There wasn’t much wrong with the old X3, so it looks like BMW has struggled to make it any better.
Of course, you could pick a used BMW X3, or you could spread your wings and choose an alternative. There are plenty of posh midsize SUVs queuing up to impress you, so we’ve listed the best SUVs that are like a BMW X3. Which will you pick?
Audi Q5
Better than the X3 for: diesel power
It’s a bit of a surprise that the X3 still offers diesel power to UK buyers, considering that black-pump options have been completely discontinued in the 3 Series and 5 Series. The xDrive20d diesel in the X3 promises decent performance and efficiency figures (47mpg and 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds), but nothing we haven’t seen before.
The new Q5 brings Audi’s clever ‘MHEV plus’ tech to petrol and diesel engines. Alongside an electric starter-generator, there’s a 25hp motor mounted to the gearbox that allows low-speed electric driving and to fill the gaps in gearchanges. The Q5’s diesel engine is a little bit quicker on paper, but the difference feels bigger because of the Audi’s extra torque.
Shop used Audi Q5 cars or read our used Audi Q5 review
Mercedes GLC
Better than the X3 for: safety
Mercedes’ best-selling car worldwide is another obvious rival to the X3. The GLC marries elegant styling with state-of-the-art tech and an interesting choice of engines, including the only diesel plug-in-hybrid engine on sale. Perhaps you just prefer the Mercedes badge.
When it was tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, the GLC scored the full five stars, with 92% for adult protection and 90% for child protection. The X3 would probably get very close to that but, because it’s not been crash tested, we can’t say for sure.
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Volvo XC60
Better than the X3 for: ride quality
Because the X3 is set up for quite sporty driving, it can sometimes have a bit of a hard edge over potholes and speed bumps. If you want something a bit calmer and comfier, try out the Volvo XC60. This suave Swede has a tranquil interior that doesn’t try to overwhelm you with lots of competing graphics or attention-seeking ambient lighting. The engines are powerful, the practicality is impressive and the safety features speak for themselves.
Shop used Volvo XC60 cars or read our Volvo XC60 review
Range Rover Velar
Better than the X3 for: badge appeal
The British-built Velar is part of a family of cars that UK buyers just can’t seem to get enough of. Even with high insurance costs and the need for an extended warranty, Range Rover and Land Rover products are hugely desirable. The midsize Velar looks more expensive than it is, while offering plenty of space, a premium interior and Land Rover’s trademark off-road tech.
Shop used Range Rover Velar cars or read our Range Rover Velar review
Lexus NX
Better than the X3 for: reliability
This sounds like we’re saying the X3 is unreliable. That’s not true – the vast majority of X3s will cause their owners no issues whatsoever. But Lexus tops reliability and customer service surveys time and time again. Like the rest of its models, the NX also benefits from up to 10 years of warranty cover if you make an annual visit to a Lexus dealer.
Shop used Lexus NX cars for sale or read our Lexus NX review
Genesis GV70
Better than the X3 for: interior quality
Football pundits always talk about a ‘giant killing’ when a lower-league team beats a Premier League team. Genesis – Hyundai’s posh brand – should be at a lower level than BMW, but the GV70’s interior gives the X3’s a thrashing. All the touchpoints are deliciously well-finished and tactile, with intricate stalks, a glass-topped gear selector and soft materials throughout. And that comes as BMW – along with Audi and Mercedes – hasn’t quite hit the high notes for interior quality this time around.
BYD Seal U
Better than the X3 for: plug-in-hybrid range
If you haven’t heard of the BYD Seal U, chances are you’ve probably seen one on the road. Because this big SUV newcomer is one of the best-selling PHEVs in the UK, thanks to its elegant styling, simplified interior and massive electric range. It’s capable of up to 78 miles of electric range – putting it right near the top of the longest-range PHEVs – and tries to use the petrol engine as a generator for the rest of the time, with the e-motor in charge of turning the wheels.
Read our guides to the best Chinese cars and what you need to know about Chinese cars.
Porsche Macan EV
Better than the X3 for: performance
We’re yet to see an X3M Competition for this generation, with the current range-topper being the 398hp M50. A 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds is merely ‘brisk’ these days with such a selection of powerful electric cars to choose from. The midrange Porsche Macan 4S comes into battle with 516hp and a 4.1-second sprint, while the ballistically fast Macan Turbo knocks that down to just 3.3 seconds, courtesy of 639hp.
Shop used Porsche cars or read our guide to the best Porsche Macan alternatives
Tesla Model Y
Better than the X3 for: everyday EV driving
If you can decouple the car from the CEO's politics, the Tesla Model Y is still one of the best everyday EVs. A heavy facelift brought some new styling inspired by the Cybertruck, as well as a softer ride and tech upgrades. The Long Range model now manages up to 387 miles on a charge – well within comparability with the X3 – and you get access to Tesla’s top-of-the-pack charging network. There’s more space in the Model Y than in the X3, and the BMW doesn’t have a whoopee cushion, does it?
Shop used Tesla Model Y cars or read our used Tesla Model Y review
Skoda Kodiaq
Better than the X3 for: seven seats
Middle-class families love to shop in Lidl (and tell you how much money they’ve saved). The Skoda Kodiaq feels similar – it’s a much cheaper car than the X3 but it doesn’t feel much less premium, with enough posh touches to make you feel like you’ve got a bargain. Shame the Kodiaq doesn’t have an on-board bakery, eh? But the Kodiaq does have the option of seven seats, with the third row being just big enough for adults on short trips.
Shop used Skoda Kodiaq cars or read our Skoda Kodiaq review
