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BMW X3

The 2003 X3 opened the premium midsize SUV class and introduced BMW's xDrive name.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 43 sources

Also called

  • 3 Series of SUVsA road-test nickname for the 2011 xDrive28i after 35,000 miles, reflecting its bigger, taller 3 Series character.2

At a glance

0300600
141–503 hpPower
07.515
3.8–11.5 s0–100 km/h
0150300
180–285 km/hTop speed

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.191014

Engine
2.0–3.0 L gas/diesel fours and sixes; hybrids; electric iX311011
Layout
Front engine, rear- or all-wheel drive; iX3 rear-wheel drive110
Gearbox
6-speed manuals; 5-, 6- and 8-speed automatics; iX3 fixed ratio11314
Built at
E83: Magna Steyr, Austria; F25+: Spartanburg, USA; G01+: Rosslyn, South Africa111
Units built
First two generations: over 1.5 million built by June 20177

The story

BMW created the X3 to blend compact-car agility with the X5 experience. Its fourth generation kept CLAR because its redesign came before Neue Klasse was ready; the next iX3 was set to adopt the new technology.13

2003: Frankfurt debut introduces xDrive20032006: Twin-turbo 3.0sd joins the facelift20062010: F25 production moves to Spartanburg20102014: US range adds rear-drive gas and diesel20142017: Third generation brings the first M40i20172019: First X3 M: 473 hp, or 503 hp20192020: Electric iX3: 80 kWh, rear-wheel drive20202024: Fourth generation: 393-hp M5020242026: December M50 power upgrade announced2026 BMW xActivity concept: 2003BMW X3 (first generation) (E83): 2003–2010E83BMW X3 (second generation) (F25): 2010–2017F25BMW X3 (third generation) (G01 / F97): 2017–2024G01 / F97BMW X3 (fourth generation) (G45): 2024–presentG45 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones131114
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003BMW xActivity concept
2003–2010BMW X3 (first generation) (E83)
2010–2017BMW X3 (second generation) (F25)
2017–2024BMW X3 (third generation) (G01 / F97)
2024–presentBMW X3 (fourth generation) (G45)
2003Frankfurt debut introduces xDrive
2006Twin-turbo 3.0sd joins the facelift
2010F25 production moves to Spartanburg
2014US range adds rear-drive gas and diesel
2017Third generation brings the first M40i
2019First X3 M: 473 hp, or 503 hp
2020Electric iX3: 80 kWh, rear-wheel drive
2024Fourth generation: 393-hp M50
2026December M50 power upgrade announced
  1. 2003

    Frankfurt debut introduces xDrive

    The first X3 premieres in Frankfurt as a premium midsize SUV, introducing the xDrive name; Magna Steyr builds it in Graz.1

  2. 2006

    Twin-turbo 3.0sd joins the facelift

    The refreshed E83 gains the twin-turbo 3.0sd: 282 hp and 580 Nm, with an automatic as its only transmission.145

  3. 2010

    F25 production moves to Spartanburg

    The second X3 moves production to South Carolina, grows close to the original X5's size and offers a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.1

  4. 2014

    US range adds rear-drive gas and diesel

    For 2015, the US range gains the 240-hp sDrive28i and 180-hp xDrive28d, bringing rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder diesel power.6

  5. 2017

    Third generation brings the first M40i

    The new X3's 355-hp M40i is its first M Performance model, joining 187-hp xDrive20d and 261-hp xDrive30d diesels.78

  6. 2019

    First X3 M: 473 hp, or 503 hp

    The first X3 M uses the S58 straight-six; Competition raises output to 503 hp. Its cylinder-head core is made using 3D printing.9

  7. 2020

    Electric iX3: 80 kWh, rear-wheel drive

    The iX3 adds an 80-kWh battery and up to 460 km WLTP range; 150-kW DC charging takes it from 0–80% in 34 minutes.10

  8. 2024

    Fourth generation: 393-hp M50

    The fourth X3 pairs gas and diesel engines with 48V assistance; its M50's 3.0-liter six makes 393 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.111

  9. 2026

    December M50 power upgrade announced

    For December 2026, BMW announces more M50 power and 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds; the gain is independent of the optional Black Package.12

Every generation

  • BMW X3 (first generation)
    E832003–2010
  • BMW X3 (second generation)
    F252010–2017
  • BMW X3 (third generation)
    G01 / F972017–2024
  • BMW X3 (fourth generation)
    G452024–present

Power over the years

From 228 hp to 503 hp in 15 years.

