Name: BMW X3 M (2019 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X3 M
Rating: 49.0

Summary

The BMW X3 M is a mid-size SUV/crossover and the performance-enhanced version of the regular third-generation X3 SUV. First arriving on UK roads in 2019, the X3 M received a facelift in 2021 alongside the rest of the X3 family.

The sporty SUV range consists of three models – the petrol-powered 360hp ‘M40i’ and diesel-engined 340hp ‘M40d’, and the range-topping 510hp ‘M Competition’ trim grade.

Before its 2021 facelift, the Top Gear team concluded that the X3 M was “devastatingly easy to drive stupidly fast”, but called its ride comfort “appalling”, said that its driving dynamics and engine note “lacked character”, and commented that it was too expensive.

The majority of reviewers largely agreed with this sentiment before 2021, but the X3 M’s review scores have markedly improved since then, Carwow asserting that the post-facelift X3 M is one of the most loud and agile options in the ‘hot SUV’ class.

As of December 2024, the BMW X3 M holds a lowly New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 49%. Its best scores – for reliability and safety ratings – are only average, while it scores poorly for running costs and CO₂ emissions, while motoring journalists have also scored it badly.

X3 M highlights

Easy to drive
Impressive performance
Well-built and practical upmarket interior
Plenty of on-board tech as standard

X3 M lowlights

Expensive to buy and run
Stiff suspension
Uninspiring engine soundtrack
Other ‘hot SUVs’ are more exciting

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £62,785 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: Spring 2025?

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The steering is like any other contemporary M-badged BMW – it’s accurate, sensitive and sensible, but lacks the ultimate heft of old M cars.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“As a driver’s car, the X3 M is up there with the Macan – the Porsche offering a more raw, engaging drive; the BMW more stable, confidence-inspiring and ultimately satisfying if you’re chasing after fast lap times.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The BMW X3 M Competition is a fast, practical SUV with a great engine but the ride is firm.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re after a sports SUV, they don’t come much louder and more agile than the BMW X3 M Competition.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s still likely to be a little too rough for the kids and Labrador on the day-to-day, and as a whole the X3 M Competition still makes absolutely no sense, but it doesn’t stop me from quietly admiring it.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Pre-facelift range
Score: 4 / 10
“The BMW X3 M is fast and the interior feels well constructed, but has an excruciating ride quality, numb handling, dull powertrain.”

Parkers+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The BMW X3 M is spacious, dynamic SUV for drivers who rarely venture off-road.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The X3 M Competition is a blisteringly quick entry into this market from BMW, then, and with such sharp, malleable handling, it has the potential to outpace most of its rivals on smooth tarmac.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Score: 4 / 10
“Far from M Division’s finest hour. Flashy and fast, but you couldn’t live with this ride.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 58%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW X3 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. The X3 M shares this safety score as it’s structurally identical to the regular X3 range.

However, the X3’s rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used X3 of any flavour to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW X3 M has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 342
Average repair cost: £486.01
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The BMW X3 – including the X3 M – has an average reliability score of 68% as of December 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our partner, MotorEasy. This applies to both the current (2017 onwards) generation and previous models.

The good news is that the average repair cost is less than £500, which is much better than most vehicles – regardless of price point.

When the X3 does have problems, they tend to be relatively inexpensive. Even big-ticket items like engine and gearbox repairs have cost less than on many other cars – an average of £800-£900, compared to £1,500+ on many similar cars from other manufacturers.