BMW X3 Review: A budget X5?!

This is the BMW X3!
It received a mid-life facelift in late 2021, and Mat’s about to find out whether the M-Sport plug-in hybrid edition still stands the test of time against newer competitors such as the new Mercedes GLC & Genesis GV70.
Well for starters, let’s check out the design. It’s relatively similar to the original X3, but there are a couple of design changes. Around the back, there are updated 3D-effect taillights, some real exhaust tips and an updated diffuser (which to be honest, is likely to have little to no effect). Around the side, there are bold creases across the doors and protruding side skirts to help with the sporty looks, and upfront there’s an updated bumper and a few new vents. Naturally, though, there’s a huge grille up front, which doesn’t do much for the looks.
Step inside and there are only a few changes to the original X3. There’s an updated infotainment screen and full digital dials; otherwise, it’s all the same. That’s not such a bad thing, but when you consider newer BMWs come with a full-length, curved infotainment/dial screen, this already seems a bit outdated. Thankfully there are quality materials throughout most of the cabin, although if you reach a bit lower you may be met by some scratchy plastics.
In this video, we’ve got our hands on the xDrive30e. It’s powered by a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, which combines to deliver 292hp and 300Nm. BMW claim it will hit 60mph in 6.1 seconds, and it comes in at a cost of around £56,000.
The BMW X3 range starts from around £47,000. But should you still choose it over the competition? And if you’re in the market for a plug-in hybrid SUV, is it really the smart choice instead of the newer GLC? Stick with Mat and see for yourself!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:36 Design
02:04 Interior
04:40 Back Seats
06:31 Boot
07:30 5 Annoying Things
09:02 5 Cool Things
10:50 Engine
11:14 Town Driving
13:11 Motorway Driving
14:20 Country Road Driving
15:48 0-60mph
16:23 Verdict
Mat’s BMW X3 deal: bit.ly/Mats-X3-Choice-1206
Genesis GV70 review: bit.ly/Genesis-GV70-Review-2023
Volvo XC60 review: bit.ly/Volvo-XC60-Review-2023
Lexus NX review: Lexus-NX-Review-2023
Sell your car with carwow: bit.ly/Buy-Sell-WOW

[@carwow]

BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC: Which is best? VOTE BELOW!

[@carwow]

VOTE: BMW X3!

[@carwow]

VOTE: Mercedes GLC!

[@YouTubeUserLol]

X1!!!

[@ShauryaSingh-ec9rm]

merc

[@MILKYBAR1969]

I3S

[@BuDDa100]

X3 was never a looker but this one is by far the best one.

[@nealp885]

Weird to think a new BMW can actually look good.

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@nealp885 still nowhere close to BMW 1 SERIES Tii Coupe.

[@ciybersal9833]

Once Zeekr X Volvo EX30 Xpeng G9 hits it's over for Germans

[@ChR0nos_7734]

@@nealp885 it's an outgoing model. 2024/25 X3 will probably look horrible like every new BMW

[@Kronos0999]

It's only because all other BMW cars have gotten so ugly this looks 'pretty'.

[@TechBaffle]

I actually quite like the front end design. BMW hasn't gone bonkers - the lights and grille look well proportioned. I guess it reminds me of slightly older BMW's - same with the interior - but to me that's a good thing!

[@loukasantoniou8054]

yes but the graphic details are completely out of proportion. there is no purpose to the design of the car.

[@georgedowns4034]

​@@loukasantoniou8054 wdym?

[@nicholaswicks3077]

I love the way it look’s everything is great except the rear tail lights could be improved

[@tedimrie973]

@@loukasantoniou8054your comment makes no sense i’m afraid

[@dsinghr]

i love bonkers now

[@GermanCptSlow]

It may be out of date, but the interior in the X3 is infinitely more beautiful and useful than the one in the newer BMWs. Same goes for the outside. They have lost the plot.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Yep. X3 had been out of date since 2020 basically.

[@bingobongo1615]

Nah I vastly prefer the new styling of the interiors. One might dislike the lack of buttons but the screens are much better and everything looks much cleaner.

[@mtumasz]

True, newer models lose 1-8 programmable buttons which I find very useful.

