New BMW X3 Review: This car has a BIG problem

Check out the best BMW X3 deals on carwow: https://bit.ly/Buy-Sell-WOW Is the new BMW X3 still the best all-rounder in 2026, or has BMW’s "reductive" design gone one step too far? Mat Watson is getting stuck into the 398hp M50 to see if the straight-six engine can make you forget about the scratchy interior plastics and the removal of almost every physical button. We’re putting the 2026 Safety Award winner to the ultimate test, diving into the "Truth" about the new iDrive 9 system, and finding out if a £77,000 SUV should really have a "knitted" dashboard and flimsy vent controls. From the 56-mile range on the 30e hybrid to the savage 0-60mph launch of the M50, here is the definitive verdict on the world's most controversial SUV! Chapters 00:00 Intro: Does the X3 have a "Big Problem"? 00:34 Design: Is the "Iconic Glow" grille too much? 02:42 Interior Truth: Why does a £70k car feel cheap? 05:24 Price Check: Is it still good value at £48k-£77k? 07:17 Infotainment: The iDrive 9 "Touch-Only" Nightmare 09:22 Storage: Where did the glovebox light go? 10:27 Boot Space: 570L vs the 460L Hybrid 11:20 3 Annoying Features: What drives Mat mad? 13:29 5 Cool Features: Why it won the 2026 Safety Award 15:22 Engine Guide: 56-mile Hybrid or the Straight-Six? 16:09 0-60mph: Can the M50 hit 60 in 4.6 seconds? 16:49 Country Road Driving: Is it too firm for UK roads? 17:58 Motorway Driving: Is it as quiet as a BMW X5? 18:42 Town Driving: The truth about the 48V Hybrid system 20:00 The Verdict: Should you buy, sell or avoid? Sell your car for free with Carwow: https://bit.ly/Sell-Your-Car-For-Free-0912 Check out Mat's preferred trim & engine for each car: https://bit.ly/Mats-Engine-Choice

Added 3 May 2026