Comparison: Turning circle BMW X3 vs. competitors 2024

Steering through the concrete jungle with the poise of a prima ballerina, the BMW X3's turning circle weaves a tale of automotive ballet. The current model, flaunting a 12.00 meter pirouette, is a testament to BMW's engineering finesse. Now, some might shrug at the figures, but any well-heeled motorist knows the devilish dance of city parking and U-turns demands a deft twist of the wheel. Here, I shall elucidate the evolutionary spin of the X3's turning prowess, dissect its stance among BMW's prestidigious lineup, and let it loose against the rival pack in a twirling showdown of geometry.

Table of contents:

BMW X3 - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?

The X3's transformation has been less about revolution and more a subtle shimmy. From the inaugural X3 E83 with its 11.70 meter twirl back in 2004, to the F25's modest 11.90 meter waltz from 2010 onwards, you'd be hard-pressed to spot the difference without a tape measure. Yet, as we reach the latest X3 G01/F97, it has blossomed to a full 12.00 meter turning circle. Though some might jest this makes U-turns a smidgen less snappy, it's a small price to pay for the vehicle's increased refinement and stature.

BMW X3 generations

(Turning circle)
BMW X3 generations
Generation yearTurning circle
X3, Model year 2004 (E83)11.7 m
X3, Model year 2006 (E83 (1. Facelift))11.7 m
X3, Model year 2010 (F25)11.9 m
X3, Model year 2014 (F25 (1. Facelift))11.9 m
X3, Model year 2017 (G01/F97)12 m
X3, Model year 2021 (X3 G01/F97 (1. Facelift))12 m
X3, Model year 2024 (X3 G45)12.2 m
1. X3, Model year 2004 (E83) 11.7 m
2. X3, Model year 2006 (E83 (1. Facelift)) 11.7 m
3. X3, Model year 2010 (F25) 11.9 m
4. X3, Model year 2014 (F25 (1. Facelift)) 11.9 m
5. X3, Model year 2017 (G01/F97) 12 m
6. X3, Model year 2021 (X3 G01/F97 (1. Facelift)) 12 m
7. X3, Model year 2024 (X3 G45) 12.2 m
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (E83) from 2004 and last generation (X3 G45) from 2024 is 0.5 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of X3 is 12.2 m.

The turning circle compared to other BMW models

In the family photo, the X3 might not seem the most agile, especially when you have the sprightly 2 Series Cabrio and its ilk pulling a 10.90 meter twirl on the dance floor. The more svelte Z4 Roadster barely stretches to 11.00 meters, which could embarrass the X3 at the vehicular disco. Yet, let's not be hasty; compared to the grander BMWs like the X5 with an ocean-liner-esque 12.60 meters, the X3's turning circle almost feels cheeky. It's a classic case of middle child syndrome, striking a balance between the smaller hatchbacks and the heftier SUVs.

