BMW X3 2019 review
Overview
The third-generation BMW X3 (G01) is the sweet spot of BMW's SUV range: bigger and more practical than the X1, cheaper and easier to live with than the X5, and still a proper driver's car. This page covers the pre-facelift G01 sold in the UK in 2019, before the 2021 LCI facelift changed the styling. The featured car is the volume diesel in sporty trim: the xDrive20d M Sport with the Technology Package and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, listed by Parkers at £46,425 when new. Note that the plain xDrive20d M Sport was quoted at £44,015 by Auto Express in July 2019, so prices vary with package and date rather than there being one single list price.
The xDrive20d uses a 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel producing 190PS (187bhp) and 400Nm, driving all four wheels through the eight-speed automatic. It covers 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds and tops out at 132mph, while returning 42.2-44.8mpg combined on Parkers' figures with 165-176g/km of CO2. Note the test cycle is not labelled on that Parkers page, so this page does not call those figures WLTP. The wider 2019 range ran from the xDrive20i petrol through the xDrive30d and the M40i and M40d flagships, with a plug-in hybrid xDrive30e joining from December 2019, and trims of SE, xLine and M Sport.
Space is generous: a 550-litre boot growing to 1,600 litres with the seats folded, a 60-litre fuel tank and a 1,770kg Parkers weight for this variant. Safety is five Euro NCAP stars from the 2017 test, although that rating is recorded as expired since January 2024, so treat it as a launch rating rather than a current one. Insurance sits in group 30 for the xDrive20d M Sport, and the new-car warranty was three years with unlimited mileage, so a 2019 car is now out of factory cover.
On the test drive, listen for transfer-case whine or binding on full lock, check underneath for oil wetness around the sump and transfer-case actuator, and test the panoramic roof, powered tailgate and every iDrive function for spurious warning lights. Most importantly, demand the paperwork for the EGR-cooler recall on B47-era diesels and have a dealer check the VIN for outstanding recalls, including the luggage-compartment lashing-rail bolt recall covering G01 cars built from 2017 to 2024.
UK price from: £46,425
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel (1,995cc) |
| Power | 190 PS (187 bhp) |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 132 mph |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive (xDrive) |
| Fuel economy | 42.2-44.8 mpg combined (Parkers; test cycle not labelled) |
| CO2 emissions | 165-176 g/km (Parkers; test cycle not labelled) |
| Boot space | 550 litres (1,600 litres seats folded) |
| Weight | 1,770 kg (Parkers weight, this variant) |
| Insurance group | 30 (xDrive20d M Sport) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2017 test; rating expired January 2024) |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage when new |
Features
- 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (190PS, 400Nm)
- Eight-speed automatic gearbox with xDrive all-wheel drive
- 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds, 132mph top speed
- 550-litre boot, expanding to 1,600 litres seats folded
- 42.2-44.8mpg combined (Parkers figures; test cycle not labelled)
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating (2017 test, expired January 2024)
- M Sport trim with Technology Package on the featured car
- 60-litre fuel tank
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £69.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £13.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £21.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £24.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £29.99 | |
| 12V battery | £129.99 |
Pros
- Proper driver's car feel in a genuinely practical family SUV
- Strong, refined 190PS diesel with all-wheel-drive security
- Big 550-litre boot and long-distance comfort
- Three-year unlimited-mileage warranty when new
Cons
- 2019 cars are out of factory warranty
- EGR-cooler recall paperwork is a must-check on diesels
- Transfer-case whine and oil leaks reported on G01 cars
- Price varies by package, so listings need careful comparison
