BMW X3 Elevates Class As Supreme Midsize Premium SUV Winner

BMW’s fourth-generation X3 has stormed straight to the top of the mid-size premium SUV class, capturing the 2025 Auto Express award on merit rather than nostalgia. From the first press of the starter button, it exudes quality: tight panel gaps, a commanding driving position and a refined hum from the new mild-hybrid petrol system that eases this sculpted SUV away from rest with the smoothness of a battery car.

Under the skin, the powertrain line-up shows clear intent. The latest 48-volt set-up supplies an extra shove off the line while trimming fuel use, yet those seeking genuine electric distance can opt for the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. A beefy 181 bhp motor teams with a larger battery to deliver more than fifty miles of electric running before the 2.0-litre turbo four steps in, meaning school runs and urban errands glide by in near-silence while longer journeys remain carefree.

Drivers in a hurry are served by the M50 xDrive, whose six-cylinder unit dispenses robust torque through all four wheels. Adaptive dampers, a wider track and rear-biased drive allow this family haulier to pivot into corners with poise rarely seen in the segment, yet it retains a supple ride that keeps passengers unruffled on weather-beaten A-roads. Every version benefits from precise steering and reassuring brake feel, traits that build confidence whether threading tight bends or edging into a multi-storey.

Inside, the cabin blends tactile materials with BMW’s latest curved display, combining intuitive graphics, crisp resolution and an improved voice assistant. The traditional iDrive controller still sits proudly on the console, providing a welcome alternative to finger smudges on the screen. Rear passengers enjoy generous head- and knee-room, the boot swallows holiday clobber with ease, and double-glazed glass ensures motorway serenity.

By weaving together responsive drivetrains, balanced handling, strong efficiency and class-leading technology, the BMW X3 raises the bar for mid-size premium SUVs. It honours the badge’s driver-focused heritage while meeting modern demands for versatility and low-emission capability—an accomplished all-rounder that fully earns its 2025 crown.