[@Kronos0999]

@@bingobongo1615 New interiors are better but the tradeoff of having that disgusting exterior is not worth it.

[@aliibn-muhammadal-sharif8568]

I disagree! I own the M340i in idrive 8 guise and the tech is a game changer, I had the pre facelift 330i and the new idrive sets a new benchmark in tech and use ability.

[@Mellow6996]

I really think Matt was the one who started the load cover storage campaign that manufacturers now do.

[@Under_Construction100]

😂😂😂😂

[@snbala]

I have never had an issue with BMW styling, and even if I did, the design has grown on me. This one is another great one. One thing though, BMW designs always stay modern.

[@brajeshsingh2391]

BMW always scores on design. Their exterior design is very good.

[@mrv6159]

I think this X3 looks very much like the previous X5. Excellent design and timeless. Also inside. Their latest cars.. hmmm

[@ligametis]

Because it is almost as old as prior x5 was.

[@enegizedadam]

​@@ligametiswait so they recycled the old x5 and sold as the x3 cheeky bastards

[@florianhaffner3910]

I have no clue what Matt is talking about. I think the X3 looks great from every angle

[@bobdave2858]

This car looks amazing from every angle especially in the white colour

[@timwin7155]

This is M Brooklyn Grey I guess :)

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@timwin7155 Brooklyn Grey??

[@gyula6516]

Meh, it looks decent from every angle tbh

[@37racso]

Looks decent at best to me. X5 looks far more proprtional

[@wazenight]

after reading the comments, I am the only one thinking it looks like a toy with this black plastic and finding it ugly for its price.

[@neoman7792]

I maybe one of a small few to say this but I much prefer the interior with physical touch buttons rather than a digital screen

[@born1in1a1sauna]

People seems to be 50/50 on this. I think the new curved screen looks horrible, but some friends like it. The issue is that for many people its so bad that they will just not upgrade and BMW will loose sales om it aswell due to their exterior design. Which in turn might get Germany into a recession. Mercedes, BMW could easily make great designs that would sell like crazy but insteas they are having some screen-fetisch at the moment. German buttons are better than Chinese. Germans screens wont be. BMW should have two options. One more traditional setup and one more high tech.

[@emmanueljames4379]

Those Taillights look like the Halo energy sword

[@purwantiallan5089]

Yep. Or it came straight from a car in DAYS GONE.

[@Mikeybikey88]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who noticed this :D

[@TheSuperBoyProject]

WOWOWOWOWOW LIFE JUST LIKE BIBEO GAME 😱😱😱

[@jhk2226]

Would take this X3 over a GLC or a Q5 any day! Great looks & great performance and sound the M40i

[@Rekeza]

as an owner, I cannot recommend one of these enough

[@TheKamble]

Had a not so good day, came home, saw this video and my face immediately lit up. Thank you Matthew.

[@patadasorte]

I'm Brazilian and I really like the way you present the cars, congratulations on your work. X3 is spectacular.

[@davidkeenan5989]

Love your work, Mat.

[@retiredfirefighteruk]

Had a brand newone 2 years and getting a brand new one next month even the same colour - absolutely love it

[@georgeyung3546]

I brought a X3 2.0i M sport with lots of options last year. Took 7 months to order it. It a good car to be honest. Does everything I need it to do. Very frugal average around 50 miles per gallon on motor way, around town it drops to 25mpg Can't complain

[@purwantiallan5089]

GLC300E and CLK 200 are still better than X3.

[@tr0llpatr0l86]

where does ur money come from?

[@danielchoritz1903]

i can complain, X3 2.0i M sport. sounds like a insider joke. because if you want a sporty car this is not.

[@3mr136]

​@@purwantiallan5089 no

[@babber2536]

So many jealous people replying to this comment

[@NTGuides]

Having lived with an Xdrive30i X3, i loved using it simply because it wasn't all that complicated. It was logically laid out and the boot was large enough to live with. Ended up switching to a G05 Xdrive30d X5 later on

[@MikeL-FL]

I've had my G01 LCI M40i for a little over a year now. I love it. No major complaints. The B58 is perfect for it. Handles fine. Suspension is decent, unlike the M's which are brutal. No complaints about the interior or exterior styling. I love the exterior styling. The interior is fine. My only complaint comes from the seats. My back doesn't like them. I have the heated and cooled seats. Wish the massaging seats from the M550 were offered. I got spoiled by those and I want them back. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the vehicle. I could do without the "mild hybrid" 48V BS and the resulting Auto start/stop, but otherwise, all good.

