Nonetheless the Smartest SUV Choose in Its Class

Contemplate the X3 to be BMW’s Goldilocks providing. It’s not fairly as huge or costly because the bigger X5, nevertheless it’s a step up from the X1 and X2 by way of sizing and high quality. That’s typically nonetheless true with the G45 chassis X3, which BMW launched simply final 12 months. Comparatively new to the market as it’s, BMW makes no modifications to the X3 for 2026. The shortage of modifications for the mannequin is a tad bittersweet; nonetheless, the BMW X3 stays the motive force’s selection within the small SUV section. You may probably choose one up at this time — manufacturing for the latest mannequin 12 months kicked off in August 2025.

2026 BMW X3 Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

All U.S.-spec X3s now come normal with xDrive all-wheel drive, paired with BMW’s wonderful eight-speed ZF computerized and paddle shifters. The lineup begins with the X3 xDrive30, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — sufficient for a claimed 0–60 mph time of six seconds. Step as much as the X3 M50 and also you get a turbocharged inline-six delivering 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet. As traditional, these figures (and BMW’s conservative 4.4-second dash estimate) really feel modest in the true world. An M Sport Bundle is on the market for the X3 30 xDrive, nevertheless it’s purely an aesthetic improve.

2026 BMW X3 Gasoline Financial system and MPG

EPA figures, like the remainder of the BMW X3, stay unchanged from final 12 months. The EPA says that the four-cylinder 2026 BMW X3 achieves 27 mpg within the metropolis and 33 mpg on the freeway, for a mixed estimate of 29 mpg general. The extra highly effective M50 is not any slouch, both. EPA testing signifies 25 metropolis, 30 freeway, and 27 mpg mixed. Not unhealthy for practically 400 horsepower and over 4,000 kilos. Mercedes-Benz’s 2026 GLC underperforms (24/32/27), however the Porsche Macan is obliterated; the most effective mpg you’ll discover there’s 19/25/21. And that’s from a 2.0-liter four-pot, similar to the X3!

Inside and Cargo House

Inside, there are sadly no modifications for 2026. As we made recognized in our X3 assessmentgeneral high quality within the X3’s cabin is a bit suspect. We had hoped for a tweak or two to offer the SUV somewhat bit extra zest and luxurious feeling, however that’s sadly not the case. The excellent news is that the X3’s indisputably comfy, and comes normal with heated seats. You may even spec leather-based — Merino leather-based is a $1,500 upcharge. We contemplate the $1,400 Comfort Bundle necessary, including a heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, and extra. You’ll want to spec rear local weather management, too — it’s, inexplicably, not normal and can price you $200. The 2026 BMW X3 gives 67.1 cubic toes of cargo area whole. That’s across the similar because the Mercedes-Benz GLC and greater than the Porsche Macan.

2026 BMW X3 Know-how and Connectivity

The show setup stays the identical as ever, that includes a smooth curved panel that merges a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a ten.7-inch central touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and different core capabilities come normal. Working BMW’s iDrive Working System 9 with QuickSelect, the interface feels responsive and simple to navigate, even when you’re stepping away out of your smartphone’s ecosystem. There’s nonetheless a bodily iDrive controller, too.

The non-compulsory Harman Kardon {surround} sound system is now $900, $25 costlier than final 12 months. Sadly, the bottom X3 bundles the head-up show with the $3,450 Premium Bundle, so that you’d higher be prepared to pony up if you’d like the most effective know-how accessible. The package deal itself isn’t a horrible worth, including surround-view cameras, aforementioned HUD, plenty of driver help gizmos, and extra.

Security and Driver Help Options

The 2026 BMW X3 comes with all of the stuff final 12 months’s mannequin did. That features Ahead Collision Mitigation, Lane Holding Assistant, and Blind Spot Detection. Park Help is not a standalone possibility; you’ll have to order the Premium Bundle. The $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Bundle bundles Visitors Jam Assistant and gives hands-free driving as much as 40 mph. We sampled the tech in our assessment and it’s in all probability worthwhile when you’re continually driving in visitors. In any other case, skip it.

2026 BMW X3 Pricing

Begin worth climbs for the 2026 BMW X3 to $50,900 for the 30 xDrive and $65,900 for the M50. A base Porsche Macan begins at $64,600 and the brand new Mercedes GLC instructions $49,550. The X3, in our eyes, is a no brainer; whereas the Porsche Macan is arguably higher to have a look at and drive, its incrementally higher dynamics and aesthetics don’t warrant a $15,000 upcharge. We’d a lot moderately have a a lot faster X3 M50 for that cash. We expect you’ll, too.

2026 BMW X3: Our Take

The G45 X3 is much from good, however good is the enemy of fine. The X3 — for its section and worth — is an efficient choose, largely due to its nice on-road manners and wonderful powertrain. It’s a considerably frequent case with BMW; when there’s little modified year-to-year, it’s often as a result of the preliminary providing was fairly darn good within the first place. The niggles we now have with the X3, primarily surrounding high quality and design, are at the very least partially subjective and shouldn’t forestall you from pulling the set off on an in any other case extraordinarily competent SUV.