Specs for all generations of BMW X3

Opinions on the BMW X3 are greatly positive. The model offers great comfort, performance, and reliability; a nice daily driver, ready to deliver an exciting driving experience when one feels like it. Drivetrain and suspension are solid, thus issues with them are rare. If a problem is to occur, it is most probably going to be engine-related – that’s what requires the most maintenance and repair in the X3. Somewhere over the 150 000 km mark, oil and coolant leaks are also expected to start appearing more frequently. Despite these issues, drivers are overall quite happy with their X3 vehicles and the reliability they offer.

Since BMW X3 is a quality and reliable vehicle choice, one might think that its depreciation will be slower than the average. In reality, however, this is not the case. X3’s value drops down significantly once it’s out of warranty. While still being a dependable vehicle, BMW X3 does require some considerable maintenance, especially after having been driven for a certain amount of time, which with a brand like BMW is also never cheap.

All BMW X3 (with the exception of a few rear-wheel-drive variants, introduced in the second X3 generation) are equipped with BMW’s automatic four-wheel drive system – xDrive. This makes the model suitable for a variety of road and weather conditions. Therefore, snow is definitely something that the X3 performs and handles well in.

Hybrid technology was not utilized in a BMW X3 until 2019, when a plug-in hybrid variant was added to the model’s third generation range. Electrification continued in the following 2020, as well, with a few mild hybrid options also made available. After the 2021 facelift, all updated X3 variants now feature a hybrid powertrain in some form, either a 48-volt mild one or a plug-in, offering an all-electric range of up to 50 km (31 mi).

The latest (as of 2022) third generation BMW X3 provides us with some good amount of technology inside its cabin. Drivers get an optimized wireless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can access their and display information easily and safely. And while the latter was previously not a part of the model’s set of features, both are now included as standard.