BMW X3
Upmarket family SUV enters its fourth generation with major changes inside and out On sale October Price from £48,375
Neil Winn neil.winn@haymarket.com
WHAT DO THE 2024 film Deadpool &Wolverine and the BMW X3 have in common? Well, they’re both unstoppable blockbusters. The latest movie from the X Men universe has already earned more than $1 billion worldwide, while BMW will be hoping that this third sequel to its X3 premium family SUV continues its predecessors’ success; the X3 has notched up more than 3.5 million sales since its arrival two decades ago.
However, the competition is heating up, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC a fierce foe (especially in plug-in hybrid form) and an all-new Audi Q5 around the corner. So, to help it compete, BMW has made the new X3 longer, wider and lower in an effort to improve both handling and space inside, while its interior design and engine lineup have been refreshed.
What’s it like to drive?
The previous X3 was among the very best family SUVs to drive, and the new one doesn’t disappoint on that front. So far, we’ve tested the entry-level xDrive20 and range-topping M50 xDrive.
The former’s 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers 205bhp, which is enough for a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.8sec, but it needs to be worked hard to deliver its best.