| BMW X3 | |
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Production: | 2003–present |
| Class: | Compact luxury crossover SUV (D) |
| Body Style: | 5-door SUV |
The BMW X3 is an SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. Starting with the third generation, BMW South Africa's Rosslyn plant began production of the X3, alongside the Spartanburg plant, after the facility underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually.[1]
The car was the first mid-size, premium SUV on the market.[2] In 2008, BMW started competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (renamed GLC-Class since 2016), and numerous other SUVs in this segment. The X3 is smaller than the X5 and X6, and bigger than the X1 and the X2.
An all-electric variant is sold as the BMW iX3.
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| First generation | |
| Model Code: | E83 |
| Production: | August 2003 – August 2010[3] [4] |
| Layout: | Longitudinally mounted, front engine, four-wheel drive |
| Platform: | BMW L2 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic and manual |
| Wheelbase: | 27951NaN1 |
| Length: | NaN1NaN1 |
| Width: | 18551NaN1 |
| Height: | NaN1NaN1 |
| Designer: | Pascal Tanghe[5] |
The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform. The E83 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria who also manufactured all first-generation X3s under contract to BMW.
As a precursor to the X3, in 2003 BMW presented the xActivity concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show featuring the 3 Series platform and a fixed-profile convertible body style with reinforced longitudinal rails connect the A-pillars to the rear of the car on both sides, eliminating B- or C-pillars.
The X3 premiered in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), sharing its rear suspension with the E46 330xi and using an automatic four-wheel drive system marketed as xDrive. All X3 models feature BMW's all-wheel drive system, with a default 40:60 torque split between the front and rear axles and the ability to direct all torque to either axle. The system used an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to enable infinitely adjustable, fully variable distribution of torque from front to rear with the capability of up to 100 per cent of engine torque going to either axle. BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's descriptor for its X-line of vehicles.
The X3 was conceived to combine the agility of a compact model with the driving experience of the company's X5. The X3 featured an upright, high H-point seating configuration, marketed as "command seating". Styling exhibited interacting concave and convex surfacing, characteristic for the company at the time along with a reinterpreted Hofmeister kink.
BMW upgraded the model in 2005 and facelifted the model in 2007, with revised body bumpers, engine, interior trim, and suspension.
The X3 3.0i won the Canadian Car of the Year Best Sports Utility Vehicle award for 2005. The X3 was initially criticised for its harsh ride, austere interior, lack of off-road capability and high price.[6]
U.S-spec X3 models were well-equipped, with standard equipment such as: the BMW Business A/M-F/M-CD radio (with optional dealer-activated Bluetooth functionality for wireless phones), an eight-speaker premium audio system, leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, aluminium interior trim accents, keyless entry, and seventeen-inch (17") aluminium-alloy wheels. Optional equipment included a ten-speaker premium audio system with Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Sirius Satellite Radio, a dashboard-mounted colour GPS navigational system that replaced the upper dashboard storage compartment and contained a modified version of BMW's "iDrive" multimedia system, eighteen-inch (and later nineteen-inch) aluminium-alloy wheels, Nevada leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a security system, BMW Assist, a panoramic dual-pane moonroof, Xenon front headlamps with adaptive front headlamps, and sport front bucket seats.
For 2006, the U.S.-spec X3 lost its 2.5L M54 inline 6-cylinder engine for the 2.5i model. The only model available from 2006 onwards for the U.S.-spec X3 was the 3.0L M54 inline 6-cylinder engine (later, the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine) and the 3.0i model (later, 3.0Si or xDrive30i). This further increased the X3's base price.
In September 2006, the E83 received a facelift with revised headlights, grille, front bumper, tail lights, rear bumper, and interior.
For the 2007 model year, the US market X3 was powered by the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. Internationally, the X3 received smaller engines including the 4-cylinder petrol and diesel options. In Europe, the range started with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, a 4cyl. turbo diesel and continues with 6-cylinder turbo & bi-turbo diesels. The largest diesel offered was the sport diesel with 2100NaN0.
U.S. market 2006 X3's were equipped with a version of the 'M' technik body kit with unpainted door sills and wheel arches. U.S. spec Sport Package 2006 X3's received the full 'M' body kit (with painted front, side and rear plastic) available internationally as a factory accessory. 2.5i was removed for sale from the U.S. and Adaptive headlamps and a panoramic sunroof were made available, as well as upgraded dashboard components and leather seating.
