First generation (E83; 2003–2010)
The premiere of the car took place in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As a precursor to the X3, in 2003 BMW introduced the xActivity concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show with the 3 Series platform. All X3 models are equipped with an all-wheel drive system with torque distributed by default 40:60 between the front and rear axles and the ability to direct all the torque to any axle.
BMW updated the model in 2005 and redesigned the model in 2007 with body changes, engines, suspension and interior trim. Over a seven-year period, about 600 thousand cars were sold.
There were five modifications of gasoline engines with a volume of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 liters with a capacity of 148, 181, 215, 228 and 268 hp. Diesel six modifications with a volume of 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 liters with a capacity of 148 to 282 hp. There are two transmission options - 6-speed automatic or manual.
Second generation (F25; 2010–2017)
The car was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. For the second generation, production moved from Austria to BMW's American plant in Greer, South Carolina, where the first vehicle was released on September 1, 2010. All models use all-wheel drive, called xDrive. In 2012, a rear wheel drive model called sDrive was added in some countries. The ground clearance was increased by 12 mm and the wheelbase was increased by 15 mm. Over the entire period, over 900 thousand cars were built.
Four gasoline engines were used - two 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engines with a capacity of 135 and 180 hp, and two 6-cylinder in-line engines with a volume of 3.0 liters with a capacity of 179 and 225 hp. There are also four diesel engines - two 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engines with a capacity of 105 and 135 hp, and two 6-cylinder in-line engines with a volume of 3.0 liters with a capacity of 190 and 230 hp. In 2014, the engine range was updated, the volumes remained the same, they increased power due to turbocharging. The emission standard for all engines is Euro 5. Transmissions are two - a six-speed manual or an eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission.
In 2014, the F25 was restyled. Changes include new modified twin circle headlights, a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers, exterior mirrors with integrated turn indicators, a center console with optional automatic climate control, new exterior colors and other small touches. The car was unveiled at the 84th Geneva International Auto Show in 2014 and later at the 114th New York International Auto Show in 2014.
Third generation (G01; 2018–present time)
The next generation will feature a new design created by Australian designer Calvin Look. A new version, codenamed G01, was introduced in June 2017. The engine is located at the front with all-wheel drive, but there is also a purely rear-wheel drive model. The car will also be available with a hybrid powertrain.
The third generation X3 will also receive new technologies BMW 5 Series (G30), such as gesture control, external and internal LED lighting, and the latest iDrive system with a wide touch screen for navigation systems.
Three petrol engines - 2.0, 3.0 (l4) and 4.0 (l6) liters with a capacity of 181, 249 and 355 hp Diesel two - volume 2.0 (l4) and 3.0 (l6) liters with a capacity of 187 and 261 hp Transmission 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP.