It feels an age since I last tested a diesel car. Three months to be exact. A lot of brands will still sell you one, but they do seem few and far between. So naturally I smirked when I sat into the latest BMW X3. The catalyst for my merriment stemmed from the fuel gauge, which read 950km. Yes, double the range of most EVs. And while I would never find myself needing such mileage for a single trip, the full-fat BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport proved reassuringly stress free.
Even more so if you have the cash to splash. My press car totalled €104,474, including the €24,775 of optional extras. I do question the sanity of anyone that forks thats sum of money out, regardless of the class and comfort. If you can get your head around the €1,391 Black Sapphire metallic, the €1,789 20-inch wheels, an almost €400 heated steering wheel and a €1,630 retractable towbar, then this spec of X3 may be for you.
It is an apt time to be writing about the new BMW X3, as the Government Budget for 2026 may very well include a new vehicle weight-based tax and as there is no full-electric version of the X3 (there is a PHEV ), its current annual road tax of €280 would increase. And it is heavy. The new X3 has a curb weight of 2,140kg and a wheelbase of 2,865mm, meaning it has pretty much caught up with the size of previous generations of its older X5 sibling.
Thankfully, this inflation hasn't hampered the ride quality. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW X3 20d xDrive is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which together posts a maximum output of 197 hp and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds. Suspension feels refined while its two-tonne roll through bends has been kept to a minimum. In fact, the diesel engine is surprisingly quiet, even under higher revs.
The cabin of the new X3 is a mixed bag. The large curved single-unit display in front of the driver is made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, which works quite well in keeping distractions to a minimum thanks to the centre rotary control. My gripe with the interior comes from some of the materials used throughout. Hard plastics in the doors, dash and under the centre armrest do put a bit of a damper on what is billed as a premium product. You expect much better for the money that's being asked by BMW.
The cabin is airy with plenty of head and legroom for up to five people. Load space can be increased from 570-litres to a maximum 1,700-litres with the rear seats folded. As already mentioned, a towbar can be added which electrically extends or retracts at the touch of a button. BMW says this allows for a maximum trailer load of 2,500kg.
I do think the new BMW X3 is a fine SUV and will pick up where the previous generation left off, but just pick and choose your optional extras carefully.
