BMW X3 alternatives & comparisons

Here you can find alternatives to the BMW X3, based on existing comparison pages and popular model matchups. We currently show 6 suitable models as a starting point for your buying decision.

BMW X3

Alternative models

These models are frequently compared with the BMW X3 and are good next research steps.

from £41,100
3 Series Touring

BMW 3 Series Touring

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.5 - 10.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 91 - 97 km
details

BMW 3 Series Touring as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

The BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3 both bring BMW's driving focus to practical buyers — the 3 Series Touring is a sporty station wagon, while the X3 is a compact SUV with higher ride height and greater versatility. Which suits you depends on priorities: the Touring leans to sharper handling and lower running costs, the X3 to space, comfort and all‑weather practicality.

The BMW 3 Series Touring blends sporting poise with everyday practicality, wrapping sharp handling and a premium cabin into a wagon that actually makes errands feel enjoyable. It’s the kind of car that hides a family-hauler’s sense of duty beneath a driver's-car attitude — useful, classy, and just cheeky enough to make you smile on the open road.

Quick data check: BMW 3 Series Touring

  • somewhat more trunk space
  • markedly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • barely more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
Compare directly with BMW 3 Series Touring
from £43,700
CX-60

Mazda CX-60

  • Engine Type Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 200 - 327 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 3.8 - 5.2 L/100km
  • Electric Range 63 km
details

Mazda CX-60 as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

The BMW X3 and Mazda CX-60 occupy the premium mid-size SUV segment but take different routes—the X3 prioritizes dynamic performance and upscale refinement, while the CX-60 leans toward refined comfort, efficiency and strong value. This comparison will help you decide which suits your priorities: driving engagement and brand prestige, or a well-rounded, tech-forward package at a more accessible price.

The Mazda CX-60 pairs sculpted, understated looks with poised handling and a cabin that punches above its class, making long drives feel unexpectedly civilized. For buyers who want a premium feel without the showroom swagger, it's the sort of car that earns respect quietly — and still manages a wink when you push on.

Quick data check: Mazda CX-60

  • slightly more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly cheaper
  • marginally lighter
Compare directly with Mazda CX-60
from £53,100
5 Series Touring

BMW 5 Series Touring

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 197 - 727 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.3 - 6.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 65 - 98 km
details

BMW 5 Series Touring as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

The BMW 5 Series Touring and the BMW X3 pit estate practicality against compact SUV versatility, giving buyers a clear choice between low-slung refinement and higher-riding utility. Choose the 5 Series Touring if you prioritise cargo space, on-road comfort and a more car-like driving feel; pick the X3 if you want a higher seating position, better all‑weather capability and slightly more rugged versatility.

The BMW 5 Series Touring takes executive elegance and stretches it into a practical estate, marrying refined interior comfort with everyday usability. It drives with reassuring poise, offers plenty of space for luggage or a small life's worth of gear, and somehow manages to look sharper than most saloons in the car park — a compelling choice if you want luxury without surrendering practicality.

Quick data check: BMW 5 Series Touring

  • marginally cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • a bit more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
Compare directly with BMW 5 Series Touring
from £41,900
XC40

Volvo XC40

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 163 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6.5 L/100km
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Volvo XC40 as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV market, the BMW X3 stands out with its sporty handling and luxurious interior, making it an appealing choice for driving enthusiasts. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 excels in safety features and boasts a minimalist Scandinavian design that emphasizes comfort and functionality. Ultimately, the decision between these two vehicles hinges on whether you prioritize performance or a more serene driving experience.

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

Quick data check: Volvo XC40

  • substantially more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly cheaper
  • a bit lighter
Compare directly with Volvo XC40
from £41,700
X2

BMW X2

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 7.7 L/100km
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BMW X2 as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

Choosing between the BMW X2 and BMW X3 comes down to priorities: the X2 is a sportier, city-friendly compact with coupe-like styling and sharper handling, while the X3 is a more conventional, family-oriented SUV that emphasizes space, comfort and versatility. If you want style and agility for daily urban driving pick the X2; if you need more passenger and cargo room, towing ability and a broader range of powertrains, the X3 is the smarter all-round choice.

The BMW X2 feels like a sporty coupe dressed as an SUV, with sharp styling and a cheeky, youthful attitude that stands out in traffic. Inside it's driver-focused and compact but smartly packaged, perfect for city life and buyers who want BMW flair without the usual SUV bulk.

Quick data check: BMW X2

  • noticeably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally more trunk space
  • clearly cheaper
  • a bit lighter
Compare directly with BMW X2
from £43,700
iX2

BMW iX2

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 204 - 313 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.4 - 15.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 476 - 512 km
details

BMW iX2 as a suitable alternative to BMW X3

In the realm of luxury SUVs, the BMW iX2 and BMW X3 offer distinct experiences for discerning drivers. The iX2, embracing the future with its all-electric powertrain, promises sustainability without sacrificing BMW's legendary performance and cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, the BMW X3, with its robust engine options and versatile handling, caters to traditionalists who value a blend of classic driving dynamics with modern luxury.

The BMW iX2 cuts a sporty silhouette and delivers the buttoned-up premium feel you expect from the brand, wrapped in a compact electric package that’s easy to live with. It’s a smart pick for buyers who want engaging city driving, clever cabin tech and a touch of eco-conscious flair without giving up the fun behind the wheel.

Quick data check: BMW iX2

  • clearly more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
  • barely more trunk space
  • moderately cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
Compare directly with BMW iX2

Direct comparisons

These comparison pages show the BMW X3 head-to-head against similar models.

BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW X3
VS
BMW X3
Mazda CX-60
VS
BMW 5 Series Touring
BMW X3
VS
BMW X3
Volvo XC40
VS
BMW X2
BMW X3
VS
BMW iX2
BMW X3
VS

Further pages

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.