Since September 2008, the Edition Exclusive and Edition lifestyle were available. The M-Sport Package was replaced in March 2009 by the Sport Limited Edition.
Pre-facelift styling
Post-facelift styling
| Adult Occupant: | ||
| Child Occupant: | ||
| Pedestrian: |
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i,xDrive20i | 2005–2010 | 2.0 L N46 straight-4 | 110abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 6200 rpm | 200Nm at 3750 rpm | 11.5 s | 1980NaN0 | |
| 2.5i | 2004–2006 | 2.5 L M54 straight-6 | 141abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 6000 rpm | 245Nm at 3500 rpm | 8.9 s (MT) / 9.8 s (AT) | 2080NaN0 | |
| 2.5si, xDrive25i | 2006–2010 | 2.5 L N52 straight-6 | 160abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 6500 rpm | 250Nm at 2750–4250 rpm | 8.5 s (MT) / 8.9 s (AT) | 2210NaN0 (MT) / 2200NaN0 (AT) | |
| 3.0i | 2004–2006 | 3.0 L M54 straight-6 | 170abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 5900 rpm | 300Nm at 3500 rpm | 7.8 s (MT) / 8.1 s (AT) | 2240NaN0 (MT) / 2100NaN0 (AT) | |
| 3.0si, xDrive30i | 2006–2010 | 3.0 L N52 straight-6 | 200abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 6650 rpm | 315Nm at 2750 rpm | 7.2 s (MT) / 7.5 s (AT) | 2320NaN0 (AT) / 2280NaN0 (MT) |
| Model | Years | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive18d | 2009–2010 | 2.0 L N47 straight-4 | 110abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4000 rpm | 350Nm at 1750 rpm | 10.3 s | 1950NaN0 | |
| 2.0d, xDrive20d | 2005–2007 | 2.0 L M47 straight-4 | 110abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4000 rpm | 330Nm at 2000 rpm | 10.2 s | 1980NaN0 | |
| 2007–2010 | 2.0 L N47 straight-4 | 130abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4000 rpm | 350Nm at 1750–3000 rpm | 8.9 s (MT) / 9.2 s (AT) | 2060NaN0 (MT) / 2050NaN0 (AT) | ||
| 3.0d, xDrive30d | 2003–2004 | 3.0 L M57 straight-6 | 150abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4000 rpm | 410Nm at 1500–3250 rpm | 7.9 s (MT) / 8.2 s (AT) | 2180NaN0 (MT) / 2150NaN0 (AT) | |
| 2004–2010 | 3.0 L M57 straight-6 | 160abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4000 rpm | 500Nm at 1750–2750 rpm | 7.4 s (MT) / 7.7 s (AT) | 2100NaN0 | ||
| 3.0sd, xDrive35d | 2006–2010 | 3.0 L M57 straight-6 | 210abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 4400 rpm | 580Nm at 1750–2250 rpm | 6.4 s | 2400NaN0 |
The X3 Cross Country, also known as the X3 CC is an X3 prepared for rally raid competition.[8] [9] It features a 2.9-litre inline-6 (debore and destroked M57TU2D30 engine from 3.0 litre to 2.9-litre), twin turbocharged diesel engine.[10]
| Second generation | |
| Model Code: | F25 |
| Production: | September 2010 – August 2017 |
| Designer: | Erik Goplen (2006)[11] |
| Platform: | BMW L7[12] |
| Wheelbase: | 28101NaN1 |
| Length: | 46521NaN1 |
| Width: | 18841NaN1 |
| Height: | 17131NaN1 |
The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3. The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.[13] [14] [15] For this generation, production moved from Magna Steyr in Austria to at BMW's United States plant in Greer, South Carolina.[16] Production started on 1 September 2010,[17] and ended in August 2017.[18]
Dimensions-wise, the F25-based X3 is almost as large as the original E53 series X5.[19] At launch, all models use all-wheel drive, badged as xDrive. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission. The emission standard for all engines was Euro 5, until the June 2014 LCI facelift when all diesels became Euro 6.[20] A rear-wheel drive only model called sDrive was added to the range in some markets in 2012.[21]
M Performance Parts were released in the facelift and can be installed to all models. These include carbon fibre mirrors, a sport steering wheel, M rims, black kidney grilles and Aluminium pedals. 30d models also get a power boost kit making 27 hp more (286 hp) and 18d and 20d models can be fitted with a dual exhaust.
