride quality is comfortable without being overly soft or floaty. Visibility is excellent overall, and the optional surround-view camera system provides added clarity in tight spots. On the downside, some advanced driver aids, like adaptive cruise control, remain optional and are not as cutting-edge as those offered by competitors like Tesla.

We also noticed the powertrain's mild hybrid system has room for improvement. The engine's auto stop-start feature is intrusive when you are coasting to a stop and it momentarily cuts out the air conditioning, which was inconvenient on warmer days.

The X3 30 xDrive achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined. That's pretty good for a small luxury SUV. Notably, the M50 makes a lot more power and gets just 2 mpg less.

The BMW X3 delivers a generally comfortable driving experience. The front seats offer firm cushioning and extensive adjustments, including lumbar and lateral bolster support, a thigh extender for taller drivers, and heating and ventilation options. The second row provides ample headroom and decent legroom, although it lacks the reclining function found in competitors like the Genesis GV70. Getting in and out is straightforward thanks to wide door openings, though the flush door handles can be difficult to grip, particularly for children.

The climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, requiring additional steps to make adjustments, which may feel less intuitive. The air vents feature a unique manual knob offset from the vent vanes, making them slightly harder to direct compared to traditional designs. Rear passengers benefit from air vents but lack independent fan and temperature controls. Cabin noise levels are moderate, with some engine and road noise becoming noticeable during harder acceleration. While it's not overly disruptive, there are quieter options available in this class.

The BMW X3's cargo space is impressive. It offers 31.5 cubic feet of storage, beating competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC (21.9 cubic feet) and Genesis GV70 (28.9 cubic feet). The 40/20/40-split rear seats fold nearly flat, providing flexibility for you to haul larger items. Cabin storage for small items is decent; the door pockets are big enough for water bottles, but the center armrest bin and glovebox are small. There are also two cupholders and a wireless charging slot, though you might end up using them to store miscellaneous items.

When properly equipped, the X3 stands out with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds for the 30 xDrive and 4,850 pounds for the M50. That's one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

The X3 offers modern and practical tech features. The main app menu may seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes more intuitive to use over time. The dual-screen setup includes a responsive, high-res touchscreen and built-in apps for music and navigation. For those who prefer their own devices, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard.

Connectivity is a strong point too. There are two USB-C ports in each row and a wireless charging pad with a vertical design to keep things organized. A digital key (allows your smartphone to double as a key) and remote app functionality help support the needs of modern life.

The BMW X3's interior feels solid overall, but some materials, like the door plastics, feel cheap. The seats and high-touch areas exude a premium feel, especially with the optional Merino leather. The new exterior design may not appeal to everyone, but build quality is commendable.

Starting around $52,000, the BMW X3 is pricier than competitors like the Genesis GV70 and Acura RDX but cheaper than the Mercedes GLC. We think the X3 still offers solid value, even when you add optional features such as adaptive cruise control and the surround-view camera system. BMW's warranties are standard for luxury vehicles but less generous than those from Genesis and some Japanese brands.