0200400600 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 228 hp · 3.0i, 3.0 L M54 six2005 · 148 hp · 2.0i, 2.0 L N46 four2007 · 260 hp · US 3.0si, N52 six2013 · 240 hp · xDrive28i: turbo four replaces six2017 · 355 hp · M40i, 3.0 L straight-six2019 · 288 hp · xDrive30e, 40–52 km WLTP2019 · 503 hp · 2020 X3 M Competition2021 · 335 hp · M40d, 48V mild hybrid2024 · 194 hp · 20d xDrive; 0–100 km/h in 7.7 s2024 · 205 hp · 20 xDrive; 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s2024 · 295 hp · 30e: 81–90 km WLTP, 11-kW AC2026 · 437 hp · M50 xDrive, December upgrade announced 503 hp 2020 X3 M Competition 228 hp 3.0i, 3.0 L M54 six
18911121314151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20042283.0i, 3.0 L M54 six
20051482.0i, 2.0 L N46 four
2007260US 3.0si, N52 six
2013240xDrive28i: turbo four replaces six
2017355M40i, 3.0 L straight-six
2019288xDrive30e, 40–52 km WLTP
20195032020 X3 M Competition
2021335M40d, 48V mild hybrid
202419420d xDrive; 0–100 km/h in 7.7 s
202420520 xDrive; 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s
202429530e: 81–90 km WLTP, 11-kW AC
2026437M50 xDrive, December upgrade announced

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    E83 3.0si (US)

    2007

    260 hp

  • Standard

    E83 Sport Package / M Sport

  • F25 SE / xLine / M Sport (UK)

    Standard

    F25 SE / xLine / M Sport (UK)

    2010–2017

  • Standard

    G01 xLine / M Sport

    2017–2024

  • G48 long-wheelbase X3

    Special

    G48 long-wheelbase X3

    2024–

  • Performance

    E83 3.0sd / xDrive35d

    2006–2010

    282 hp
  • M40i / M40d / Pro Edition (2021 facelift)

    Performance

    M40i / M40d / Pro Edition (2021 facelift)

    2021

  • Performance

    G45 M50 xDrive (announced update)

    December 2026 (announced)

    437 hp
  • F97 X3 M

    Performance

    F97 X3 M

    2020

    473 hp
  • X3 M Competition (2022 refresh)

    Performance

    X3 M Competition (2022 refresh)

    2022

    503 hp
  • Alpina XD3 Biturbo / Quadturbo

    Performance

    Alpina XD3 Biturbo / Quadturbo

    2013–2025

  • Limited

    X3 M40i M Sport Edition (Brazil)

    2022

How to spot one

Look for

  • F25: double-round headlights and T-shaped rear-light graphics.124
  • G45: an upright grille with vertical and diagonal bars, plus overlapping L-shaped running lights.111
  • G45: T-shaped rear lights; exhausts are hidden on every version except the M50.111

Year by year

  1. 2005 (E83)

    Front fenders became single-piece panels, replacing the two-piece construction used for 2004.1

  2. 2007 (US facelift)

    The grille grew; amber reflectors moved from the headlamps to the fenders, and the new rear lamps used horizontal LEDs.13

  3. 2014 / 2015 model year

    The F25 refresh brought revised twin-round headlights, reshaped grilles and bumpers, plus turn signals built into the mirrors.16

  4. 2021 (G01)

