Shopping for a BMW X3? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Compelling small luxury SUVs from Audi, Genesis and Mercedes-Benz are also worth a look

written by David Gluckman
edited by Kirk Bell
9/6/2026
Share:

What's new: The BMW X3 was long the king of small fancy SUVs, deftly blending comfort, efficiency and luxury.
Why it matters: In its latest incarnation, introduced for 2025, the X3 took a step back in interior materials, and it may not be the right choice for everyone.
Edmunds says: If you're shopping in this segment, take a look at these other options from Audi, Genesis and Mercedes-Benz.

The BMW X3 combines sporty handling, a roomy interior and powerful, efficient engines to create a well-balanced small luxury SUV. If you buy one, you're not likely to be disappointed by much except perhaps some cheap-feeling interior materials. But the X3 isn't your only choice in this arena. Contenders from Audi, Genesis and Mercedes-Benz might suit you better if you're looking for greater comfort, a better deal or more luxury. Check them out before saying yes to an X3.

Genesis GV70

Price range (with destination): $50,480-$72,590
Edmunds Rating: 7.8 (out of 10)

It may not be as popular or well-known as BMW, but Genesis has been steadily climbing the luxury ranks and is putting out fully polished results like the GV70. The South Korean brand is doing so well, in fact, that the GV70 tops our rankings of small luxury sport-utilities, besting the X3, a model that once helped define this segment. While the brand may be new, its path to success isn't: Offer more for less.

Starting a couple of thousand less than a base X3, the GV70 comes with many of the standard features that the X3 noticeably lacks, including adaptive cruise control and a handful of other advanced driver aids. The Genesis powertrain menu closely mirrors BMW's — a base turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbocharged-six — and the GV70 can hold its own on a twisty road while doing a better job of soaking up everyday road imperfections. Rear passengers will appreciate the comfortable back seats with a recline function. And you'll be happy to drive something that looks a little different from its German competitors.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price range (with destination): $50,900-$88,100
Edmunds Rating: 7.3 (out of 10)

As is often the case, the BMW option leans into athleticism, and Mercedes skews more toward comfort and luxury. The GLC SUV's lovely interior feels sculptural and uses the nice materials that BMW seems to have forgotten with the latest X3. While adaptive cruise control is an extra-cost item like it is for the BMW, Mercedes includes a lot more advanced safety features from the get-go. The GLC's price is pretty comparable to the GV70's, with similar performance numbers for the base models. (The top of the Benz's price range may seem high, but that's for the silly-fun AMG 63 S model with a 671-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.)

The GLC's biggest advantage in this segment is its advanced infotainment system. The user-friendly MBUX software is great to look at and well integrated, plus the built-in navigation system is as good as what you'd get with a smartphone app. On top of that, Mercedes build quality is hard to beat, so what you get with the GLC is a smaller version of the brand's other SUVs that's not cheapened or missing anything. It's refreshing consistency.

Audi Q5

Price range (with destination): $54,195-$62,095
Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)

Audi's small luxury SUV entry is for the techies. While traits like handling, interior space and ride comfort are adequate, the money in the Q5 clearly goes to the infotainment system. Its giant center touchscreen is the highlight, and the menus have been updated for 2026 to be simpler to navigate. The Q5 is the only option in this segment to also offer a front-passenger touchscreen; we don't think it's a must-have feature, but your passenger prince or princess might say otherwise.

The Q5 is good at most everything but not excellent in any one area. Cargo volume falls between the X3's and GLC's figures. In contrast to the Mercedes in-cabin experience, Audi's touchscreen controls can be distracting, and its screen-only climate controls are the most bothersome feature. It's perfectly comfortable, both in terms of the seats and the ride quality. The Q5's included three years/30,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance will help put your mind at ease, and that's worth something, though the BMW and Genesis extend that to three years/36,000 miles.

Consider These Recommendations

Use Edmunds as Your Trusted Source

Make Edmunds your favorite search result for car reviews, prices paid, appraisals and inventory.

by David Gluckman

David has years of experience as a writer and editor for print and digital automotive publications, including Car and Driver and Road & Track. He can parallel-park a school bus, has a spreadsheet listing every vehicle he's ever tested, and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. When not searching for the perfect used car, he can be found sampling the latest gimmicky foodstuffs that America has to offer.

edited by Kirk Bell

Cars have been an important part of his life since Kirk learned to identify them by their headlights as a toddler. He grew up helping pit crew for his dad’s highly unsuccessful drag racing escapades, and he turned his knowledge of the car culture into a career when he became an editor at Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine starting in college. Kirk has been writing about full-scale cars for more than 20 years and was named to the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury in 2014. He was most recently senior editor at Motor Authority, where he specialized in luxury and performance cars. Kirk also authored and edited several car books, including the award-winning Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and NASCAR Chronicle when was managing editor at Consumer Guide Automotive. Kirk enjoys nothing more than a track day, but he’s also a Wisconsin sport fan and he enjoys spirited drives in his 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Get More Edmunds Car News in Your Inbox