[@manofsesame3024]

The massage seat does nothing other than making the driver sleepy

[@MikeL-FL]

@@manofsesame3024 Maybe for you. For me, with major back problems, they’re godsend.

[@user-d32658]

@@MikeL-FLBetter do core exercises instead.

[@topshelfornoshelf2158]

X3 , Love this car, I have the same exact color and spec ❤ great car and definitely worth every penny, already took a family vacation so comfy and beautiful to look at

[@patriciafox9688]

Excellent review Matt as always.

[@robertw.1499]

I've been driving this exact same car, same colour, same hybrid version since October 2021. So, here's my take on it. Brilliant!!! I even have the real M-Sports seats (not these standard seats shown here), which are a delight, both optically and from a comfort aspect. The engine, in Sport Mode, with that extra battery power to boost acceleration, is really amazing. Top speed? Well, I live in Germany so am often on the Autobahn. 200kph is no problem and the car sits like it's stuck to the road. Handling is good, interior is pleasing and very functional, I agree that the front is not the most attractive car on the road. Negatives? The battery range is crap. However.... The displayed battery range depends on how you have driven the car before depleting the battery. If you were pedal to the metal all the time, the range after the next charge will be crap. If you were driving conservatively, accelerating slowly and using the cruise control, you will get a displayed range of over 40 km. What you won't ever get is the advertised 55 kms. My last car was the 2 litre X3 diesel. The car before that was the 3,5 litre 4 Series Grand Coupé. I do have some small complaints, but on the whole am very happy. Oh yeh, I test drove the Mercedes GLC 300e Plug in Hybrid. Full battery, in October, 19 degrees C ambient temperature. Range, 19 kilometers. Yes, Mercedes bullshits too!!!

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

Why do you say 435i is 3.5 liter, it's a 3.0 and its Gran not Gran(d)?

[@robertw.1499]

@@vladislavdimitrov4646 My mistake. 435d Grand Coupé

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

The diesel is also 3.0

[@robertw.1499]

@@vladislavdimitrov4646 clever man Vladi 🤪

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

@@robertw.1499 No just don't understand why some people still think 35i/35d always means 3,5l.

[@DTDDC]

Loved the review! I would love to see the BMW X3 30d and see how it compares to the hybrid version

[@PheonixUchiha]

I got the 30d and it has power. Even driving fast on the autobahn never pushed it beyonds 11 litres per 60 miles

[@albertassely6230]

The hybrid version is nice but regardless of the ICE version you compare it with, you will lose comfort and agility due to the additional weight. Additionally you only feel the power/acceleration of the hybrid when in sport mode, when in comfort acceleration is very slow because it always starts in electric only mode

[@okithdesilva129]

Mat thank you so much for this insane video!

[@rasherbasher8203]

Do you fancy the matt bot?

[@BlackDeath12345]

I have this bmw in blue. Love looking at it everyday!

[@alexgogolitsyn5849]

M40i definitely best choice, because b58. But 30i also a good choice, very good on gas, handles well, tech is still modern, love the physical buttons. I think it looks great.

[@TRONICSfer]

Matt, I'd like to see your take on Mazda CX-60. With inline 6 (or even hybrid), rear wheel drive or awd with rear bias, most motoring journalists call it Japanese X3. Some even said it is nicer to sit in than in Genesis, as you mentioned it in this video. But so far I haven't seen a video with brutal practicality honesty as you do.... Heck, maybe even do a comparison test of X3, GLC, CX-60 and Genesis!

[@mfbikle]

Wow, a review on a sunny day!

[@ilyes_kraiem]

I was waiting for this 🔥

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great review Mat!😸

[@user-fh8zk3pr7p]

Finally! I was waiting for this video from a long time, the last x3 review you did was around 5-7 years ago. Great review!