Europe
UK models went on sale on 18 November 2010. Early UK models included the xDrive20d.[22] xDrive30d was added in April 2011.[23] xDrive35d was added from September 2011.[24] sDrive18d was added on 20 August 2012.[25] From Spring 2013, the latest generation of BMW Professional Navigation System became available.[26]
North America
US models arrived in US BMW Centres by the end of 2010 as 2011 model year vehicles. Early US models included xDrive28i, xDrive35i.[27] In 2013 model year (produced in April 2012 and delivered in May 2012), a turbo four cylinder xDrive28i was introduced as replacement for the inline six xDrive28i, with new features such as standard Auto Start/Stop, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, New Driver Assistance Package (includes Lane Departure Warning).[28] All US market vehicles come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
For 2011, the F25 X3 is available in the US, only with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine either normally aspirated or with a twin-scroll turbocharger.
In 2012, the F25 X3 xDrive28i model's 3.0L naturally-aspired inline six-cylinder gasoline engine was replaced by the 2.0L TwinPower twin-scroll, single-turbo inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that was first introduced on the BMW 3 Series (F30), the BMW N20, more specifically coded N20B20O0.[29] A rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i model joined the X3 model line-up, marking the first non-xDrive BMW SAV to ever be sold in the United States.
In 2013, the F25 X3 xDrive28d model joined the X3 line-up, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder diesel engine, again first introduced on the BMW 3 Series (F30). As of 2017, the xDrive28d model of the F25 X3 is no longer available for sale in the United States.
In 2014 for the 2015 model year, the F25 received an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift. Changes include new modified twin circular headlights (optional LED headlights), redesigned kidney grille, new front, and rear bumpers, and exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators; a centre console with the optional automatic climate control system in high-gloss black-panel look, new cup holders with a sliding cover for the centre console, new exterior colours, upholstery designs, interior trim strips, and light-alloy wheels; new xLine equipment package, optional Smart Opener for the automatic tailgate and storage packages.
The vehicle was unveiled in 84th Geneva International Motor Show 2014,[30] followed by 114th New York International Auto Show 2014 (xDrive28d).[31] [32]
BMW X3 20d diesel was reported to exceed EU Limit Euro 6 by over 11 times.[33] [34] [35] On 24 September 2015, BMW denied this report in a statement.[36]
Pre-facelift styling
Post-facelift styling
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive20i, xDrive20i | 2011–2017 | 2.0 L N20 straight-4 turbo | 1350NaN0 at 5,000–6,250 rpm | 2700NaN0 at 1,250–4,500 rpm | 8.5 s | 2100NaN0 | |
| xDrive28i | 2011–2012 | 3.0 L N52 straight-6 (N.A.) | 1790NaN0 at 6,600 rpm | 3000NaN0 at 2,750 rpm | 6.5 s | 2300NaN0 | |
| 2012–2017 | 2.0 L N20 straight-4 turbo | 242hp at 5,000 rpm | 3500NaN0 at 1,250–4,800 rpm | 6.5 s | 2300NaN0 | ||
| xDrive35i | 2011–2017 | 3.0 L N55 straight-6 turbo | 2250NaN0 at 5,800 rpm | 4000NaN0 at 1,200–5,000 rpm | 5.9 s | 2450NaN0 |
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive18d | 2012–2014 | 2.0 L N47 straight-4 turbo | 1050NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 3600NaN0 at 1,750–2,500 rpm | 9.9 s | 1950NaN0 | |
| 2015–2017 | 2.0 L B47 straight-4 turbo | 1100NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 3600NaN0 at 1,500–2,250 rpm | 9.5 s | 195km/h | ||
| xDrive20d | 2011–2012 | 2.0 L N47 straight-4 turbo | 1350NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 3800NaN0 at 1,750–2,750 rpm | 8.3 s | 2100NaN0 | |
| 2015–2017 | 2.0 L B47 straight-4 turbo | 1400NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 4000NaN0 at 1,750–2,250 rpm | 8.1 s | 2100NaN0 | ||
| xDrive28d (U.S. only*) | 2015–2017 | 2.0 L N47 straight-4 turbo | 1340NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 3800NaN0 at 1,750–2,750 rpm | 7.0 s | 2100NaN0 | |
| xDrive30d | 2011–2017 | 3.0 L N57 straight-6 turbo | 1900NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 5600NaN0 at 2,000–2,750 rpm | 6.2 s | 2300NaN0 | |
| xDrive35d | 2011–2017 | 3.0 L N57 straight-6 turbo | 2300NaN0 at 4,400 rpm | 6300NaN0 at 1,500–2,500 rpm | 5.5 s | 2440NaN0 |
