2026 BMW X3 Dimensions, Engine, Pictures
2026 BMW X3 Dimensions, Engine, Pictures – BMW has been steadily revamping its SUV lineup to great success, releasing one model after another that are leaps and bounds better than the ones they replace. The overhauled 2026 BMW X3 continues that trend, raising the bar in a very competitive segment. As one of the brand’s most popular models, the X3 has been improved in the ways I expected and some that even managed to surprise me.
2026 BMW X3 Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
The new X3 has done away with most physical buttons in favour of centralizing climate and media controls in the touchscreen and using touch-capacitive buttons. I prefer physical controls, but the new infotainment system is easy enough to use. Drivers can operate the system using a rotary dial, which is easier to use while driving, or with the touchscreen, which is better when parked.
Useful shortcuts are always visible on the touchscreen and also around the rotary dial, which makes navigating the Google-based system quite intuitive, even while driving. The system’s logical menu structure makes it very user-friendly and easy to get used to, and you never need too many taps to find what you’re looking for.
2026 BMW X3 Specs
A new curved screen connects the driver display and the central infotainment screen. This setup looks great and is highly functional and customizable, so you can prioritize displaying the information that matters most to you. The X3 is also connected to the internet and is capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates. It requires a paid subscription, but it opens up some useful features like the ability to use your phone or smartwatch as a key, augmented reality navigation, and more.
Tons of light comes through the enormous panoramic sunroof, there are enough USB ports for everyone to keep their devices charged, and the voice-activated assistant now recognizes more natural language commands. The X3 is available with nearly every feature you want in a vehicle like this, but BMW isn’t shy about charging extra for them. 2026 BMW X3 Dimensions
Engine and Performance
All X3s now have mild-hybrid powertrains. With the previous model, only the performance-oriented six-cylinder got an added electric boost. The last version was also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but it’s unclear if it will return for this generation. With the help of the mild-hybrid system, the standard engine—a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged—can produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The X3 M50, the trim level under review, features a 393 hp/428 lb-ft turbocharged inline-six engine. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, every X3 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The 48-volt mild-hybrid uses an integrated starter-generator setup that lessens the load on the engine and allows it to run more efficiently. It gives X3 an extra boost of instant power without too much impact on fuel economy, allows the climate control to continue running even if the engine is shut off while idle, and smoothes out transmission shifts and the ignition stop-start system.
2026 BMW X3 Fuel Economy
The X3 surprises with its fuel efficiency, which is excellent considering how much performance it offers. Mild hybrids typically focus on powertrain smoothness rather than fuel economy gains, but the X3’s newfound efficiency could change that perception. 2026 BMW X3 Dimensions
The six-cylinder X3’s official fuel economy ratings are 9.3 L/100 km in the city, 7.7 on the highway, and 8.6 combined — a significant improvement over the last-generation model’s combined rating of 10.1 L/100 km. After more than 700 km of mixed testing, the indicated average was 8.7 L/100 km, which is especially impressive considering the “Leadfoot Lai” nickname given to me by AutoTrader Road Test Editor Dan Ilika. The X3 requires premium fuel.
2026 BMW X3 Safety Features
Adaptive headlights, adaptive steering assist, adaptive emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and many other safety features are standard on this car. Automated parking helpers are an additional $500 on top of the $5,000 Premium package, which includes BMW’s integrated dashcam system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, among other features.
To alleviate the stress of stop-and-go traffic, a new hands-free driving aid is available for an extra $1,000. It enables drivers to remove their hands off the wheel at speeds up to 60 km/h. To make sure the driver is alert and prepared to stop if necessary, an internal camera follows their every move. 2026 BMW X3 Dimensions
While it’s kind of unnerving to have an interior camera, the system works smoothly and feels natural. It communicates with the driver well to ensure they’re aware of what’s happening around the vehicle and feel comfortable taking their hands off the wheel. Other automakers like General Motors (GM) and Ford have hands-free driving assistants that can be used at highway speeds, so it would have been nice to see BMW increase the capabilities of its system to be used beyond 60 km/h.
2026 BMW X3 Price and Release Date
The 2026 BMW X3 30 starts at $58,900 plus the non-negotiable $2,480 destination fee. The M50 version tested here starts at $74,900, but with $10,900 in options added, the price of this one ballooned to $88,280 including destination but before taxes. It’s always painful when luxury automakers charge extra for features that are standard in more affordable vehicles. Prices have increased for this new generation model, as can be expected, but BMW is offering a much better product this year with more standard features, which helps justify the increase.
The 2026 BMW X3 is a versatile and well-rounded luxury SUV that checks a lot of boxes for someone who might be shopping in this segment. It’s a huge improvement over the previous X3 and it’s so good that it helps set a new benchmark for its class. The fact that this practical SUV offers surprisingly good fuel economy alongside incredible performance and tons of power on tap means it offers the best of both worlds and doesn’t make any compromises. 2026 BMW X3 Dimensions