BMW X3 vs other current cars by BMW

(Turning circle)
Turning circle: X3 vs. other models by BMW
Variant nameTurning circle
2{series} Coupé 10.9 m
2{series} Cabrio 10.9 m
2{series} M Performance Cabrio 10.9 m
Z4 M Performance Roadster 11 m
Z4 Roadster 11 m
3{series} Limousine 11.3 m
3{series} Touring 11.3 m
X2 11.3 m
4{series} Cabrio 11.4 m
4{series} Coupé 11.4 m
2{series} Active Tourer 11.4 m
1{series} 11.4 m
1{series} M Performance 11.4 m
2{series} M Performance Coupé 11.6 m
X1 11.7 m
X1 M Performance 11.7 m
8{series} Cabrio 11.9 m
8{series} Coupé 11.9 m
8{series} M Performance Cabrio 11.9 m
8{series} M Performance Coupé 11.9 m
i5 M Performance Limousine 11.9 m
i5 M Performance Touring 11.9 m
2{series} M2 Coupé 11.9 m
iX1 11.9 m
iX2 11.9 m
5{series} Limousine 12 m
5{series} Touring 12 m
3{series} M Performance Limousine 12 m
3{series} M Performance Touring 12 m
4{series} Gran Coupé 12 m
4{series} M Performance Cabrio 12 m
4{series} M Performance Coupé 12 m
4{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 12 m
X3 12 m
X3 M Performance 12 m
X4 12.1 m
X4 M Performance 12.1 m
iX3 12.1 m
8{series} M8 Cabrio 12.2 m
8{series} M8 Coupé 12.2 m
3{series} M3 CS Limousine 12.2 m
3{series} M3 Limousine 12.2 m
3{series} M3 Touring 12.2 m
4{series} M4 Coupé 12.2 m
4{series} M4 CSL Coupé 12.2 m
8{series} Gran Coupé 12.3 m
i5 Limousine 12.3 m
i5 Touring 12.3 m
7{series} 12.3 m
7{series} M Performance 12.3 m
6{series} GT 12.3 m
5{series} M Performance Limousine 12.4 m
i4 12.5 m
i4 M Performance 12.5 m
5{series} M5 CS Limousine 12.6 m
5{series} M5 Limousine 12.6 m
X5 12.6 m
X5 M Performance 12.6 m
X6 12.6 m
X6 M Performance 12.6 m
8{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 12.6 m
4{series} M4 Cabrio 12.6 m
X3 M 12.6 m
X4 M 12.6 m
X5 M 12.8 m
X6 M 12.8 m
iX 12.8 m
iX M Performance 12.8 m
8{series} M8 Gran Coupé 12.9 m
X7 13 m
X7 M Performance 13 m
i7 13.1 m
i7 M Performance 13.1 m
1. 2{series} Coupé 10.9 m
2. 2{series} Cabrio 10.9 m
3. 2{series} M Performance Cabrio 10.9 m
4. Z4 M Performance Roadster 11 m
5. Z4 Roadster 11 m
6. 3{series} Limousine 11.3 m
7. 3{series} Touring 11.3 m
8. X2 11.3 m
9. 4{series} Cabrio 11.4 m
10. 4{series} Coupé 11.4 m
11. 2{series} Active Tourer 11.4 m
12. 1{series} 11.4 m
13. 1{series} M Performance 11.4 m
14. 2{series} M Performance Coupé 11.6 m
15. X1 11.7 m
16. X1 M Performance 11.7 m
17. 8{series} Cabrio 11.9 m
18. 8{series} Coupé 11.9 m
19. 8{series} M Performance Cabrio 11.9 m
20. 8{series} M Performance Coupé 11.9 m
21. i5 M Performance Limousine 11.9 m
22. i5 M Performance Touring 11.9 m
23. 2{series} M2 Coupé 11.9 m
24. iX1 11.9 m
25. iX2 11.9 m
26. 5{series} Limousine 12 m
27. 5{series} Touring 12 m
28. 3{series} M Performance Limousine 12 m
29. 3{series} M Performance Touring 12 m
30. 4{series} Gran Coupé 12 m
31. 4{series} M Performance Cabrio 12 m
32. 4{series} M Performance Coupé 12 m
33. 4{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 12 m
34. X3 12 m
35. X3 M Performance 12 m
36. X4 12.1 m
37. X4 M Performance 12.1 m
38. iX3 12.1 m
39. 8{series} M8 Cabrio 12.2 m
40. 8{series} M8 Coupé 12.2 m
41. 3{series} M3 CS Limousine 12.2 m
42. 3{series} M3 Limousine 12.2 m
43. 3{series} M3 Touring 12.2 m
44. 4{series} M4 Coupé 12.2 m
45. 4{series} M4 CSL Coupé 12.2 m
46. 8{series} Gran Coupé 12.3 m
47. i5 Limousine 12.3 m
48. i5 Touring 12.3 m
49. 7{series} 12.3 m
50. 7{series} M Performance 12.3 m
51. 6{series} GT 12.3 m
52. 5{series} M Performance Limousine 12.4 m
53. i4 12.5 m
54. i4 M Performance 12.5 m
55. 5{series} M5 CS Limousine 12.6 m
56. 5{series} M5 Limousine 12.6 m
57. X5 12.6 m
58. X5 M Performance 12.6 m
59. X6 12.6 m
60. X6 M Performance 12.6 m
61. 8{series} M Performance Gran Coupé 12.6 m
62. 4{series} M4 Cabrio 12.6 m
63. X3 M 12.6 m
64. X4 M 12.6 m
65. X5 M 12.8 m
66. X6 M 12.8 m
67. iX 12.8 m
68. iX M Performance 12.8 m
69. 8{series} M8 Gran Coupé 12.9 m
70. X7 13 m
71. X7 M Performance 13 m
72. i7 13.1 m
73. i7 M Performance 13.1 m

How does the turning circle of the BMW X3 compare to it's nearest competitors?