* United States only. The xDrive28d used the four-cylinder engine from the European-specification xDrive20d models. Vehicles with Diesel engine sold in the United States were since end of 2008 equipped with selective catalysator using Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx emissions, while vehicles sold in Europe had a bypass exhaust pipe only.[40]
| Third generation | |
| Production: | August 2017[41] – present |
| Designer: | Calvin Luk[42] |
| Platform: | BMW CLAR platform |
| Wheelbase: | 28641NaN1 |
| Length: | 47081NaN1 |
| Width: | 18911NaN1 |
| Height: | 16761NaN1 |
| Battery: | 12 kWh lithium ion (PHEV) 80 kWh lithium ion (iX3) |
The third generation is codenamed G01 and was unveiled in June 2017. Designed by Calvin Luk, BMW's Australian designer,[43] drivetrains include two 2.0-litre diesel units known as B47, a next-generation 3.0-litre diesel engine (B57), and a petrol variant (B58): a gasoline-powered, turbo-charged straight-six with a displacement of 2,998 cc and a plug-in hybrid.[44]
Technology is shared with the BMW 5 Series (G30), such as gesture control (optional), LED exterior and interior lighting, and the BMW iDrive 6.0 system with a 12.5-inch touch-screen monitor for navigation systems. Depending on the model, the new X3 is as much as 550NaN0 lighter than a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous X3 generation.
In July 2018, BMW introduced the ability to option the X3 with the sDrive intelligent rear-wheel drive system.[45]
In 2019, the X3 xDrive 30e (which shares its powertrain and platform with the G20 330e xDrive) iPerformance model was introduced, sharing its engine with the X3 sDrive20i/xDrive20i and a 500NaN0 electric motor, it has a maximum electric range of NaNmiles.[46] It has a 12 kWh battery (9.6 kWh usable) along with a newly developed system called "XtraBoost" allowing a temporary power increase from the electric motor of up to 300NaN0.[47]
All 18–40 and iX3 models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. These include carbon fibre mirrors.
In 2019, BMW introduced the X3 M and X3 M Competition (F97), being the first time an X3 had a full M version. The X3 M is fitted with a 3.0 L S58 straight-six that produced 473 horsepower with the Competition models producing 503 horsepower.[48] [49]
Full M models can be fitted with full M specific M Performance Parts. These include a spoiler, sport steering wheel, carbon fibre vents and kidney grilles.
| Model | Years | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive20i/xDrive20i | 2018– | 2.0 L B48 straight-4 | 1350NaN0 at 5000 rpm | 2900NaN0 at 1,350–4,250 rpm | 8.4 s | 215km/h | |
| xDrive30e | 2020– | 2.0 L B48 straight-4 with electric motor | 1850NaN0 | 4200NaN0 | 6.1 s | 210km/h | |
| sDrive30ixDrive30i | 2018– | 2.0 L B48 straight-4 | 1850NaN0 at 5200 rpm | 3500NaN0 at 1,520–4,800 rpm | 6.6 s6.4 s | 235km/h 240km/h | |
| M40i | 2018–2019 | 3.0 L B58 straight-6 | 2650NaN0 at 5,500–6,500 rpm | 5000NaN0 at 1,520–4,800 rpm | 4.9 s | 250km/h | |
| 2020– | 2850NaN0 at 5,800–6,500 rpm | 4950NaN0 at 1,520–4,800 rpm | 4.9 s | 250km/h | |||
| X3 M | 2019– | 3.0 L S58 straight-6 | 3530NaN0 at 6,250 rpm | 6000NaN0 at 2,600–5,600 rpm | 4.0 s | 250km/h | |
| X3 M Comp. | 3750NaN0 at 6,250 rpm | 6000NaN0 at 2,600–5,600 rpm | 3.7 s | 250km/h |
| Model | Years | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive18d | 2018– | 2.0 L B47 straight-4 | 1120NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 3500NaN0 at 1,500–2,500 rpm | 9.4 s | 1980NaN0 |
| xDrive20d | 2018– | 1400NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 4000NaN0 at 1,750–2,500 rpm | 7.9 s* | 220km/h | |
| xDrive30d | 2018– | 3.0 L B57 straight-6 | 1950NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 6200NaN0 at 2,000–2,500 rpm | 5.7 s | 245km/h |
| M40d | 2018– | 2350NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 6800NaN0 at 1,750–2,250 rpm | 4.9 s | 250km/h |
In June 2021, the mid-life facelift for the X3 was revealed, with production beginning the following month in July. Headlights receive slight tinting, and the taillights are completely redone. The bumper is redone, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system is available for all trims in the United Kingdom.[53]
The Alpina XD3 made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The XD3 is fitted with an Alpina-modified version of BMW's B57 diesel inline-six engine. In the quad-turbo left-hand drive version, the engine outputs 2850NaN0 and 7700NaN0, giving a 0–1000NaN0 time of 4.6 s and a top speed of 2660NaN0. In the bi-turbo right-hand drive version, the engine outputs 2450NaN0 and 7000NaN0, giving it a 0–1000NaN0 time of 4.9 s and a top speed of 2540NaN0.
