Power meets poise: The new BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro

Visually, the X3 now appears more assertive than ever. The proportions are classic BMW X—long bonnet, strong shoulders, and a balanced stance—but the detailing gives it a more modern, muscular identity. The fully blacked-out kidney grille with Iconic Glow illumination is the focal point, instantly distinguishing it, while adaptive LED headlights with projector technology and shadowline accents give the front end a purposeful, almost sinister expression. Standard 20-inch M alloy wheels and red M Sport brake callipers add to the sporty stance, and subtle touches like flush door handles, sculpted wheel arches, and darkened split rear lamps with a double L-shaped signature complete a silhouette that feels both premium and athletic. Measuring 4,755 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,660 mm tall, it has genuine road presence, something you sense even before you step inside.

Beyond the tarmac, the X3 proves its versatility with composed capability on gravel and uneven terrain
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Special Arrangement

Inside, the X3 feels like a distilled version of BMW’s latest design language—minimalist, digital, and driver-focused. The BMW Curved Display dominates the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, running the latest Operating System 9 with QuickSelect for intuitive control. The dashboard and panels are wrapped in Sensatec, giving the cabin a high-quality, tactile feel, while the BMW Interaction Bar and ambient lighting create a layered, futuristic atmosphere. Practical luxury is abundant: ventilated sport seats with extensive adjustment, a panoramic glass sunroof, three-zone climate control, rear roller sunblinds, and a Travel & Comfort system for device integration. Add the Harman Kardon 750-watt surround sound system, and the X3 feels every bit the modern luxury lounge on wheels.

Under the bonnet is where this new variant truly justifies its positioning. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine produces 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The numbers translate into a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 6.3 seconds, which is brisk by any measure, especially in this segment. A 48V mild-hybrid system smooths out responses, while adding a layer of efficiency, and selectable driving modes along with a sport boost function allow you to tailor its character from relaxed cruiser to genuinely engaging performance SUV. Meanwhile, the adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers constantly adjusts to driving conditions, offering a noticeable contrast between comfort and sportier settings.

A minimalist, driver-focused cabin highlighted by the BMW Curved Display and ambient Interaction Bar lighting
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Special Arrangement

On the road, the X3 feels exactly as you would want a BMW SUV to. The steering has that familiar BMW precision, the chassis feels composed, and the powertrain delivers strong, linear acceleration without ever feeling coarse. It is the kind of SUV that encourages you to take the long way home, yet remains perfectly civilised in daily traffic. Body control is impressive, and the adaptive suspension strikes a commendable job of balancing comfort with agility, making it equally at home on a smooth highway or a broken urban stretch.

But it was the off-road track that revealed an unexpected dimension to the X3’s personality. Luxury SUVs often talk the talk, but the X3 genuinely walks it—within the limits of what a premium crossover is designed to do. BMW’s xDrive system continuously monitors grip and intelligently distributes torque between the axles, working in tandem with Dynamic Traction Control, Automatic Differential Brakes, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

The 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine delivers 258 hp, pairing strong performance with everyday refinement
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Special Arrangement

On loose gravel, steep inclines, and uneven terrain, the X3 remained composed and confidence-inspiring, with the electronics stepping in seamlessly to maintain traction and stability. The adaptive suspension helped keep the wheels planted, smoothing out undulations and allowing the X3 to tackle rough terrain without fuss. It is not a hardcore off-roader, nor does it claim to be, but for real-world scenarios—muddy access roads, broken mountain tracks, or a weekend trail to a remote getaway—it feels reassuringly capable.

Technology is another strong pillar of the X3’s appeal. BMW ConnectedDrive, Digital Premium services, and the MyBMW app integrate the vehicle into a connected ecosystem, allowing remote monitoring, digital key functionality, and personalised settings. Parking Assistant Plus, with surround-view cameras, a reversing assistant, and remote 3D view, takes the stress out of tight manoeuvres, while Driving Assistant Plus adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and collision warning with brake intervention. It is a comprehensive suite that reinforces the X3’s positioning as a modern, tech-forward luxury SUV.

The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro commands attention with its illuminated kidney grille and assertive M Sport styling
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Special Arrangement

What makes the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro particularly compelling is the way it seamlessly blends multiple personalities. It is a driver’s SUV at heart, delivering the engagement and performance BMW loyalists expect. At the same time, it offers the comfort, technology, and premium feel that luxury SUV buyers demand. And as our off-road experience showed, it has the capability to venture beyond the city limits with confidence. For a luxury SUV that can genuinely do it all—commute, tour, entertain, and explore—the X3 continues to be one of the most balanced and desirable choices in its segment.

The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Pro is priced at ₹74,50,000 (ex-showroom, India).

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Published – February 17, 2026 12:49 pm IST