Comparison: Boot space BMW X3 vs. competitors 2025

As the X3 evolved, so did its knack for stowing your essentials. The 'initial' X3 E83 (2004-2010), sprang into the luxury SUV battlefield with a 480-litre treasure chest, expanding to a bountiful 1560 litres with the rear seats folded – not earth-shattering, but enough to stuff in a few Labrador-sized suitcases. Fast-forward to 2010, and the F25 series tacked on an additional 70 litres of boot space, lifting its total to 550 litres. The rear seats still flattened to unveil the 1600-litre capacity, giving antique dealers and ski-enthusiasts ample room to nod in approval. The latest iteration, the hunky G01/F97 (2017-present), maintains this winning 550/1600-litre formula, proving that in the world of BMW, if you've hit the cargo-hauling sweet spot, you stick with it.

Within the BMW corral, the X3 is the veritable Goldilocks of boot space, finding that 'just right' between excess and insufficiency. Take the dashing BMW X3 M and the X3 M Performance - they all share identical 550-litre capacities, dwarfing their stylish siblings like the Z4 and 1 Series, which offer a mere 281 and 380 litres, respectively. In comparison, the X3 doesn't quite match the Leviathanesque X7's 750 litres, but it can boast over the X2's 470 litres – beating the latter by a suitcase or two.

Now let's take the gloves off and pit the X3 against the burgeoning crowd of rival crossover chariots. The X3 outperforms the quirky VW T-Cross and its 455 litres, making the Volkswagen look like it’s on a strict baggage diet. The Volvo XC40 barely trails with 433 litres, but graciously bows to the X3’s superior volume. Locking horns with the Audi Q3, the X3 flexes its 550-litre boot, leaving the Audi's 460 litres somewhat red-faced. However, special mention to the Citroen C5 Aircross, who puffs out its chest with a hefty 580 litres, nudging ahead of the BMW in the boot space battle. And as far as sizeable SUVs go, the BMW X7 still takes the crown within the BMW realm, flaunting a boot that’s yawn-inducingly spacious.