Contemplate the X3 to be BMW’s Goldilocks providing. It’s not fairly as large or costly because the bigger X5, but it surely’s a step up from the X1 and X2 by way of sizing and high quality. That’s typically nonetheless true with the G45 chassis X3, which BMW launched simply final yr. Comparatively new to the market as it’s, BMW makes no adjustments to the X3 for 2026. The shortage of adjustments for the mannequin is a tad bittersweet; nonetheless, the BMW X3 stays the driving force’s selection within the small SUV phase. You’ll be able to probably choose one up right now — manufacturing for the latest mannequin yr kicked off in August 2025.
2026 BMW X3 Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
All U.S.-spec X3s now come normal with xDrive all-wheel drive, paired with BMW’s glorious eight-speed ZF automated and paddle shifters. The lineup begins with the X3 xDrive30, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — sufficient for a claimed 0–60 mph time of six seconds. Step as much as the X3 M50 and also you get a turbocharged inline-six delivering 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet. As traditional, these figures (and BMW’s conservative 4.4-second dash estimate) really feel modest in the true world. An M Sport Bundle is accessible for the X3 30 xDrive, but it surely’s purely an aesthetic improve.
2026 BMW X3 Gasoline Financial system and MPG
EPA figures, like the remainder of the BMW X3, stay unchanged from final yr. The EPA says that the four-cylinder 2026 BMW X3 achieves 27 mpg within the metropolis and 33 mpg on the freeway, for a mixed estimate of 29 mpg general. The extra highly effective M50 is not any slouch, both. EPA testing signifies 25 metropolis, 30 freeway, and 27 mpg mixed. Not dangerous for practically 400 horsepower and over 4,000 kilos. Mercedes-Benz’s 2026 GLC underperforms (24/32/27), however the Porsche Macan is obliterated; the most effective mpg you’ll discover there may be 19/25/21. And that’s from a 2.0-liter four-pot, identical to the X3!
Inside and Cargo House
Inside, there are sadly no adjustments for 2026. As we made identified in our X3 evaluate, general high quality within the X3’s cabin is a bit suspect. We had hoped for a tweak or two to offer the SUV just a little bit extra zest and luxurious feeling, however that’s sadly not the case. The excellent news is that the X3’s indisputably comfy, and comes normal with heated seats. You’ll be able to even spec leather-based — Merino leather-based is a $1,500 upcharge. We take into account the $1,400 Comfort Bundle necessary, including a heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, and extra. Remember to spec rear local weather management, too — it’s, inexplicably, not normal and can price you $200. The 2026 BMW X3 presents 67.1 cubic ft of cargo house complete. That’s across the similar because the Mercedes-Benz GLC and greater than the Porsche Macan.
2026 BMW X3 Expertise and Connectivity
The show setup stays the identical as ever, that includes a modern curved panel that merges a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a ten.7-inch central touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and different core features come normal. Working BMW’s iDrive Working System 9 with QuickSelect, the interface feels responsive and simple to navigate, even when you’re stepping away out of your smartphone’s ecosystem. There’s nonetheless a bodily iDrive controller, too.
The non-compulsory Harman Kardon {surround} sound system is now $900, $25 costlier than final yr. Sadly, the bottom X3 bundles the head-up show with the $3,450 Premium Bundle, so that you’d higher be prepared to pony up in order for you the most effective know-how accessible. The package deal itself isn’t a horrible worth, including surround-view cameras, aforementioned HUD, a lot of driver help gizmos, and extra.
Security and Driver Help Options
The 2026 BMW X3 comes with all of the stuff final yr’s mannequin did. That features Ahead Collision Mitigation, Lane Maintaining Assistant, and Blind Spot Detection. Park Help is not a standalone choice; you’ll must order the Premium Bundle. The $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Bundle bundles Site visitors Jam Assistant and presents hands-free driving as much as 40 mph. We sampled the tech in our evaluate and it’s most likely worthwhile when you’re continually driving in site visitors. In any other case, skip it.
2026 BMW X3 Pricing
Begin value climbs for the 2026 BMW X3 to $50,900 for the 30 xDrive and $65,900 for the M50. A base Porsche Macan begins at $64,600 and the brand new Mercedes GLC instructions $49,550. The X3, in our eyes, is a no brainer; whereas the Porsche Macan is arguably higher to have a look at and drive, its incrementally higher dynamics and aesthetics don’t warrant a $15,000 upcharge. We’d a lot fairly have a a lot faster X3 M50 for that cash. We predict you’ll, too.
2026 BMW X3: Our Take
The G45 X3 is much from good, however good is the enemy of excellent. The X3 — for its phase and value — is an effective choose, largely due to its nice on-road manners and glorious powertrain. It’s a considerably widespread case with BMW; when there’s little modified year-to-year, it’s often as a result of the preliminary providing was fairly darn good within the first place. The niggles we’ve got with the X3, primarily surrounding high quality and design, are a minimum of partially subjective and shouldn’t forestall you from pulling the set off on an in any other case extraordinarily competent SUV.
