BMW X3 Road Test

BMW X3

What We Liked

• Ride & Handling
• Performance
• Exterior & interior styling
• Fuel economy

What We Disliked

• Seat Adjustment - it is very awkward to adjust (you can opt for electric seats)

What We'd Like To See

• Xenon Headlights as standard
• Power fold in mirrors as standard which would be especially helpful when off-road



Build Quality

Some people have criticised the build quality of the BMW X3 but our test vehicle was well put together with all the panel fits being spot on. The materials were of quality one would expect of a premium SUV.

Value For Money

The BMW X3 is not cheap, with some models pushing well over £30,000, add some of the optional extras and you are very near to £40,000. There is no doubt that the X3 feels in a class above the competition and can be classified as a premium model. Residual values should remain fairly high as people aspire to the BMW brand and to SUVs in general.

Overall Opinion

The BMW X3 is great fun to drive and yet it remains practical for the family owner. It retains the adage that BMW are driver’s cars and it leads where other SUVs dare to tread, well on road at least - and it isn’t that bad off road. There is no doubt that you are paying a premium to drive an X3, but is it one that you wish to pay for - that's up to you.

I own a Honda C-RV which has proven to be the ideal family vehicle but the X3 has left me wanting more - and if I was to change the CR-V for an SUV in the same class then the X3 would be where I would put my money.

BMW X3