BMW X3

BMW X3 sits among BMW’s most popular SUV offerings. It shares the luxury spotlight with the X5 and the all-electric iX3. Its fourth-generation design marks a sharp departure from the rounded look of its predecessor. The new design blends a chiseled, athletic exterior with a tech-forward, premium cabin. This is the BMW that prioritises the driver above all else. It has always been the sportiest SUV in its class. The X3 cares more about delivering a rewarding drive than simply looking the part. It would rather carve a mountain road than just cruise a boulevard.

How does it drive? Great handling usually comes at the expense of ride comfort. Not with the X3. It drives like a proper luxury SUV should every day, without losing its sporty edge. The 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and almost invisibly. Braking feels confident in city traffic and stop-and-go jams. The base 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 188 PS and 310 Nm. It handles highway overtakes and city commutes with equal ease. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel pushes out 197 PS and 400 Nm. That strong low-end torque makes highway cruising and steep hill climbs effortless. Step up to the 30 xDrive M Sport Pro petrol, and you get 258 PS and 400 Nm for a noticeably sharper experience.

The BMW X3 weighs around 1,770 kg in its base variant. The 19-inch alloy wheels strike a fine balance between grip and ride quality over broken Indian roads. On the standard adaptive suspension, the ride stays composed and well-mannered overall. Electronically controlled dampers, available across the range, soften bumps beautifully in Comfort mode and firm up nicely in Sport. Ground clearance of 204 mm handles most urban obstacles and rough patches without drama.

Adaptive cruise control with steering assist works smoothly on the highway without jerky corrections. The 360-degree camera system helps in tight parking spots and narrow lanes. Well-sized mirrors and a clean greenhouse give excellent outward visibility everywhere. Navigating Delhi traffic or Himachal switchbacks feels equally manageable.

How comfortable is it? The X3 rides with the refinement you expect at this price. The cabin stays remarkably quiet, even on rough surfaces and at highway speeds. Road noise and wind noise remain well-controlled throughout most driving situations.

The driver’s seat offers a wide range of electric adjustments with a memory function. The second row feels genuinely spacious for a mid-size SUV. Headroom, legroom, and shoulder room remain plentiful for tall passengers. The panoramic glass roof and large glass area create a bright, open cabin feel. The rear bench offers solid knee and thigh support, though it does not recline. Large doors and a sensible step-in height make access convenient for all passengers. Three-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable regardless of where they sit.

Child seat installation in the second row is straightforward and easy, with ISOFIX points on both outer seats. The ventilated front seats are a welcome addition for Indian summers. The dual-zone setup extends to a separate rear climate zone, which is a thoughtful touch. The heated steering wheel, however, remains more of a novelty in Indian conditions.

How’s the tech? The iDrive 9 infotainment system looks sharp with crisp graphics on the 14.9-inch curved touchscreen. The display responds quickly and feels free of annoying lag issues. However, the heavy reliance on the touchscreen for most controls can feel distracting while driving. Physical buttons have been stripped away in this generation, and that takes some getting used to. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster conveys a wealth of information crisply, including ADAS and drive mode data. The head-up display on higher variants projects essential information onto the windshield. The 15-speaker, 765-watt Harman Kardon sound system delivers rich, detailed sound quality throughout the cabin.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly without fuss. Multiple USB Type-C ports and a wireless charging pad keep devices topped up. BMW’s connected car tech, including remote services and over-the-air software updates, keeps the car feeling current over time. The ambient lighting adds a welcome touch of sophistication after dark.

How’s storage and cargo? The BMW X3 offers 550 litres of boot space with seats up. Fold the 40:20:40 split second row down, and you get a vast, flat loading area. The powered tailgate opens and closes with ease, and can be operated hands-free. Unlike the Defender’s side-hinged door, the X3’s conventional liftgate is far more practical in tight parking spaces. Interior cubby holes and door pockets work well for everyday items. Rear passenger storage options are adequate, though a centre armrest with cupholders would benefit from being slightly deeper.
An 18-inch space-saver spare wheel sits neatly under the boot floor. The 68-litre fuel tank ensures reasonable highway range between refuelling stops, especially with the diesel engine.

Is it a good value? The X3 starts at around ₹71.20 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol in India. Prices go up to around ₹74.50 lakh for the range-topping 30 xDrive M Sport Pro petrol variant. The main rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, starts at around ₹75.50 lakh. A sensibly specced X3 blends driving engagement with everyday luxury very effectively. It justifies its price against the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60 with ease. Build quality feels solid and premium from every angle. Panel gaps are tight and consistent, as you’d expect at this price. It sits below a BMW X5 in outright space and presence, though. But it offers a sharper driving experience than most luxury SUV rivals in its segment.

BMW India offers a standard warranty of two years with unlimited kilometres. Extended warranty packages are available for up to ten years through authorised BMW service centres. BMW also offers Service Inclusive packages for up to ten years or 200,000 km, locking in maintenance costs upfront.

How’s the fuel economy? The 2.0-litre petrol returns an ARAI-rated mileage of around 13–14 kmpl. The 2.0-litre diesel delivers roughly 17–18 kmpl as per ARAI figures. The 30 xDrive M Sport Pro petrol manages around 14–15 kmpl as per ARAI certification. Real-world mileage typically falls below these official ARAI-certified numbers. City driving with frequent stops brings the figures down further. The diesel engine remains the most practical choice for everyday Indian driving. It balances performance and fuel costs better than the petrol options.

Personality matters a lot to the X3, and it delivers in its own way. This generation nails a futuristic, sharp-edged design language confidently. It looks imposing and modern from nearly every angle on Indian roads. The front kidney grille could polarise opinions, though, especially for fans of the outgoing model. The illuminated grille option on higher variants draws mixed reactions from enthusiasts. The X3 drives with composure and agility on highways, city streets, and twisty roads. Its three driving modes – ECO PRO, Comfort, and Sport – cover everything from relaxed commutes to spirited weekend drives. Electronically controlled dampers adapt to surfaces seamlessly, even for less experienced drivers. Purists might miss a more involving steering feel at lower speeds, though. Still, the X3’s effortless blend of sport and luxury in its segment is hard to beat.