The BMW X3 has always appealed to the buyer who likes logic as much as luxury. It's the SUV people pick when they want performance and everyday usability without a lot of flash. Now, in its fourth generation, the new X3 - internally known as the G45 - returns to India in its most focused and most modern form yet: the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro.
This version is BMW's statement of what a luxury SUV should be in 2026. It isn't chasing rivals, it isn't trying to be something it's not - instead, it sharpens a formula that has worked for over two decades.
Design and Size: A More Confident X3
The first thing you notice is that the X3 has grown. It's longer, wider and taller than before, measuring 4,755 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,660 mm in height, sitting on a 2,865 mm wheelbase. On paper, this makes it the largest SUV in its immediate competitive set of German and Scandinavian rivals.
The overall stance is more assertive. The M Sport Pro package adds a fully blacked-out kidney grille with BMW's "Iconic Glow" lighting, which is a unique feature in this segment. The 20-inch M alloy wheels with red M brake calipers, Shadowline trim, darkened taillamps and the black roof spoiler all combine to give the SUV a far stronger visual identity than before. Integrated door handles and the new monolithic design language pull the whole look together.
It's not loud, but it's unmistakably premium - and this generation finally has the road presence many Indian buyers expect in this price band.
Engine and Performance: Typical BMW, But Cleaner And Quicker
Under the bonnet is BMW's familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, now assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The combined output remains impressive at 258 hp and 400 Nm, sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox.
Acceleration is brisk, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, but what stands out is how usable this performance feels. The mild-hybrid system fills in torque at low speeds, helping the engine feel smooth and responsive in city traffic. The gearbox is quick to respond and doesn't need to be forced into action - shifts happen cleanly and without hesitation.
It's not designed to be dramatic. Instead, it delivers power exactly when you need it, without any unpredictable behaviour. For Indian roads and driving patterns, this balance is ideal: enough punch for long highway runs, yet calm and predictable for everyday commutes.
Ride and Handling: The X3's Biggest Strength
BMW calls the X3 a "Sports Activity Vehicle," and while that name sounds marketingheavy-, this generation actually lives up to it. The adaptive suspension, now standard, uses electronic dampers that constantly adjust to road conditions. The result is an SUV that stays planted even when the road doesn't.
BMW has widened the track, reduced body roll and improved the X3's high-speed stability in a noticeable way. On broken patches, the suspension absorbs bumps without making the cabin feel unsettled. At triple-digit speeds, the car tracks straight and feels sure-footed. During quick lane changes, it remains composed, giving the driver confidence without needing to stiffen up like a performance SUV.
This is not a sedan disguised as an SUV - but it is an SUV that behaves like a well-engineered driver's car. That balance is hard to achieve, and BMW has nailed it this time. For long-distance highway driving in India, this setup feels purpose-built.
Interior and Cabin Experience: More Digital, Still Familiar
Inside the new X3, the biggest shift is in the digital experience. BMW's Live Cockpit Professional takes centre stage with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen running Operating System 9. It supports voice commands, touch, and the classic iDrive controller, giving you multiple ways to interact with the system.
The new Augmented View navigation, which overlays live video with directional graphics, is one of the most practical features for Indian city traffic. The Head-Up Display adds to the convenience by keeping essential information in the driver's line of sight.
BMW's new Interaction Bar, which runs across the dashboard, doubles as ambient lighting and responds visually to different vehicle functions. It makes the cabin feel more modern without going overboard.
The sport seats, upholstered in vegan Veganza material, are another highlight. They're ventilated, supportive and come with features like backrest width adjustment - rare in this segment. The cabin feels airy thanks to the large panoramic glass roof, and three-zone climate control ensures rear passengers don't feel left out.
Practicality remains strong with good storage spaces, wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports and well-designed door bins.
Safety and ADAS: Fully Loaded, No Half Measures
BMW hasn't cut any corners with safety equipment. Driving Assistant Plus comes standard and includes:
- Active cruise control
- Steering and lane-keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Front collision warning with automatic braking
- Parking Assistant Plus adds a much-improved camera suite with 360-degree views, Remote 3D View and the Drive Recorder, which can save up to 60-second clips - useful for both documentation and peace of mind.
Features like ABS, DSC, CBC, ISOFIX mounts and a tyre pressure monitoring system complete the package, along with an interior camera that can capture images and help monitor the cabin remotely.
Areas That Could Improve
The only real limitation is the learning curve of BMW's Operating System 9. It is powerful, feature-rich and modern, but first-time BMW users may need time to get used to the menu structure. It's not confusing, but it's detailed - and that requires a few days of acclimatisation.
Fuel efficiency of 14.61 km/l is reasonable for a 258 hp luxury SUV, though not the most efficient in the segment. For urban stop-start driving, owners should expect lower real-world numbers.
Pricing remains the final unknown. Given the equipment levels and the fact that this is a fully-loaded trim, the expected price range is Rs 90-95 lakh ex-showroom, placing it firmly in premium territory.
Who Should Buy the New X3?
The X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro is aimed at a buyer who values balance - someone who prefers engineering depth over flashy features. It suits:
- Families wanting one SUV that can do everything well
- Drivers who appreciate refined petrol performance
- Buyers who want the latest tech without it feeling gimmicky
- Long-distance travellers who prioritise stability and comfort
- Anyone who wants a luxury SUV that feels premium without being excessive
It won't appeal to someone looking for diesel efficiency, a sporty exhaust note, or a more aggressively tuned SUV. Nor is it chasing ultra-luxury buyers who want oversized interiors and extravagant features. This is a grown-up luxury SUV that does its job with discipline.
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Verdict: The Best X3 Yet
The fourth-generation BMW X3 doesn't rewrite what a mid-size luxury SUV should be - it refines it. Everything from the design to the drivetrain to the cabin experience feels more polished. It's a car built with clarity and purpose.
For buyers who want performance without drama, comfort without softness, and technology without overload, the new X3 stands out as one of the most complete luxury SUVs India will get in 2026.
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