The X3 is one of BMW’s more popular models, filling the compact slot among the brand's multiple crossover SUVs. It received a complete redesign for the 2025 model year, which brought significantly revised styling, new tech, more safety features, and an updated interior.
2026 BMW X3 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 BMW X3
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 BMW X3
BMW completely redesigned the X3 for the 2025 model year, so there are no notable changes to report as it heads into 2026.
Design
The new X3 is boxier and more upright than its predecessor, and BMW gave it a unique but polarizing front-end look. While it avoids the oversized grille that many of the automaker’s other vehicles offer, there’s a lot going on in the front fascia, giving the X3 a busy look with confusing lines and shapes.
Powertrain
The X3 is available with two powertrain options. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M50 xDrive trim comes with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, making 393 horsepower. Both engines benefit from mild-hybrid technology, which improves acceleration, giving the M50 a 4.6-second zero to 100 km/h time.
Interior
The X3 seats five people on standard synthetic leather upholstery. Heated, power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard. BMW offers genuine leather, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Adults can ride comfortably in both rows, and there’s ample headroom for taller passengers in the back. The front seats are nicely padded and offer good ergonomics within easy view and reach of displays and controls. Cargo space improved with the redesign, reaching 570 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,700 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
Technology
BMW equips a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include wireless charging, a 12-speaker stereo, SiriusXM, navigation, voice commands, Bluetooth, and more. An upgraded Harman Kardon sound system is available. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system offers a staggering number of features, but it can be difficult to learn and use for less tech-savvy drivers. That said, its configurability makes it easier to find a more intuitive setup.
Safety
As of this writing, the 2026 BMW X3 hasn’t been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it comes with quite a few standard safety features. They include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, parking assistance, and a rearview camera. A hands-free parking assistant and an active driving assistance system are available.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, pricing for the 2026 BMW X3 starts at $60,400 in Canada before the $2,555 destination charge or other fees, while the M50 xDrive trim starts at $77,900. Both models are available with several added-cost options that can make them more expensive in a hurry. The 2026 X3 is available on BMW Canada’s website now.
