Verified vehicle record
2026 BMW X3
The 2026 BMW X3 is the second year of a redesigned luxury compact SUV and returns mostly unchanged, starting at $52,650 for the xDrive30 and $67,850 for the M50. Two recalls apply, both for steering, and it holds a 4.0-star NHTSA crash rating. The EPA rates it 27 to 29 mpg combined.
What changed on the 2026 BMW X3
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 X3, hot off a full redesign the year before, returns mostly unchanged, and that most of the redesign's changes were well received: the current X3 is slightly longer, lower and wider than before, which MotorTrend says makes it both more athletic and more practical. That leaves two engines and the trim ladder unchanged: the four-cylinder with mild hybrid in the xDrive30, and the six-cylinder mild hybrid in the M50.
Recalls to check on a 2026 X3
Both NHTSA recalls concern steering. Campaign 25V857 covers 2025 to 2026 X3s where, while the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel rotation may occur, which raises the risk of injury and, on the road, a crash. Campaign 26V524 covers 2024 to 2026 sDrive30i, 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models where the steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column, which can lead to a loss of steering control. Because the second recall spans three model years and specific build dates, the VIN check at nhtsa.gov/recalls is the only way to know if a given X3 is included.
CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) counts 14 owner complaints, two recalls and an overall 4.0-star NHTSA crash safety rating for the 2026 X3, while VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) counts 10 complaints, two of them crash-related, with visibility and wiper, uncategorized and steering defects at three each. The steering complaints match the recalls, so on a test drive, check that the steering is centered and the wheel does not move when the car is stopped.
What a 2026 X3 costs
Kelley Blue Book's base prices on this site's data are $52,650 for the xDrive30 and $67,850 for the M50. KBB's cost-to-own figures (opens in a new tab) put five years of ownership of an xDrive30 at $67,608, in the top 10 percent of luxury compact SUVs for cost to own, and the M50's page (opens in a new tab) puts it at $82,913, with depreciation of $39,260 over five years leaving a residual value of $28,590. So the M50 is expected to lose more than half its price, which favors a used M50 over a new one.
2026 X3 against the Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60
The X3 rates 27 to 29 mpg combined and $2,650 to $2,850 a year in fuel on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab). The 2026 Volvo XC60 rates 26 to 28 mpg ($2,750 to $3,000), the Mercedes-Benz GLC 22 to 27 mpg ($2,850 to $3,500) and the Audi Q5 24 mpg ($3,250), so the X3 is the most efficient of the four and about $600 a year cheaper to fuel than a Q5. Confirm both steering recalls are complete before you buy.
Research paths
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Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
xDrive30 uses the 255-horsepower turbo four; M50 steps up to a 393-horsepower turbo six with M Performance styling and equipment.
The redesigned X3 dropped the xDrive30i naming for xDrive30: verify the exact trim label before quoting specs from older model years.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| xDrive30 | Entry trim | 2.0L turbo engine standard, 255 hp, standard AWD, BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 standard, Heated front sport seats standard |
| M50 | Top trim | 3.0L turbo inline-six standard, 393 hp, standard AWD, M leather steering wheel and M badging standard, Optional faux-suede sport seat inserts available |
Entry trim
xDrive30
- 2.0L turbo engine standard, 255 hp, standard AWD
- BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 standard
- Heated front sport seats standard
Top trim
M50
- 3.0L turbo inline-six standard, 393 hp, standard AWD
- M leather steering wheel and M badging standard
- Optional faux-suede sport seat inserts available
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 BMW X3: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive30 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Steptronic | AWD | 255 | 295 | 6 s | 130 mph | 27 / 33 / 29 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| M50 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Steptronic | AWD | 393 | 428 | 4.4 s | 130 mph | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive30 | 4,176 lb | 187.2 in | 65.4 in | 112.8 in | 8.5 in | 40 ft | 17.2 gal | 40.2 in | P245/50R19 | |
| M50 | 4,535 lb | 187.2 in | 65.4 in | 112.8 in | 8.3 in | 40 ft | 17.2 gal | 40.5 in | 40.2 in | P255/45R20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 BMW X3 trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | xDrive30 | M50 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Opt | Opt |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49477X3 M50 | 3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Mild HybridHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 25 | 30 | 27 | N/A |
| 49476X3 xDrive30 | 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Mild HybridHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 27 | 33 | 29 | N/A |
Direct answers
66 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 X3 come in?
The 2026 BMW X3 (compact luxury SUV) comes in 2 trims: xDrive30, M50.
Q02What are the 2026 X3 trims?
The 2026 BMW X3 trims are xDrive30, M50, listed from the entry xDrive30 up to the top M50.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 X3 use?
The 2026 BMW X3 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L turbo inline-six, rated at 255 / 393 horsepower across its compact luxury SUV body style.
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 is offered with Standard AWD.
Q05What changed for the 2026 X3?
The redesigned X3 dropped the xDrive30i naming for xDrive30: verify the exact trim label before quoting specs from older model years.
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 BMW X3?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 2 recall campaigns for the 2026 BMW X3, covering steering.
Q07How did the 2026 BMW X3 do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 BMW X3 earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 16.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Q08What does the X3 30 xDrive engine in the 2026 BMW X3 deliver?
Mpg: 27 city / 33 hwy / 29 combined. Horsepower: 255 hp. Torque: 295 lb-ft. Engine: 2.0L turbo I4, 48V mild hybrid. Transmission: 8-speed automatic. These figures belong to the X3 30 xDrive configuration of the 2026 BMW X3, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-07-22.
Q09What does the X3 M50 xDrive engine in the 2026 BMW X3 deliver?
