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BMW X3 2022 review

SUV Diesel

Overview

The facelifted third-generation X3 — BMW's LCI — reached UK showrooms in autumn 2021, so 2022 cars wear the full set of revisions: slimmer LED headlights, a bolder kidney grille, three-dimensional LED tail-lights and a tidied cabin built around BMW Operating System 7. Mechanically, the headline was 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance spread across the four-cylinder engines, smoothing the stop-start system and adding a small electric shove under hard acceleration.

In Britain, the xDrive20d has always been the heartland X3, and the facelift did not change that. The 2.0-litre B47 twin-turbo diesel makes 190PS and a muscular 400Nm, driving all four wheels through ZF's superb eight-speed automatic, with the rear-biased xDrive setup preserving BMW's trademark handling feel. It is not exciting, but it is deeply competent: hushed and unstressed at motorway speeds, with real-world economy in the high-30s to mid-40s mpg for drivers who actually cover miles.

M Sport is the trim the UK cannot get enough of, and on the X3 it brings 19-inch M alloys, M body styling, sports suspension, heated sports seats and the M leather steering wheel. The cabin is where the X3 fights hardest — build quality and materials feel a class above some rivals, iDrive remains the easiest infotainment system to use on the move, and practicality is strong with a 550-litre boot (1,600 litres seats folded) and genuinely adult-friendly rear seats.

As a used buy, the 2022 car sits in a sweet spot: the LCI improvements without new-car depreciation. Autocar rated the range 8 out of 10, calling it the enthusiast's choice against the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC. Run the VIN through BMW's recall checker before buying — a February 2026 starter-motor campaign covers July 2020 to July 2022 builds — watch for chip-shortage spec deletions on 2021-22 cars, and favour long-journey history on diesels to keep the DPF healthy.

UK price from: £44,210

Specifications

Engine	2.0L B47 twin-turbo diesel + 48V mild hybrid (1,995cc)
Max power	190PS (187bhp) @ 4,000rpm
Max torque	400Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm
0-62 mph	7.9 seconds
Top speed	132mph
Fuel economy (WLTP)	46.3mpg combined
CO2 emissions	160g/km
Gearbox	8-speed Steptronic automatic
Drivetrain	xDrive all-wheel drive
Boot space	550 litres (1,600 litres seats folded)
Fuel tank	68 litres
Max towing (braked)	2,000kg
Insurance group	33E
Euro NCAP	5 stars (2017; rating expired Jan 2024)

Features

B47 2.0L twin-turbo diesel with 48V mild hybrid — 190PS, 400Nm, plus an 11bhp electric boost
8-speed Steptronic automatic and rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive
M Sport specification: 19-inch M alloys, M aerodynamic body kit, sports suspension
Heated front sports seats, three-zone climate control and ambient interior lighting
Adaptive LED headlights, rear-view camera and powered tailgate
iDrive (Operating System 7) with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected navigation
40:20:40 split-folding rear seats: 550-litre boot, 1,600 litres folded

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (OEM quality)	£75	Estimate; typical £60-£90
Front brake discs (pair)	£150	Estimate; typical £120-£180
Wiper blade pair	£35	Estimate
Cabin pollen filter	£25	Estimate
AGM 12V battery (stop-start)	£155	Estimate; needs coding at fitment
Run-flat tyre 245/50 R19 (fitted)	£215	Estimate, premium brand

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Effortless mile-eater: 400Nm from 1,750rpm, with genuine 40+ mpg achievable on long runs
Class-leading cabin tech: iDrive is the simplest premium infotainment to operate
Properly practical: 550-litre boot, roomy second row and 2,000kg braked towing
The driver's choice: rear-biased xDrive and precise steering make it the engaging pick next to the Q5 and XC60
Sensible used ownership: BMW Approved Used 12-month cover available, and independent data shows average repair bills under £500

Cons

Firm M Sport ride on run-flat tyres feels stiff on broken UK roads, and the diesel gets coarse above 3,000rpm
The options trap: head-up display, Harman Kardon and adaptive suspension all cost extra — and some 2021-22 cars lost items to chip shortages
Diesel needs distance: short-hop use risks DPF and AdBlue headaches
Recall homework required (the 2026 starter-motor campaign) and premium running costs — insurance group 33E

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 X3 xDrive20d ULEZ compliant?

Yes — it is a Euro 6 diesel, so it is compliant with London's ULEZ and other UK Clean Air Zones.

What mpg will I really get?

The official WLTP figure is 46.3mpg combined; independent tests and owners report high-30s in mixed driving and mid-40s on steady motorway runs.

Which X3 engine is best?

The xDrive20d is the sweet spot for economy and residuals; the xDrive30d and M40d add effortless six-cylinder pace; the xDrive30e PHEV suits company-car drivers chasing low BIK.

How reliable is the 2022 X3?

Independent warranty data gives the X3 an average reliability score of 69% with average repair costs around £480 — better than most premium rivals. The B47's timing chain is far less troublesome than the old N47's, though it sits at the back of the engine.

What should I check when buying used?

Recall clearance (especially the 2026 starter-motor campaign — check the VIN), full BMW or specialist service history, evidence of long journeys for diesel DPF health, any chip-shortage spec deletions, and run-flat tyre condition — they are pricey to replace.