BMW X3 xDrive30 M Sport Pro | Photo Credit: Swapnil Dhawale

The BMW X3 xDrive30 M Sport Pro may have one of the longest names seen on any car sold in the country, but it also happens to be an important car in BMW India’s lineup right now. Sitting at the heart of the mid-size luxury SUV segment, the X3 has become one of BMW’s best sales performers. If you look at BMW India’s 2025 numbers, it’s clear the brand has closed the gap to its German rivals and products such as the X3 have played a vital role in that rise. The first thing you notice about the new X3 is that it no longer plays it safe. ‘Bold’ is the word that best describes this design. Right up front, the illuminated kidney grille dominates the face and while it may still divide opinion, there’s no denying the drama it adds especially at night. Unlock the car in a dimly lit parking lot, and the soft glow from the grille instantly announces its presence. It is theatrical and unmistakably BMW. Beyond the grille, there’s a lot to admire. The LED headlamps are sharp and modern, the bumper sculpting is aggressive without being messy, and the bonnet features strong creases that give the X3 a muscular, purposeful look. Move to the side, and you’ll still recognise the familiar X3 silhouette, but the surfacing is tighter and more defined. At the rear, sharp lines across the tailgate and bumper give the SUV a planted, athletic stance. This is an X3 that looks like it means business.

For the drive, we were handed the keys and sent off on an off-road route that included dry riverbeds, steep inclines, deep ruts and articulation tests. These are trails usually tackled in proper body-on-frame 4x4 SUVs, so scepticism was natural. After all, this is a luxury SUV. However, from the moment we set off, the X3 felt comfortable tackling terrain that most owners will never even consider. Wheelspin was minimal, articulation was impressive and even when one wheel was in the air, the xDrive system redistributed torque to the wheels with traction. Steep inclines were dispatched with ease and the extra torque on tap made a noticeable difference. BMW clearly has a lot of confidence in the X3’s capability, and rightly so.

Under the hood is BMW’s updated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, internally known as the B48. In this iteration, it benefits from the mild-hybrid assistance and produces 255 bhp along with a strong 40.78 kg-m. On the road, those numbers translate to a noticeably stronger and more responsive driving experience. Acceleration is brisk, overtakes are effortless and the engine feels eager across the rev range. Put your foot down from a standstill or a rolling speed and you can genuinely feel the performance pushing you back into the seat.

BMW claims 0-100 kph in 6.3 seconds, and it feels every bit as quick. Select Sport mode and the difference is immediate — sharper throttle response, more urgency from the drivetrain and a tighter overall feel. Yet, despite the added performance, refinement remains excellent. The engine stays smooth and quiet, with very little noise making its way into the cabin.

Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox that continues to be one of the best in the business. Shifts are smooth, quick and intuitive. There’s also a boost mode where the gearbox holds onto gears longer and a visual boost indicator flashes on the instrument cluster, delivering that extra burst of performance when you need it.

BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system deserves special mention. During our off-road drive, it proved just how intelligent and effective it is. Power is constantly shuffled between wheels depending on grip levels and when one wheel loses contact with the ground, torque is instantly sent to the wheels that can use it best. And all this happens while you’re seated in a cabin that feels anything but rugged.

strong suits

BMW’s interiors have taken a noticeable step forward, and the X3 benefits greatly from that evolution. The first thing you notice when you settle into the driver’s seat is just how comfortable it is. The seats are broader, more supportive and hold you firmly in place thanks to larger side bolsters. BMW made a point of highlighting that these seats are wider than those in the regular X3, and it shows. They strike an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness, supportive during spirited driving, yet relaxed enough for long journeys. Material quality is high throughout the cabin and everything feels solidly put together.

Ride and handling have always been the X3’s strongest suits and this new iteration builds on that reputation. Part of the credit goes to the wheel and tyre setup. The X3 rides on 20-inch M Light Alloy wheels, with an asymmetric tyre setup — 255/45 R20 at the front and wider 285/40 R20 tyres at the rear. This setup pays dividends. The X3 feels solidly planted through corners, with excellent grip and stability. Despite being an SUV, it doesn’t feel tall or unwieldy when you push it through twisty roads. Turn-in is sharp, body control is impressive and the chassis feels balanced and confidence-inspiring.

Ride comfort, surprisingly, is also very good. The suspension absorbs bumps and broken surfaces well, even though deeper potholes can send a jolt through the cabin. Still, for a car with this level of handling prowess, the ride quality is commendable. Even during extended off-road driving, the cabin remained composed and the supportive seats ensured you weren’t thrown around as the terrain got rough.

The BMW X3 comes well-equipped, ticking most of the boxes you’d expect in this segment. The infotainment screen is crisp and vibrant, as is the digital instrument cluster. Both displays are easy to read and respond quickly to inputs. That said, BMW’s UI/UX could use a bit of refinement. Some of the menu layouts and icons feel slightly dated, and don’t quite match the modern high-tech feel of the rest of the cabin. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it stands out in an otherwise polished package.

The BMW X3 xDrive30 M Sport Pro represents a meaningful evolution of an already successful formula. It builds on the X3’s strengths, driving dynamics, refinement and everyday usability, while adding more performance and capability into the mix. At the end of the day, if you’re buying a luxury German SUV, you expect a certain level of performance and this X3 delivers exactly that. Not over the top, not excessive, but accessible, usable and immensely satisfying.

© Motoring World

Published on February 27, 2026