BMW X3 vs MG HS
What's the difference?

BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

MG HS

$21,977 - $53,690

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Mercedes-Benz E53

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Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

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Mercedes-Benz GLA35

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Summary

2026 BMW X3

2025 MG HS

By Mark Oastler

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Packed with equipment
Much-improved drive
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

Beeping driver monitoring
Expensive servicing
No USB-C ports

2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

View full pricing & specs

2025 MG HS Summary

The meteoric rise of the Chinese-owned MG brand continues with the HS, a family-focused SUV stepping into the most hotly contested segment in Australia.

When the first generation HS arrived in December 2019, it should have been MG’s big sales driver, yet it sat in the shadows of the cut-price MG3 hatch and ZS small SUV as they lifted the storied MG badge into Australia’s overall top-10 sellers.

The HS has so far been MG’s missing link and that’s down to the segment being full of such strong name plates such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The mid-size SUV has also been the focus of other strong value rivals that were better, namely the GWM Haval H6.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW X3 2025 MG HS

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Verdict

There are a few niggles with the latest MG HS, for example the annoying driver-attention monitoring and expensive maintenance costs. We’ve not had a full sample of its open-road performance yet either, which may prove more telling.

Yet the HS is shaping up to be one of the most successful product updates of recent years, second only to, I don’t know, the MG3? The family SUV is also backed by a 10-year warranty and, despite the drastic improvements, doesn’t cost a whole lot more than before.

The entry-level Vibe is our pick, there's no need to spend more. It features all manner of safety equipment and a quiet drive but with cloth upholstery that doesn't get all sticky and sweaty in the Australian climate.

The end of 2024 is the tipping point where MG goes from cheap and cheerful to a real headache for established players. Perhaps not for the strongest in the segment like the RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail, but the HS is now an easy car to recommend for a family looking for a spacious SUV that drives their dollar further. The hybrid will boost appeal further when it arrives next year.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

BMW X3 vs MG HS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X3 vs MG HS
What's the difference?