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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 86

BMW's third generation G01-era X3 is a premium mid-sized SUV that was originally launched in 2017, but here, we're looking at the updated version of this design which arrived in 2021. This facelift version was a slightly smarter and more sophisticated choice than the car it replaced, stacking up impressively against prestigiously-badged alternatives from Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Volvo in this sector. Like its rivals, dynamically targeted almost exclusively towards on-road use, it's another example of just how car-like a model of this kind can be.

Modelsword count: 9

5dr SUV (xDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive30d, M40d, M40i, M Competition)

Historyword count: 184

This 'G01'-series X3 design was originally launched at the end of 2017, like its predecessor built at BMW's US plant in Spartenburg, South Carolina and styled by Australian Calvin Luk. With this revised model announced in 2021, cabin quality took a big leap forward. And there was also a properly potent 'M Competition' petrol flagship variant for the first time equipped to take the fight to road-burning rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+. Which was just one of a wide range of powerplants for this model line that included both PHEV and all-electric options. It's all a long way from the origins of this model line, an 'E83'-series MK1 design launched in 2003 basically a re-bodied 3 Series Touring estate. The second generation 'F25'-series X3 launched in 2010 was a lot better, positioned by BMW as an 'SAV' (or 'Sports Activity Vehicle') to try and differentiate it from less dynamic SUV rivals. That car gained a coupe-like X4 derivative in 2014 - as this replacement X3 did too. This updated MK3 X3 sold until the fourth generation G45-era MK4 design arrived in mid-2024.

What You Getword count: 346

The look of this third generation X3 in this updated post-2021 form became cleaner and smarter. Nothing dramatic was done to the familiar shape, originally penned by Australian designer Calvin Luk. But the facelift tidied up some fussy detailing and gave the car a slightly more premium look. In profile, the proportions will be familiar to previous X3 buyers, with a long bonnet and the short front overhang emphasising this BMW's classic 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear axles. Take a seat at the wheel and if you remember the original version of this G01 MK3 design, it may feel as if this X3 has gone up half a class. Gone are the analogue instrument dials and rather restricted infotainment screen size of that original MK3 model. And the sports seats were enhanced with classier leather upholstery, which will be either of the man-made Sensatec sort or of the real Vernasca kind, depending on the trim level you've selected. You might notice a few of the little detail changes too, like the move of the start button to a place down by the gearstick: evidently, that's a mark of 'premium-ness'. As before, you're seated in the pleasingly commanding position you'll want if you've switched into an X-series model from either a 3 or a 5 Series. The 'Live Cockpit Professional' twin screen set-up isn't quite as cutting edge as the 'Operating System 8' curved screen arrangement that by 2021 BMW was offering in the X1, but it still feels suitably high end, with wondrous graphics and thoughtful functionality. In the back, a six-footer will be able to sit comfortably behind a driver of similar size, which is about as much as you can ask of a mid-sized SUV of this sort. Once the powered tailgate rises, you're provided with 550-litres of capacity in the standard mild hybrid models. Need more room? If you've an X3 whose original owner paid extra for the reclining back seat, this process is neatly activated by cargo sidewall latches and once they've been pulled, a 1,600-litre cargo area is revealed.

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