Now, when you throw the X3 into the gladiatorial ring with its sparring partners, things get interesting. Take the Aiways U5—11.20 meters—if turning circles were a gymnastic event, it would be nimbly cartwheeling past the BMW. The Tesla Model Y and Audi Q8 e-tron, both stretching to a respectable 12.10 meters, sit pretty alongside the X3, close enough in spec to shake hands in a car park challenge. However, it's the VW ID.5, twirling away at 10.20 meters, that might provoke a furrowed brow from the BMW's engineers—clearly, the electric revolution has brought flexibility as well as frugality. Yet, for those fancying a bit more metal for their meterage, the lordly X7 thunders in with a vast 13.00 meters, making the X3 look positively dainty. When considering the wheelbases and lengths, it's evident that the BMW X3 strikes a harrowing balance between agility and bulk, keeping it competitive in a segment brimming with contenders vying for the crown of practicality with poise.

BMW X3 vs. similar cars

(Turning circle)
Turning circle: BMW X3 vs. similar cars
Car modelTurning circle
Ligier JS 60 20209.5 m
Peugeot 4008 201210.6 m
SsangYong Korando 201110.6 m
Hyundai Tucson 200410.8 m
Dodge Nitro 200711.1 m
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 201311.2 m
SsangYong Actyon 200611.2 m
Hyundai Santa Fe 200111.3 m
Hyundai ix55 200911.4 m
Infiniti QX30 201611.4 m
Cadillac XT4 202011.6 m
Ford Kuga 200811.6 m
Renault Koleos 200811.6 m
Mercedes-Benz GLB 201911.7 m
Mercedes-Benz GLC 201511.8 m
ALPINA XD3 201311.9 m
Ford Edge 201611.9 m
Jaguar E-Pace 201811.9 m
Volvo XC60 200811.9 m
Citroen C-Crosser 200712 m
BMW X5 200012.1 m
ALPINA XD4 201812.1 m
Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 200612.1 m
Subaru Solterra 202212.2 m
BMW X3 202412.2 m
Audi Q8 201813.3 m
1. Ligier JS 60 2020 9.5 m
2. Peugeot 4008 2012 10.6 m
3. SsangYong Korando 2011 10.6 m
4. Hyundai Tucson 2004 10.8 m
5. Dodge Nitro 2007 11.1 m
6. Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 11.2 m
7. SsangYong Actyon 2006 11.2 m
8. Hyundai Santa Fe 2001 11.3 m
9. Hyundai ix55 2009 11.4 m
10. Infiniti QX30 2016 11.4 m
11. Cadillac XT4 2020 11.6 m
12. Ford Kuga 2008 11.6 m
13. Renault Koleos 2008 11.6 m
14. Mercedes-Benz GLB 2019 11.7 m
15. Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 11.8 m
16. ALPINA XD3 2013 11.9 m
17. Ford Edge 2016 11.9 m
18. Jaguar E-Pace 2018 11.9 m
19. Volvo XC60 2008 11.9 m
20. Citroen C-Crosser 2007 12 m
21. BMW X5 2000 12.1 m
22. ALPINA XD4 2018 12.1 m
23. Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006 12.1 m
24. Subaru Solterra 2022 12.2 m
25. BMW X3 2024 12.2 m
26. Audi Q8 2018 13.3 m

Similar cars

Audi Q5
Turning circle:
-3% (11.8 m)


Compare
ALPINA XD3
Turning circle:
-1% (12.1 m)


Compare
ALPINA XD4
Turning circle:
-1% (12.1 m)


Compare
Cadillac XT4
Turning circle:
-5% (11.6 m)


Compare
Audi Q7
Turning circle:
+2% (12.4 m)


Compare
Audi Q8
Turning circle:
+9% (13.3 m)


Compare
Volvo XC90
Turning circle:
-1% (12.1 m)


Compare
Jaguar F-Pace
Turning circle:
0% (12.2 m)


Compare

Compare with ...

TOPlist