[@scluzzy]

well matt you are wrong, this car is a looker and it looks way better than other bmw cars, this looks like a normal bmw

[@truallan595]

Wow I really enjoyed this video.

[@DriveWithTom]

Got the ix3 that looks identical and honestly love this car. It's well built, the styling is old fashioned which for me is a positive and the amount of buttons inside is a dream (I'm old fashioned like that). Like how the front looks too and it drives better then the x5 - it just handles better and more fun. My lease is up next year and I'm most likely going to keep the car forever and get something like a used 2017 x5 for my off roading needs. Ive never had the feeling that I would want to keep a car until this one so fingers crossed nothing breaks before (or after) the next year haha!

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

X5 for off-roading needs !?

[@DriveWithTom]

@@vladislavdimitrov4646 I swear I knew I’d get this question when I wrote that line 😂… we often forget that luxury suvs like the ranger rovers or bmw x5s and x7s are actually decent off roaders because we only see them in towns nowadays. When I say off roading needs it basically means driving off the main road into a rocky field to pitch my tent. I’ve looked and tried out a Hilux and an F150 which I know are serious off roaders but for my needs an x5 would be perfect

[@vladislavdimitrov4646]

@@DriveWithTom I get the meaning of off-roading quite seriously not only a little bit more ground clearance but ok I got your point.

[@syedarslanhaider310]

Big a fan of your video reviews. Would love to see a review video of BMW X4 in XDrive 30i trim 😊

[@hefic]

I've got my 30i now for 5 days and I can say I'm so happy. It's almost perfect. The build quality is light years ahead of previous f31 I have owned. That car was such a crap on the inside. Everything squeaked and creaked. l love this x3. Best car ever. Wouldn't trade it for the latest GLE that I occasionally drive.

[@aryankumar6075]

The number of times you say "click the popup banner up there or follow the link in the description below" is amazing😂😂

[@jmezable]

This car is so much sophisticated!!

[@superpoon16]

just shock with very low electric rage i use diesel trim the annoying things is turn circle very wide thank you Matt for nice review as always.

[@antoinecolonval8186]

hey I just wanna mention that the hybrid models do not necessary handle the least well, in fact the battery pack which is set on the floor of the vehicle helps lowering the mass center.

[@hellothere4342]

The infotainment actually looked like it was super glued on.

[@mazo7846]

The facelift has only been available at the dealership for little over a year now. So definitely not a couple of years old.

[@thiccshrimp]

Best looking beamer after m5cs, but they killed that w the new design too

[@anshukori3042]

12:57 the Defender coming back🔥

[@user-bh5yi2zv8i]

I came from a 981 Cayman S that I had driven daily for 10 years to an X3 M40i. I'm so impressed with the car, it's the perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and performance when you need it. Sure it doesn't quite have the poise and fun handling of the Cayman, but it's so much easier to live with in a 1 car garage. I was worried about reviewers saying the ride was harsh, to me on terrible Scottish road surfaces it's really comfortable without being wafty, really quiet on the interior too. Love that this model has proper buttons rather than touchscreen everything. Only thing I really miss is the Burmeister Stereo from the Porsche, the Harman Kardon isn't even close to that (although that was a £3k option so can't expect it to be. I cross shopped with a Macan S / GTS, and the BMW was £20-30k cheaper with similar options, a no brainer.

[@manofsesame3024]

If I have a bigger wallet I would choose a Cayenne S over the X5 M40i. But if my budget only enough for a Macan I would go for the X3 M40i, or the Q5, Acura RDX for more saving

[@dalaanibombina8822]

This will never beat my GLC, but if i were a BMW fan, I’d get this.

[@juicegod777]

Been my favorite normal car since 2015 🤩

[@stivenpeca7759]

Was expecting him to review the x3 m40i tbh , its the best at the moment

[@sergeysmelnik]

I saw in X3M on the road the other day. One of the few good looking bmws made right now

[@hogman3543]

Looks amazing

[@ki5168]

Quite a watchable and informative video 👍🏻

[@Blaze-rq4uj]

Wow a new BMW that doesnt look awful :)

[@yesitsme8943]

Happily driving an X3 M40i as a daily. Prefered it over a bulky X5 M50D (yes Diesel, not Petrol - due to low down torque). But also prefer it over the X5 40i. For me it's a perfect all rounder, but I realise I'm probably in the minority :)

[@grahamstephens9931]

I’m the same. Couldn’t agree more. The performance is excellent.