    A larger single-frame grille and slimmer headlights mark the facelift; rear lamps gained black borders and a 3D light pattern.16

  5. 2024 (G45)

    The fourth generation gained vertical/diagonal grille bars, overlapping L-shaped lights and hidden exhausts except on the M50.111

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a BMW X3
    X3
    Photo of a BMW X4
    BMW X4

    BMW X4

    The facelifted X4 shares the X3's nose, but has a coupe silhouette, a mesh grille and a body 55 mm lower.16

Against its rivals

  • Audi Q5 2.0T (2013)

    X3 vs Audi Q5 2.0T (2013)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    X36.2 s
    Audi Q5 2.0T (2013)6.9 s
    15
  • Range Rover Evoque (2013)

    X3 vs Range Rover Evoque (2013)

    Price as tested lower is better

    X3$52,345
    Range Rover Evoque (2013)$56,795
    15
  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio

    X3 vs Alfa Romeo Stelvio

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    X36.2 s
    Alfa Romeo Stelvio5.4 s
    25
  • BMW M3 Competition M xDrive

    X3 vs BMW M3 Competition M xDrive

    Starting price lower is better

    X389,070 £
    BMW M3 Competition M xDrive80,970 £
    21

Prices

Value today $7.4K–$43.0K3233

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $7,400–$43,000 2004 · $32,000 · US base 2.5i, estimated2011 · $37,625 · US base xDrive28i2013 · $39,395 · US base xDrive28i2013 · $52,345 · US xDrive28i, as tested2015 · $39,325 · US sDrive28i MSRP incl. destination2015 · $40,725 · US xDrive28i MSRP incl. destination2015 · $42,825 · US xDrive28d MSRP incl. destination2015 · $46,025 · US xDrive35i MSRP incl. destination2018 · $43,445 · US base xDrive30i2025 · $51,125 · US base 30 xDrive 2004 · about $32,000 · US estimated base 2.5i, 2004 model year 2024 · $7,400 · 2005 3.0i automatic, 65k miles, BaT2025 · $43,000 · 2020 X3 M Competition, 40k miles, BaT2026 · $7,500 · 2007 3.0si manual, 106k miles, BaT2026 · $14,500 · 2016 xDrive28d, 90k miles, BaT2026 · $6,100 · 2004 X3 2.5i, 90k miles, BaT2026 · $8,100 · 2007 X3 3.0si, 77k miles, BaT2026 · $11,400 · 2010 X3 xDrive30i M Sport 6-Speed, 96k miles, BaT2026 · $9,700 · 2011 X3 xDrive28i, 83k miles, BaT2026 · $19,333 · 2016 X3 xDrive35i M Sport, 39k miles, BaT2026 · $24,500 · 2018 X3 xDrive30i M Sport, 27k miles, BaT2026 · $44,250 · 2022 X3 M40i, 23k miles, BaT2026 · $66,055 · 2024 X3 M Competition, 17k miles, BaT $66.1K BaT, 2026
236152531323334353637383940414243
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Launch price$32,000US estimated base 2.5i, 2004 model year
2004Price when new$32,000US base 2.5i, estimated
2011Price when new$37,625US base xDrive28i
2013Price when new$39,395US base xDrive28i
2013Price when new$52,345US xDrive28i, as tested
2015Price when new$39,325US sDrive28i MSRP incl. destination
2015Price when new$40,725US xDrive28i MSRP incl. destination
2015Price when new$42,825US xDrive28d MSRP incl. destination
2015Price when new$46,025US xDrive35i MSRP incl. destination
2018Price when new$43,445US base xDrive30i
2025Price when new$51,125US base 30 xDrive
2024Auction sale$7,4002005 3.0i automatic, 65k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$43,0002020 X3 M Competition, 40k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,5002007 3.0si manual, 106k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,5002016 xDrive28d, 90k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,1002004 X3 2.5i, 90k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,1002007 X3 3.0si, 77k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,4002010 X3 xDrive30i M Sport 6-Speed, 96k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,7002011 X3 xDrive28i, 83k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,3332016 X3 xDrive35i M Sport, 39k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,5002018 X3 xDrive30i M Sport, 27k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$44,2502022 X3 M40i, 23k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$66,0552024 X3 M Competition, 17k miles, BaT
2026Value today$7,400–$43,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “0.88 g set a magazine's SUV benchmark”
    • “Chicherit to Novitskiy, then MINI”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 43 sources
  1. BMW X3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i Verdict - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  3. Tested: 2025 BMW X3 30 Rests on Its Laurels but Remains Appealing caranddriver.com
