2026 BMW X3 XDrive30 Review: Is It a Get It or Skip It SUV
The fourth generation BMW X3 has arrived with more power, better efficiency, and a revised design. The question many buyers are asking is simple. Is the new X3 XDrive30 a get it or skip it vehicle.
This review breaks down its performance, design, interior features, practicality, pros, and cons based on real drive impressions.
Table of Contents
Performance and Engine Specifications
BMW has upgraded the power figures for 2026.
Engine Highlights
2.0 litre BMW TwinPower turbocharged four cylinder
Twin scroll turbo
255 horsepower
295 pound feet of torque
0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds
Top speed limited to 130 mph
48 volt mild hybrid system
Standard XDrive all wheel drive
Fuel efficiency: 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway
Near perfect 50.5 by 49.5 weight distribution
Even with these upgrades, the XDrive30 remains the least powerful of the two available powertrains. The M50 variant offers more performance but misses rear axle steering and air suspension, so the savings on the XDrive30 still make sense for many buyers.
Acceleration is smooth, and turbo lag is minimal even at 30 to 35 mph. The mild hybrid system improves stop start smoothness and efficiency.
Price and Competition
The review model comes with the Convenience Package, putting its price around 54 thousand dollars.
BMW positions it against:
Audi Q5
Mercedes GLC
Lexus NX
In terms of torque and everyday drivability, Audi and Mercedes offer similar numbers. The GLC can feel more powerful depending on trim. However, the X3’s weight balance and chassis tuning give it an engaging driving character.
Exterior Design and Styling
The fourth generation redesign was introduced last year. It looks more futuristic but can be polarising. Alpine White makes the new lines stand out more sharply compared to darker colours.
Key Exterior Features
New LED headlights with DRLs
Kidney grille glow (optional standalone and standard on M50)
Front parking sensors
No standard 360 degree reverse camera
8.5 inches of ground clearance
Upgraded 20 inch midnight grey alloy wheels
Flush door handles
LED turn indicators on mirrors
Blind spot monitoring
Satin aluminium finish around the windows
Simplified rear styling with LED tail lamps
No visible exhaust outlets
Power liftgate
Buyers may find the grille and front design better suited to darker shades. The new shape makes the SUV look slightly wider and more road focused.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The cabin focuses on the driver and offers strong comfort for daily use.
However, there is a noticeable mix of soft touch and hard plastics in some areas.
Front Seats and Features
12 way power passenger seat
14 way power driver seat
Manual thigh support extensions for both seats
Heated front seats standard
Vegan leather upholstery (BMW calls it veganised leather)
Memory seat for driver
Auto dimming mirror with HomeLink
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
14.9 inch touchscreen
12.3 inch digital driver cluster
Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM 360L, Wi Fi hotspot, 5G capability, built in YouTube
Updated climate control panel with digital air vent toggles
Wireless charger and two USB C ports
Ambient lighting that changes with the drive mode
Medium size centre storage bin
Heated steering wheel with two spoke design
Optional interior dash cam
The screen layout is BMW’s curved dual screen system. Reverse camera quality is good and the trajectory lines expand, but a full 360 degree camera still requires an upgrade.
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, the reviewer had three inches of knee room and four to five inches of headroom thanks to the panoramic roof delete. Without the panoramic glass, the roofline gives even more space.
Rear Seat Highlights
Heated rear seats
Third climate zone
Seatback storage pockets
Rear USB C ports
Fold down armrest with cup holders
Tablet or iPad mounting points
Good shoulder room and wide bench
One ergonomic con is the placement of cup holders in the armrest. They are hardly usable if two adults are seated.
The centre seat has two to three inches of knee room which becomes tight, but headroom remains strong.
Boot Space and Practicality
The X3 continues to be one of the more practical SUVs in this segment.
