History and description cars BMW X3

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover that belongs to the J-segment according to the European classification (Sports utility vehicle or SUV), produced by the German company BMW since 2003. It is based on the platform 3 Series. The engine is located longitudinally at the front with all-wheel drive. The main competitors of the car are Audi Q5, Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mercedes-Benz GLK-class, Infiniti EX, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Murano.

First generation (E83; 2003–2010)

The car's premiere took place in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As a precursor to the X3, BMW unveiled the xActivity concept car at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, using the 3 Series platform. All X3 models feature an all-wheel drive system with a default 40:60 torque distribution between the front and rear axles, with the ability to direct all torque to either axle.

BMW updated the model in 2005 and modernized the model in 2007, changing the body, engines, suspension and interior trim. Over a seven-year period, approximately 600,000 cars were sold.

There were five petrol engine modifications with a volume of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 liters and a power of 148, 181, 215, 228 and 268 hp. There were six diesel engine modifications with a volume of 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 liters and a power from 148 to 282 hp. There were two transmission options - a 6-speed automatic or a manual gearbox.

Second generation (F25; 2010–2017)

The car was unveiled 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 car was rolled out on September 1, 2010. All models feature all-wheel drive, called xDrive. In 2012, a rear-wheel drive model called sDrive was added in some markets. Ground clearance was increased by 12 mm and the wheelbase by 15 mm. Over the entire period, over 900 thousand cars were produced.

Four gasoline engines were used: two 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines with outputs of 135 and 180 hp, and two 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engines with outputs of 179 and 225 hp. There were also four diesel engines: two 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines with outputs of 105 and 135 hp, and two 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engines with outputs of 190 and 230 hp. In 2014, the engine lineup was updated; displacements remained the same, but power was increased through turbocharging. The emission standard for all engines is Euro 5. There are two transmissions: a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission ZF 8HP.

In 2014, the F25 was restyled. Changes include new modified dual circular headlights, a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a center console with an optional automatic climate control system, new exterior colors, and other details. The car was unveiled at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show in 2014 and then at the 114th New York International Auto Show in 2014.

Safety testing of some cars

Third generation (G01; 2017–2024)

The next generation will feature a new design created by Australian designer Calvin Look. The new version, codenamed G01, was unveiled in June 2017. It features a front-engine, all-wheel drive, and a 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, exterior and interior LED lighting, and the latest iDrive system with a wide touchscreen for navigation systems. In July 2018, it became possible to order the X3 with the intelligent sDrive rear-wheel drive system.

There are three petrol engines with a capacity of 2.0, 3.0 (l4) and 4.0 (l6) liters, with a capacity of 181, 249 and 355 hp. There are two diesel engines with a capacity of 2.0 (l4) and 3.0 (l6) liters, with a capacity of 187 and 261 hp. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP.

The car received an update in June 2021, and production of the 2022 models began in July 2021. The headlights were slightly modified, but the taillights were completely redesigned. The bumper was also changed.

In 2020, the all-electric iX3, codenamed G08, was released. It was first unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show and became the company's first electric SUV. Its production began in September 2020. The car is equipped with an 80 kWh battery, which provides a range of approximately 460 km according to the WLTP cycle. The electric motor produces 210 kW (282 hp).

BMW X3 G01, trunk

BMW X3 G01, control panel

BMW X3 G01, rear seats

Fourth generation (G45; 2024-presenttime)

Fourth generation production with code G45 began in August 2024. Sales began at the end of the year as a 2025 model. The car is built on the BMW Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and uses mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The electric version of the iX3 (NA5) is built on the Neue Klasse platform. The X3 G45 is manufactured at BMW Group's factories in Spartanburg (USA) and the Rosslyn industrial suburb of Akasia (South Africa). The design was developed by a team of designers led by Domagoj Dukec.

The standard body is 4,755 mm long with a 2,865 mm wheelbase, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,660 mm high. An extended body version (X3 L, G48) is also available, measuring 4,865 mm long with a 2,975 mm wheelbase. The maximum trunk volume is 1,700 liters. The front end features contour lighting and an enlarged radiator grille. The rear end is entirely inspired by the Neue Klasse X concept. Inside, there are two digital displays – a 12.3-inch one for the instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch one for the iDrive 9 infotainment system, which is based on BMW Operating System 9 and, for the first time, uses the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.

Standard features include: 5G connectivity in select markets, ambient lighting with animation, auto-dimming driver-side and interior rearview mirrors, voice control, Comfort Access, full leather interior with Econeer upholstery, heated front seats, power front seats, power folding exterior mirrors, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone charging. The car is also equipped with a variety of safety and driver assistance systems. Available as options: augmented reality system, BMW Head-Up Display, adaptive suspension, Harman Kardon surround sound system, heated rear seats and steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, electric lumbar support for the front seats.

All models except one have a mild hybrid configuration with 2.0-liter gasoline engines (1998 cm³, B48, 189 hp) and 3.0 liters (2998 cm³, B58, 375/393 hp), as well as diesel engines - 2.0 liters (1995 cm³, B47, 188 hp) and 3.0 liters (2993 cm³, B57, 315 hp). The transmission is an 8-speed automatic "ZF 8HP". The "30e" model uses a plug-in hybrid drive with a 2.0-liter "B48" turbocharged petrol engine producing 195 hp (450 Nm), and an electric motor producing 181 hp (249 Nm). The battery has a capacity of 19.7 kWh with a claimed electric-only range of 90 km in the WLTP driving cycle.