Used BMW X3 cars for sale or finance at 10.9% APR

X3 models come in one form only and it’s a five-door SUV with a hatchback opening for the boot. If you don’t need quite as much space, there’s the sportier X4, which has a swoopy coupe roofline or, if you’re need seven seats, the larger BMW X5 offers them as an option. Alternatively, if you like the idea of a BMW SUV but would like something smaller or more affordable, there’s also the BMW X1 and its sportier sister car, the X2.

If you’re shopping for X3s, you might also want to have a look at competitors including the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX.

The X3 isn’t the largest SUV BMW makes but it’s still reasonably large at slightly over 4.7 metres long. That places it within a few millimetres of the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX. While it won’t squeeze into tight parking spaces like the tiniest of city cars, it feels a little easier to thread through tight urban areas than the larger X5.

There’s lots of room in each of the X3’s passenger seats, although the centre rear occupant will be brushing elbows with those in the outer seats. The boot is similarly impressive – easily able to accommodate two large suitcases and a few soft bags depending on how tightly you pack – plus, the cargo area is wide, tall and square, with a low boot opening making it easier to load heavy items.

To live up to BMW’s billing of the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’, even entry-level X3s come with reasonably powerful turbocharged engines, grippy four-wheel drive and a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox. Upgraded engines simply offer more power if you want a bit of a thrill when you put your foot down.

Yes. Every X3 model sold in the UK comes with BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive system as standard. Other markets beyond our shores still get rear-wheel-drive sDrive options, but these haven't been offered in the UK for several years.

Whether your BMW powers two wheels or all four, you can drive with confidence all-year round if you fit winter tyres over the colder months. These give you substantially more grip in chilly and slippery conditions.

No. The X3 is only offered in a five-seat layout. That means two front seats and three across the rear bench.

If you want seven seats in your Bavarian SUV, you'll need to step up to the BMW X5, where they're available as an option.

BMW's performance in reliability surveys has improved recently, with most reports putting it a little higher than fellow German rivals Audi and Mercedes for dependability.

Nevertheless, it's a premium car with lots of on-board features, so there are more potential points of failure compared with a simpler, more affordable car.

You can add an extended warranty to your X3 when you buy it for greater peace of mind. This will protect you from unexpected repair costs arising from mechanical or electrical failures.

The X3 is a posh SUV from a premium manufacturer. That means you should expect to pay more for both replacement parts and servicing than you would for a cheaper car from a mass-market manufacturer. This surcharge is typical of upmarket brands including Audi and Mercedes.

It's worth spending the money to keep your X3 in tip-top condition, however. That's because a model with missed services and ignored maintenance will be worth much less when you resell it, leaving thousands of pounds of the car's value on the table.

The X3 makes an excellent tow car thanks to its strong engines, hefty weight and standard-fit four-wheel drive. All versions can pull at least 2,000kg, making them more than a match for even large caravans. Some versions built before 2021 with the larger engine options can haul as much as 2,400kg.

If your child seats use the Isofix mounting system, you won't be able to fit three in the X3 as it only has mounting points on the two outer rear seats. Even if you use a non-Isofix seat in the centre, it'll be a squeeze to fit three units across the rear row.

Check out our list of the best cars that fit three car seats for a selection of models that are better suited to this task.