Boot Space
31.5 cubic feet with seats up
67.1 cubic feet with seats folded
12 volt socket
Bag hooks
LED boot lighting
Spare tyre under the floor
37 inches from front to back
45 inches width
Extra 2 to 4 inches of vertical cubby depth
One drawback is the lack of seat fold levers in the boot. You need to fold the 60 by 40 split seats manually from the second row.
Driving Experience
The 2026 X3 XDrive30 feels like a smaller X5 in the way it drives. It is composed, quiet and smooth on rough surfaces.
Suspension tuning filters out most imperfections, and visibility is excellent due to the flat hood design.
Driving Impressions
Good ride comfort on upgraded wheels
Stable and planted on highways
Clear view of the edges of the bonnet
Light steering in Comfort mode
Sharper throttle and steering in Sport mode
Enough power for family use
Stop start system still activates around 5 to 6 mph
Turn radius of about a lane and a half
The driving feel remains one of the X3’s strengths. It is practical yet still enjoyable for someone who wants a hint of sportiness.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong performance for a 2.0 litre turbo
Excellent weight balance
Improved fuel economy
Quiet and refined ride
Spacious cabin and generous headroom
Good technology suite
Practical boot space
Well tuned suspension
Feels like a compact X5
Cons
No standard 360 degree camera
Plastic heavy interior areas
Lack of storage around the centre console
Too much reliance on screens
Panoramic roof delete seen on some units
Some features like advanced cruise control require extra packages
Rear cup holder design is not practical
Verdict: Get It or Skip It
The 2026 BMW X3 XDrive30 is an efficient, comfortable, and capable SUV with better performance and fuel economy than before. It covers daily usability well and gives a near luxury driving feel.
However, it misses some modern convenience features that should be standard at this price, and the interior materials do not always match expectations.
If you want an SUV that drives well, offers solid fuel efficiency, and feels like a smaller X5, the X3 XDrive30 is a get it vehicle.
If you want more excitement, richer interior materials, or complete tech features without add ons, you may want to look at alternatives.
BMW X3 X Drive 30 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new BMW X3 X Drive 30 worth buying?
The fourth generation X3 brings better performance, improved MPG figures, a more composed drive, and near perfect 50.5 to 49.5 weight distribution. For everyday usability and light to light acceleration, it has enough power and comfort to be considered a get it vehicle.
What engine does the 2026 BMW X3 X Drive 30 have?
It uses a 2.0 liter twin powered turbocharged single scroll four cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. The 0 to 60 time is around 6 seconds and the top speed is 130 mph.
How is the fuel economy of the new X3?
The X3 X Drive 30 delivers an improved 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The 48 volt mild hybrid system also helps with smoother auto start stop functionality.
Does the BMW X3 come with a 360 degree camera?
No, BMW does not offer a standard 360 degree reverse camera on the X3 X Drive 30. Only basic reverse camera views with front and rear sensors are included. This is surprising for a 2026 model at this price point.
How much cargo space does the 2026 X3 offer?
With all seats up, you get 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the capacity increases to 67.1 cubic feet. It also includes a spare tire under the floor and useful bag hooks, but it lacks quick release levers for folding the seats from the back.
How comfortable is the interior of the BMW X3?
The interior includes heated front seats, manual cushion extensions, 12 to 14 way seat adjustments, a curved dual screen layout, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a clean driver focused dashboard. Rear seat space is generous with about 3 inches of knee room for tall passengers and excellent headroom because this model has a panoramic roof delete.
What are the main drawbacks of the 2026 BMW X3?
Some drawbacks include the lack of a standard 360 camera, too much plastic inside, limited storage areas, and several features that should be standard at this price still being locked behind packages. The design may also feel simple in colors like Alpine White.
Is the BMW X3 X Drive 30 fun to drive?
Yes. The SUV remains composed and quiet, with minimal vibrations over bumps. The wider stance of the fourth generation, responsive turbo, and drive mode changes create an engaging feel, especially in sport mode where the steering and throttle sharpen noticeably.