  4. BMW E83 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  5. Buying guide BMW X3 E83 - Drive-My Blogs - Drive drive-my.com
  6. The New BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle® press.bmwgroup.com
  7. The new BMW X3. press.bmwgroup.com
  8. Used BMW X3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) buyer's guide: the BMW SUV sweet spot | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. The first-ever 2020 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M. press.bmwgroup.com
  10. The first-ever BMW iX3 press.bmwgroup.com
  11. The new BMW X3. press.bmwgroup.com
  12. BMW X3 M50 xDrive: new Black Package and improved performance. press.bmwgroup.com
  13. ANNOUNCING THE 2007 BMW X3 3.0si SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE press.bmwgroup.com
  14. BMW G01 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  15. 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i vs. 2013 Audi Q5 2.0T, 2013 Range Rover Evoque caranddriver.com
  16. The new BMW X3 and the new BMW X4. press.bmwgroup.com
  17. The new BMW X3. press.bmwgroup.com
  18. BMW F25 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  19. Used BMW X3 buying guide: 2010-2017 (Mk2) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  20. Advanced, luxurious and for the first time available with an extended wheelbase: The new BMW X3 – exclusively from China for China. press.bmwgroup.com
  21. BMW X3 M Competition 2022 review | evo evo.co.uk
  22. Alpina XD3 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  23. BMW X3 M40i M Sport Edition chega ao Brasil com pintura Frozen Deep Grey e tiragem limitada press.bmwgroup.com
  24. Exclusive Interview: Erik Goplen - BMW X3 Exterior Designer bmwblog.com
  25. Tested: 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i caranddriver.com
  26. Exclusive interview with BMW X3 and Concept Z4 Designer, Calvin Luk bmwblog.com
  27. 2019 season: Global schedule again for X-raid - X-raid Team x-raid.de
  28. 20 years of racing: Speed crossing of the Andes - X-raid Team x-raid.de
  29. BMW teams up with Marvel Studios’ Black Widow for a spectacular cinema experience. press.bmwgroup.com
  30. BMW X3 and 2 Series from "Black Widow" on Display at the BMW Welt bmwblog.com
  31. Tested: 2004 BMW X3 3.0i caranddriver.com
  32. No Reserve: 2005 BMW X3 3.0i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,400 on May 22, 2024 (Lot #147,811) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2020 BMW X3 M Competition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $43,000 on December 26, 2025 (Lot #224,996) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2007 BMW X3 3.0si 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,500 on January 25, 2026 (Lot #227,737) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d  for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on March 31, 2026 (Lot #235,755) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2004 BMW X3 2.5i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,100 on June 16, 2026 (Lot #247,967) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2024 BMW X3 M Competition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $66,055 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,353) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2007 BMW X3 3.0si for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,100 on July 31, 2026 (Lot #255,313) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,400 on October 19, 2026 (Lot #269,332) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,700 on September 11, 2026 (Lot #262,653) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. No Reserve: 39k-Mile 2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i M Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,333 on October 12, 2026 (Lot #267,851) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  42. No Reserve: 27k-Mile 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,500 on March 30, 2026 (Lot #235,610) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  43. 23k-Mile 2022 BMW X3 M40i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $44,250 on April 10, 2026 (Lot #237,294) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • drive-my.com
  • press.bmwgroup.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • bmwblog.com
  • x-raid.de
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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