When the first BMW X3 was released back in 2004, it was rather wide of the mark, with awkward looks, iffy build quality, overly heavy steering and a brittle ride. That’s probably because BMW entrusted part of the design, and the entire production operation, to an outside contractor. However, for the second-generation X3 - of which the 2015 BMW X3 is an example - BMW took matters back in-house, and this car was much more like it. It looked better, it was dripping with quality, it was more practical and it drove like a BMW should. And it’s still a very nice thing today, all these years after its initial release back in 2011.

Strengths:

Drives like a BMW should
Spacious and well made cabin
Sensible running costs

Weaknesses:

Only five seats while some rivals seat seven
Only diesel engines available
Mainstream rivals will cost less

Is the 2015 BMW X3 better than the 2015 Audi Q5?

This comparison pits the Mk2 BMW against the Mk1 Audi Q5, and it’s a clear win for the BMW. It rides and handles better than the Audi, making it both more entertaining and more comfortable. That said, the Audi does have its rival largely matched for both quality and practicality.