[@mazo7846]

Same here!

[@deansmits006]

Many people are probably ok with 250hp I4, or the 330hp I6 engines. But BMW caters to the enthusiast like you

[@tangwanxiangfu]

been driving an X3 M40i for two years now and absolutely loving it. Perfect size to drive the family around and definitely fun when driving alone😂

[@grahamstephens9931]

@@tangwanxiangfu And the sound!

[@calvinchann1996]

I drive a 2019 X3 M40i. It's all the car that I need in terms of size and performance.

[@Jordan-slmo]

What do you average with mpg?

[@calvinchann1996]

@@Jordan-slmo converting litres/100kms which we use in Europe to MPG (imperial), in Comfort 20mpg, in Sport 14 mpg

[@mihailatanasov3808]

I have an idea! Make a video with all those plug-in-hybrids in only electric mode to see their range in the real world!

[@ti8864]

Love this older console

[@sharkflower123]

You can toggle One-Pedal-Driving/rolling with the gearshifter...

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

This X3 is nice looking.

[@user-wr5pi7nn9c]

Mat you should make a video about the BMW x5

[@TundeEszlari]

Awesome video.

[@yahtadi5152]

For shopping BMW, remember that only buy their inline 6 (either both Gas or Diesel) with mild hybrid. Will never let you down (performances' wise)

[@AutoMotoMaroc]

Nice Design ❤

[@purwantiallan5089]

And also cool.

[@AutoMotoMaroc]

@@purwantiallan5089 yes

[@maxruxa]

Please talk about engine specs and engine choices more in the future reviews.

[@JRZ67]

My wife recently got the ‘23 X3 with M Sport appearance package. No hybrid in the US. She plans to keep it at least 10 years. She bought the 10 year extended warranty for obvious reasons.

[@purwantiallan5089]

The 2023 BMW X3 is 5/10 even with M Sport Special Package.

[@tr0llpatr0l86]

where the money from????

[@ShaileshContents]

​@@tr0llpatr0l86 what do you mean?

[@alanngli]

Congrats! Still hope the car would be reasonably reliable even with the extended warranty as you don’t want to have to keep visiting the dealership.

[@tr0llpatr0l86]

@@ShaileshContents to buy these very very expensive cars means u need money. how and where the money from when mostly all jobs even for higher education basically. paying the same low salary?

[@johnny1658]

I've the same and I'm happy with it

[@tommimerilainen4753]

I've said it a couple of times already but you should definately include the daytime running lights in the reviews! They really are a huge part of the design and in lots of occasions there are design options depending on your trim choice! Why not to include them???

[@NSerrao]

Hi. To use launch control, you need to do it this way: 1 - Press the brake pedal firmly. 2 - Fully accelerate the vehicle, causing the engine RPM to rise to 2,000 or higher. 3 - Release the brake pedal. 4 - Experience a rapid launch, propelling you to 60 mph in no time.

[@nomad6-1]

Would love to see how it drives compared to a Stelvio and a Macan. I'd never buy an SUV but I'd like to see the mechanical differences between them, supposedly they are the three ones with the best handling

[@v12-s65]

macan and stelvio far better

[@nomad6-1]

@@v12-s65 As an hardcore Alfa Romeo fan and Giulia lover I'd personally take the Stelvio, no doubt, if I was forced to drive an SUV. However the new X3 is based on the BMW G20, which is a project I respect a lot, and the Macan has the PDK and well it's just a 2013 MLB platform car, but somehow it feels like it isn't. So I'm just curious about seeing them underneath, what technical solutions they adopted.

[@jamescaley9942]

With modern BMs the plastics in the cabin are the least of the concerns. It is the plastics elsewhere: wouldn't be surprised if it was produced by 3D printer.

[@rg6982]

Nothing in its class can beat the X3

[@eduarddobroiu]

GLC: Allow me to introduce myself.