The BMW iX3 (model code G08) is a battery electric version of the BMW X3 (G01).[54] It was presented at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show in April as a concept vehicle, it is the third car of the electric-focused BMW i family and the first battery electric BMW SUV. Production began in September 2020 at BMW's factory in Dadong, Shenyang, China.[55] [56] It will not be available in Taiwan, United States, and Canada, reportedly due to the vehicle's limited range and sole rear-wheel-drive configuration for the North American market.[57] [58]
The production version of the BMW iX3 was unveiled in July 2020. It has an 80 kWh battery pack with 73.83 kWh[59] usable capacity, which delivers up to 460km (290miles) of range based on the WLTP. The iX3 is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle that produces 2100NaN0 and accelerates from NaN0NaN0 in 6.8 seconds. It has an electronically limited top speed of 1800NaN0.[60]
The electric powertrain is BMW's fifth-generation scalable electric drivetrain that is distinguished by a more compact design than that used by the BMW i3 with the electric motor, transmission, and power electrics grouped together in a single component. It does not feature rare-earth materials in its construction and allows BMW to significantly reduce production costs over the old model.[61] The batteries consists of 188 prismatic cells and are positioned on the floor, lowering the centre of gravity by 75 mm.[60] Supported for 150 kW DC fast charging, the iX3 can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in 34 minutes or 100km (100miles) in 10 minutes. It has 510L of boot space, 40L smaller than in a conventional X3.[55]
It features adaptive flat LED headlights, 19-inch bi-colour wheels, three-dimensional LED taillights, it also features a BMW Live Cockpit Professional along with a 12-inch digital display and a 12-inch central touch screen and leather seats.[62]
| Fourth generation | |
| Model Code: | G45 |
| Production: | 2024- (to commence) |
| Wheelbase: | 28651NaN1 |
| Length: | 47551NaN1 |
| Width: | 19201NaN1 |
| Height: | 16601NaN1 |
The fourth generation of the X3 was officially unveiled on 19 June 2024 and set to commence production later in 2024, with a planned market launch in North America in the final quarter of 2024.[63]
[64]On 18 June 2008, the 500,000th X3 was produced in Graz.
| Calendar year | Total production | US sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 92,248[65] | 34,604 |
| 2005 | 110,719 | 30,769[66] |
| 2006 | 114,000 | 31,291 |
| 2007 | 111,879[67] | 28,058[68] |
| 2008 | 84,440[69] | 17,622 |
| 2009 | 55,634[70] | 6,067[71] |
| 2010 | 46,004[72] | 6,075[73] |
| 2011 | 117,944 | 27,793[74] |
| 2012 | 149,853 | 35,173[75] |
| 2013 | 157,303 | 30,623 |
| 2014 | 150,915[76] | 33,824[77] |
| 2015 | 137,810 | 31,924[78] |
| 2016 | 157,017[79] | 44,196[80] |
| 2017 | 146,395[81] | 40,691[82] |
| 2018 | 201,637[83] | 61,351[84] |
| 2019 | 316,883[85] | 70,110[86] |
| 2020 | 292,328 | 59,777[87] |
| 2021 | N/A[88] | 75,858[89] |
| 2022 | 65,799 |