Lelit Mara X3 Review: The New Mara X with Pagaia Flow Control

What is the Lelit Mara X3?

The Lelit Mara X3 (PL62X3) is a home espresso machine released in early 2026. It is made in Italy where Lelit has been designing and manufacturing machines for almost 40 years.

The Mara X3 is the third version of Lelit's popular Mara X line. The Mara X3 keeps all the impressive features that made the V2 (PL62X) such a popular machine; the Dual Probe PID heat exchanger system, the L58E group head and X-Mode. It then adds meaningful upgrades, most importantly Pagaia, Lelit's built-in electronic flow control system, a new 3-hole steam nozzle and a quieter pump. It's one of the strongest options in the premium home espresso machine category available in Ireland in 2026.

Lelit Mara X3 Specs & Dimensions

Pagaia Flow Control - What it is and Why it Matters

Pagaia is Lelit's patented electronic flow control system and it is the headline upgrade of the Mara X3. The name comes from the Italian word for "paddle" - a reference to the lever mounted on the side of the machine you use to control it.

Pagaia is a notable feature because of how it works: instead of a mechanical valve that physically restricts the water path, Pagaia controls the pump itself electronically. Pagaia adjusts how much power the pump receives in real time as you turn the lever. Rotating clockwise increases pump power up to 100%; rotating anti-clockwise reduces it. The result is smooth, immediate and precise. Changes in flow and the resulting pressure are shown on the machine's built-in double manometer in real time.

On the previous Lelit MaraX V2 machine, adding flow control required an additional modification that was also costly - on the Mara X3 Pagaia is built in. If you want to use it like a standard fixed-pressure machine, simply leave the lever at full power, it doesn't add complexity unless you want it to.

The L58E Group Head & X-Mode

The Mara X3 espresso machine uses Lelit's own L58E group head - a 58mm thermosiphon-heated group with mechanical pre-infusion built into the lever operation. Standard 58mm filter baskets (including third-party IMS baskets) are fully compatible; portafilter handles and bottomless portafilters need to be L58E-specific due to Lelit's lug pattern. The Dual Probe PID maintains brew temperature within approximately 2°.

X-Mode is the Mara X line's most distinctive feature and is now part of the Mara X3. Standard heat exchanger machines run in a way that requires a "cooling flush" prior to brewing. This is the process of purging overheated water from the group head to stabilize the water temperature for brewing. The Mara X's Dual Probe PID works by monitoring both the steam boiler and the group independently, this allows for precise control over the brew temperature, the result is no cooling flush needed, and consistent brew temperatures across back-to-back shots.

Two X-Mode settings are selectable via a button on the machine thanks to the Dual Probe PID:

• X-Mode Coffee: Optimises thermal stability for espresso extraction.
• X-Mode Steam: Keeps the boiler hotter to maximise steam output - better for consecutive milk based drinks.

A three-position temperature configuration button lets you match brew temperature (warm, hot, extra hot) to your roast level.

Design & Heat-Up Time

The new Mara X3 espresso machine has an impressive heat-up time of 15 minutes, great for anyone in a hurry in the morning. This is a significant improvement compared to the MaraX V2 which has a 24 minute heat-up time.

Aesthetically, the Lelit Mara X3 (V3) is the first product in Lelit's new visual design language developed with Design Group Italia. Key changes include: zebrano wood details on the Pagaia lever, knobs, portafilter handle and tamper; new wooden cylindrical feet for stability and an added aesthetic appeal; a redesigned drip tray for easier cleaning; and a new portafilter with a metal core and extended handle for better balance.

Lelit have also made multiple colour options available - stainless steel, black and white - they all deliver identical performance and are sure to add a sleek aesthetic to your coffee station.

Mara X V2 vs V3 - What Changed?

The core brewing system remains the same between the Lelit Mara X V2 and the Lelit Mara X3 - the same Dual Probe PID, the same L58E group and the same X-Mode. The V2 is still a capable machine but the case for the V3 comes down to Pagaia, plus the improved heat-up time, upgraded steam nozzle and new design language.

Mara X3 vs Lelit Bianca - Which is right for you?

The Lelit Bianca V3 is Lelit's staple dual boiler machine - it has fully independent brew and steam PID controllers, a rotary pump, a mechanical flow control paddle and a built-in shot timer. Two separate boilers mean you can steam at full power without affecting brew temperature, this matters when you are making back-to-back milk drinks. The Lelit Bianca is also at a higher price point than the Mara X3.

The Mara X3 is more compact, heats up faster from cold and now includes electronic flow control as standard. For one or two people making a handful of drinks per session, the HX system with Dual Probe PID performs to a very high standard.

Choose the Bianca if you make a lot of milk drinks back-to-back and want fully independent boiler control. Choose the Mara X3 if you want excellent espresso with built-in flow control, faster heat-up, and a smaller footprint at a lower price.

What is the Lelit Mara X3 missing?

There are some considerations that we would like to note about the machine to ensure you are as informed as possible:

• No shot timer - there is no built-in shot timer on the Lelit Mara X3. You will need your own scales or a separate timer to track your extraction time.
• L58E accessories - the L58E portafilter handles require L58E specific accessories, this is something to be mindful of before purchasing barista tools.
• Single HX boiler - this is still a HX machine with the associated workflow considerations and is less suited to high volume consecutive milk drinks than a dual-boiler

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mara X3 Lelit's best espresso machine?

Within the Lelit range, the Bianca V3 sits above the Mara X3 in terms of boiler architecture (dual vs single) and retail price. The Mara X3 is however Lelit's most capable heat exchanger machine and the current flagship of the Mara line. For most home users, it offers everything they need and more.

Verdict - Lelit Mara X3 PL62X3

A well-evidenced recommendation for the serious home baristas.

The Mara X3 is a genuine upgrade from the Mara X V2. Pagaia flow control is now built-in and is standard. The steam nozzle is stronger, the pump quieter, and the heat-up time meaningfully faster. The core brewing system - Dual Probe PID, L58e group and X-Mode - remains the same as it was working well for the V2.

It's not the right machine for everyone. High-volume milk drink setups or those wanting fully independent boiler control will be more satisfied with the Bianca. But for most home baristas looking for a premium heat exchanger espresso machine in Ireland in 2026, the Lelit Mara X3 is one of the strongest options on the market.

Interested in buying the Mara X3 PL62X3? Email us at info@homecoffeemachines.ie for your exclusive Lelit Mara X3 discount code!