[@eduarddobroiu]

Except X3 M Competition ofc. 😂😅

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@eduarddobroiu except BMW 330i and Suzuki GSX-R/4 Concept

[@MrHammerling]

​@@purwantiallan5089 what are you talking about lad

[@ARentz07]

@@eduarddobroiu lol my wife has an X3 and said she'd never consider the GLC because it "doesn't look expensive". I tend to agree. Especially when all the ones we see randomly on the road have wheels that are caked in brake dust and curb rash.

[@acheca_ou]

Matt when are we going to see the LCI M40i review⁉️ we bought it brand new 6 months ago and I have been waiting for your review!

[@minipeople4x4]

i would really like to know this spot where Matt does his review, looks so peaceful

[@joep4224]

I had an iX3 for 10 days, and have to say by the end of it i loved it. The range wasn't mindblowing, but if you could charge it at home it'd be fine.

[@marninortje6891]

Awesome car, great interior

[@doggyppants9846]

What a great vehicle! But why are all the interiors black? I feel down in black interiors. I need colors.

[@thanosob3329]

I really like this interior instead of the newest tablet like infotainment

[@e-series7198]

Would love to see the ix1 review

[@heyzooz]

X3 M40i my dream

[@patbrick4632]

My fiance just bought one. We love it!

[@Wastedem]

X3 is a sensation’s car!

[@andrey7iacy]

Hey Mat and Carwow! Can you please do a review of the Mazda CX 60? Pretty please with cherry on top 🎉

[@Airblader]

I'm currently driving one on a road trip through the US. It's quite nice, my main complaints would be awful audio and a fairly huge blind spot.

[@fatlindhalili1937]

This X3 can't look better than this

[@JP-mg5hv]

G01 X3 is so underrated. Great value compared to rivals and M40 performance is unreal. Keeps up with most of the best cars and Xdrive works well on country roads.

[@rolandchan123]

at least this looks better compared to the other recently released BMWs with horrendous grilles

[@gingerdezelich2155]

Question. I left a parking lot and while driving the driver door just opened. I stopped the car and closed the door but it just banged against the door hook lock. Would not close. I tried over & over. Called dealership but no one could help. Told me to call road assistance. They advised me to to get my key farb press 3 times then lift the handle 5x. I did this about 5x and it finally locked. I noticed also that there was a small red sign on the screen with a red line going thru it. Thought it said stopped short? What happened?

[@caileanentin337]

Mat sorry mate im watching from namibia and we cant log in to the carwow site so everytime you configure your choice of car spec we are unable to go check them out please mate fix that problem for us please

[@PinguPenguin-BMWM]

Are the cool features similar for an x4 m40i because my mum is getting one soon and I need to tell her all about it though watching this, I think she has heard enough from me about knowing my cars since carwow helps me learn car related things.

[@raaj85]

I like it when you floored it to test the performance and another car overtook you 😂

[@CaseyMusic2306]

that small bottle disappeared😂😂

[@purwantiallan5089]

CaseyMusic, have u seen clips from F1 2021 UNSEEN? Its in my KZbin channel. One clip featuring Lanzhu Zhong moments during Nijigasaki Anime Season 2 Episode 1. 👍

[@matthewjackson9274]

when are you reviewing the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo??

[@mattm969]

Exactly what conditions and parameters was this thing under when they quoted 109mpg?

[@vojtamares9590]

Please, could you make this drag race????: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Lexus NX450h+ vs Mercedes GLC.

[@CrisSelfa55]

Please review the Jag F-Pace P400e 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@finleypdoherty]

Worth noting a plug in hybrid GLC is £6,000 more at £63,000. That was GLE money just a few years ago

[@realmusicreallife]

Intresting on the gearbox not auto up shifting. On my x5 40d with the zf8 it will auto upshift if i get to the redline

[@trevorjohnson16]

Perhaps you should say that you are reviewing the Plug in Hybrid in the title? Not even available in the US

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, 12/06/2023

[@Hurdy_guy]

2 series active tourer PHEV is a better bet and needs reviewing by Matt. 1.5 litre engine and bigger battery with more power and cheaper and quicker than the X3 PHEV… almost as much boot space as well.