Mpg: 25 city / 30 hwy / 27 combined. Horsepower: 393 hp. Torque: 428 lb-ft. Engine: 3.0L turbo I6, 48V mild hybrid. Transmission: 8-speed automatic. These figures belong to the X3 M50 xDrive configuration of the 2026 BMW X3, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-07-22.
Q10How big is the fuel tank on the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 measures 17.2 gal of fuel tank capacity for this spec.
Q11Which 2026 BMW X3 engine has the most horsepower?
The X3 M50 xDrive is the most powerful 2026 BMW X3 engine, at 393 hp.
Q12Which 2026 BMW X3 is the quickest to 60 mph?
The X3 M50 xDrive is the quickest 2026 BMW X3 to 60 mph, at 4.4 sec.
Q13What is the EPA MPG of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive EPA MPG is 27 city / 33 hwy / 29 combined.
Q14What is the EPA MPG of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive EPA MPG is 25 city / 30 hwy / 27 combined.
Q15What is the horsepower of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive horsepower is 255 hp.
Q16What is the torque of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive torque is 295 lb-ft.
Q17What is the torque of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive torque is 428 lb-ft.
Q18What is the 0-60 mph of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive 0-60 mph is 6.0 sec.
Q19What is the top speed of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive top speed is 130 mph.
Q20What is the top speed of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive top speed is 130 mph.
Q21What is the engine of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive engine is 2.0L turbo I4, 48V mild hybrid.
Q22What is the engine of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive engine is 3.0L turbo I6, 48V mild hybrid.
Q23What is the transmission of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive transmission is 8-speed automatic.
Q24What is the transmission of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive transmission is 8-speed automatic.
Q25What is the drivetrain of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive drivetrain is xDrive AWD standard.
Q26What is the drivetrain of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive drivetrain is xDrive AWD standard.
Q27What is the recommended fuel of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive recommended fuel is premium.
Q28What is the recommended fuel of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive recommended fuel is premium.
Q29What is the length of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive length is 187.2 in.
Q30What is the wheelbase of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive wheelbase is 112.8 in.
Q31What is the height of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive height is 65.4 in.
Q32What is the width without mirrors of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive width without mirrors is 75.6 in.
Q33What is the cargo behind second row of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive cargo behind second row is 31.5 cu ft.
Q34What is the cargo max of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive cargo max is 67.1 cu ft.
Q35What is the ground clearance of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive ground clearance is 8.5 in.
Q36What is the ground clearance of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive ground clearance is 8.3 in.
Q37What is the curb weight of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive curb weight is 4,176 lb.
Q38What is the curb weight of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive curb weight is 4,535 lb.
Q39What is the GVWR of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive GVWR is 5,512 lb.
Q40What is the GVWR of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive GVWR is 5,776 lb.
Q41What is the turning circle of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive turning circle is 40.0 ft.
Q42What is the front legroom of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 front legroom is 40.2 in.
Q43What is the rear legroom of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 rear legroom is 36.3 in.
Q44What is the seating of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 seating is 5.
Q45What are the standard wheels of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive standard wheels are 19-inch on 245/50R19.
Q46What are the standard wheels of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive standard wheels are 20-inch on 285/40R20.
Q47What is the navigation of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive navigation is standard.
Q48What is the navigation of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive navigation is standard.
Q49What is the panoramic moonroof of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive panoramic moonroof is optional.
Q50What is the panoramic moonroof of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive panoramic moonroof is standard.
Q51What is the forward collision warning of the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive forward collision warning is standard.
Q52What is the adaptive M suspension of the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive?
The 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive adaptive M suspension is standard.
Q53What is the assembly plant of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 both assembly plant is Spartanburg, SC plant.
Q54What is the trim count of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 trim count is 2 gas trims.
Q55What is the 2026 recall count of the 2026 BMW X3?
The 2026 BMW X3 2026 recall count is 1 open campaign.
Q56What kind of brakes does the 2026 BMW X3 have?
MotorTrend lists the 2026 BMW X3 with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q57Did the 2026 BMW X3 earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
IIHS lists the 2026 BMW X3 as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30 4-door 4w.
Q58How did the 2026 BMW X3 do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 BMW X3: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30 4-door 4w. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Q59How quickly does the 2026 BMW X3 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2026 BMW X3's 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds on the M50 and 6 seconds on the xDrive30. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Q60What is the 2026 BMW X3's top speed?
The 2026 BMW X3's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Q61What size wheels does the 2026 BMW X3 have?
The 2026 BMW X3's wheel diameter is 19 inches on the xDrive30 and 20 inches on the M50. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Q62What warranty does the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle come with?
CarBuzz lists the 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive Sports Activity Vehicle with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 144 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 48 months with unlimited miles.
Q63What is the payload capacity of the 2026 BMW X3 AWD 30 xDrive 4dr Sports Activity Vehicle?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,107 pounds for the 2026 BMW X3 AWD 30 xDrive 4dr Sports Activity Vehicle.
Q64What engine oil does the 2026 BMW X3 use?
OilChangeDIY.com and OilCapacity411.com both list SAE 0W-30 as the engine oil viscosity for the 2026 BMW X3.
Q65How do the 2026 BMW X3 trims differ from one another?
The M50 has 393 hp against 255 and a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof and remote engine start as standard equipment over the xDrive30.
Q66What does the 2026 BMW X3 cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 BMW X3 run from $52,650 for the xDrive30 to $67,850 for the M50, across 2 trims.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 BMW X3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
Other model years
Compare the BMW X3 across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.