2027 BMW X3

Name: 2027 BMW X3
Brand: BMW

Release Date: Fall 2026

Estimated Price: Starting around $55,000

Very Good

7.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2027 BMW X3 is one of our test team's top-rated small luxury SUVs. It has a roomy interior, so you'll like it if you've got a family or frequently carry a lot of cargo. The X3 is also enjoyable to drive and comes well stocked with BMW's latest technology features. It does have a few downsides, such as some hard-to-learn controls, but overall the X3 is a great choice for a practical and stylish luxury SUV.Read full review

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Pros

Strong and fuel-efficient engines
Spacious interior
Sporty handling

Cons

Some common tech features don't come standard
Interior materials aren't as luxurious as they should be

Overview

Written by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

7/7/2026

The BMW X3 has long been one of our favorite luxury SUVs for its appealing mix of practicality, performance and efficiency. Within BMW's SUV lineup, it sits between the entry-level X1 and the larger X5. That means it's roomy enough for family life — think routine daily driving plus the occasional road trip — without taking on the additional cost and bulk of the X5. It's also pretty enjoyable to drive and gets good fuel economy from its base four-cylinder engine. The most recent X3 generation debuted for 2025. We're not expecting any major changes for the 2027 X3.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Very Good

7.5

out of 10

We drove the BMW X3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.3/10

How does it drive? 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.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is it? 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.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? 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.

Storage & cargo

8.3/10

How’s storage and cargo? 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.

Value

7.3/10

Is it a good value? 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 latest exterior design may not appeal to everyone, but the 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.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

X factor

7/10

The X3 offers a fun, practical package that's hard to resist. While the design isn't exactly groundbreaking, it's far from unattractive. It may not be the most stylish SUV in its class, but it arrives at a welcome time when BMW's oversized-grille trend is finally fading.

2027 BMW X3 trim level differences

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's X3. We expect the 2027 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The BMW X3 is a five-passenger luxury compact SUV available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) powers the X3 30 xDrive, while the X3 M50 xDrive uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (393 hp, 428 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard for both X3 models.

Which X3 trim does Edmunds recommend?

BMW hasn't released official information on the 2027 X3 as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's X3, we'd recommend the X3 30 xDrive. It might lack the punch of the more powerful M50 xDrive trim, but it's still quick, fun to drive, and surprisingly efficient. You should also make sure to get an X3 with the available Premium package, which adds welcome driver assist features, such as a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control.

Alternatives to the 2027 BMW X3

The toughest competition for the X3 comes from the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Both of these SUVs feature advanced technology features and very smooth rides. We also recommend checking out the Genesis GV70 for its roomy seating, appealing starting price and long warranty.

What it's like to live with

Edmunds recently had a fourth-generation X3 as part of our road-testing fleet. You can find details about our X3 30 xDrive test model and our impressions of living with one daily by reading our One-Year Road Test of the latest X3.