Drives expensive, feels less so.
The 2026 BMW X3 is still very much a BMW where it matters. That may sound like a simple thing to say, but after driving more and more SUVs that are impressive on paper yet incohesive on the road, this stood out more.
The BMW X3 does not try to overwhelm you with absurd power figures or a cabin full of gimmicks (admittedly, the ambient lighting is rather flashy). Instead, it reminds you that good steering response, well-judged suspension, proper body control and a sorted powertrain still go a long way. Or does it?
The version tested here is the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport, priced at RM 358,800, or RM 386,700 with the Extended Warranty & Service Package. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 258 hp and 400 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 0-100 km/h takes 6.3 seconds.
By 2026 standards, those numbers are not dramatic. We now live in a time where family EVs can accelerate like old supercars, so the X3 30 xDrive no longer feels quick in the way a 330i feels quick. But it is not slow. More importantly, it still has one of the best powertrain calibrations in the business.
The engine is smooth, the mild-hybrid system is well integrated, and the start-stop system is seamless enough (but cutting off A/C in our weather is a no-no). The 8-speed ZF gearbox remains excellent too. It knows what gear you need, responds cleanly, and never feels confused in the way some modern transmissions can.
The throttle is judged perfectly. The brakes are just right too, not too bitey and not too soft. Everything feels natural, which is something I still value a lot. The only small complaint here is the brake pedal position, which sits rather high. Smaller-footed drivers may find themselves braking more with their toes than they would like.
Exterior wise, I am less convinced by the way the new X3 looks. It has presence, no doubt. The proportions are still recognisably X3, and the glowing grille does give it a lot of attitude at night. It probably looks quite intimidating when it comes up quickly in someone’s rear-view mirror.
But as a design, I still prefer the previous-generation car, the G01. That one looked cleaner, sharper and more naturally BMW to me. This new one is more distinctive, but not necessarily better looking. There is something a little too blunt and heavy about it from certain angles. It looks a bit like a capybara. Whether that is charming or awkward depends on your taste.
Inside, the story is more complicated. There are parts that work. The driving position is good, the seats are firm but supportive, and they are firm in the right places. It is also one of the few cars where I do not need to max out the steering wheel’s telescopic adjustment, which is always appreciated. The front seat ventilation is welcome in Malaysia, and the Harman Kardon sound system is decent. It does not have the wow factor of BMW’s Bowers & Wilkins setups, but it sounds balanced, natural and acceptable for this price range.
However, perceived quality is not where it should be. Some materials feel low rent and some edges feel sharper than expected. You can hear and feel the cost-cutting in places, and at this price, that is difficult to accept. The previous X3 may not have looked as modern inside, but I think it felt more premium and cohesive. This new cabin looks more digital, but not necessarily more expensive.
There are ergonomic annoyances too. The steering wheel is too chunky, as though BMW still thinks thickness equals sportiness. The pedals are offset too far to the right. Then there is the infotainment system. Finding your desired setting in the menu requires a bit of scanning and hunting, as they are all displayed seperately in the “app drawer.” And it’s a touch-screen biased software so the rotary knob feels like a secondary control, and I almost never used it as a result.
Rear space is good for the size and platform. The backrest angle is reclined enough for long journeys, and the rear cabin is perfectly usable. But it is not as plush as some SUVs from the East in the way it accommodates rear passengers. The boot is usefully square, if not slightly shallow, though the upside is that there’s barely any loading lip to lift things over.
The driving experience is where the X3 pulls itself back. The steering is accurate and weighted well enough, but as with many modern BMWs, actual feel is limited. You do not get much texture through the wheel, but you do get a car that responds faithfully to what you ask of it.
Turn-in is crisp. The body rotates beautifully through bends, and the X3 feels like it wants to turn rather than push straight on. That sounds simple, but many SUVs fail at this. The X3 feels balanced, fluid and very BMW in the way it moves down a road.
It can heave slightly over massive dips and crests at speed, but that feels more like a consequence of its SUV body and long-travel suspension than poor tuning. For the most part, the body control is excellent.
The Malaysian X3 30 xDrive M Sport uses standard suspension, and the ride is a tad firm but controlled. Sharp edges can be felt, especially on the 20-inch wheels, but I do not find the ride harsh. It is a nice kind of firm. There is enough travel, enough compliance and enough discipline in the way the car settles after a bump. Though I do think adaptive suspension would have given it a wider breadth of ability.
High-speed stability is rock solid too. The X3 feels calm and planted at speed, with good insulation overall. There is some tyre noise, but it is not intrusive.
The driver assistance systems are polished, at least from my limited time with them. Most of my assists were turned off, and importantly, they stayed off. That alone is worth noting in an era where some cars insist on reactivating systems you have already disabled.
2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Verdict
As a car to drive, it is still very good. It has a beautifully judged powertrain, accurate steering, excellent body control with fluidity that makes it feel properly BMW. If you want something that drives like a 3 Series but need the practicality and seating position of an SUV, this still makes a lot of sense.
But as a luxury product, it is harder to defend. At this price, the interior should feel richer. The materials should feel more consistently premium.
Looking at its rivals, the Volvo XC60 has a nicer interior and a better sound system. The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the design appeal. The Lexus RX has the Japanese craftsmanship, and I know which one I would bet on to outlast the rest. None of them drive badly enough for the BMW’s handling advantage to be the only thing that matters.
If I am being nice, I would say the new X3 is not the prettiest, plushest or most premium-feeling SUV in its class, but it is still one of the best to drive. If I am being honest, I wish it felt as expensive inside as it does competent on the road.
It’s frustrating because BMW got the hard part right, the new X3 still drives like a BMW. It is the easy part that feels like it slipped.
