There are some very special models at BMW and from time to time we like to analyse how they have evolved over the years. Possibly the most important models of the last century were some that we have already seen in the history of the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series, both in terms of sales volume and the symbolism of their M versions. However, if we focus on the 21st century we must review the history of the BMW X3.
Launched in late 2003, over the past two decades some three million BMW X3 units have been sold worldwide. Its success can be explained quite simply: it’s easy to create a large SUV with good off-road capabilities and capacity, but not so easy to drive that it’s also fun and easy, almost (almost) on par with its sedans.
The Munich brand itself considers it a pioneer, the creator of the mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment after following in the footsteps of the BMW X5, which debuted in 1999. Let’s review its evolution.
BMW X3 (E83). 2004
The original X3 was designed to combine the ruggedness of an off-roader with the agility of a midsize sedan, driven in a similar way to a BMW 3 Series. Its first generation debuted the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Its success is undoubtedly due to its greater functionality and versatility than the sedan, as well as having luxuries and comfort in a smaller size (and price) than a BMW X5.
Compared to the contemporary BMW 3 Series E46, it offered greater ground clearance and off-road capability (at least more than the all-wheel drive versions of the BMW 3 Series). Most of the 614,824 units sold during its life cycle were manufactured in Graz, Austria (along with the X5), but also in Russia, Egypt and Thailand.
Middle Ages 4,569 mm in length and the trunk announced a capacity of 480 litersenough to carry a lot of luggage (1,560 litres when the rear seat backs are folded down). One of the most notable technological developments was the new generation of inline 6-cylinder petrol engines with the BMW Valvetronic system, particularly in the updated model, the 2007 BMW X3.
Less well known is that there were racing versions, such as the BMW X3 CC (Cross Country) that raced in Rally Raid and even the Paris Dakar Rally, with a 6-cylinder in-line M57 diesel engine with two turbochargers.
BMW X3 (F25). 2011
The second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced at the end of 2010 and came onto the market in 2011. The BMW X3 debuted a larger body 4.648 mm and a more spacious interior, as well as a much larger trunk capacity, already reached the 550 literswhich can be expanded up to 1,600 liters.
It did not sacrifice its agile and fun handling, thanks above all to the new generation of BMW Twin Power Turbo engines, both in 6-cylinder variants and 4-cylinder versions that replaced the naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine. They greatly improved performance compared to its predecessor… and also with lower fuel consumption.
This generation of the BMW X3 (F25) was manufactured in Spartanburg (South Carolina, USA) and more than 700,000 units were sold. It stood out, in addition to its mechanics and performance on and off the road, for adding the BMW iDrive infotainment system and new driver assistance systems, aspects that were emphasized in its update, which it received in 2014.
BMW X3 (G01). 2017
The third generation (G01), introduced in 2017, went on sale in 2018. It grew almost 6 cm compared to the previous one, up to 4.708 mm in length, but retained its proportions, with very short overhangs and also the size of the trunk, 550 liters capacity.
There are two main milestones:
- The first BMW X3 M, with a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 480 hp (353 kW) of power, reaching 510 hp in the BMW X3 M Competition, with the M xDrive system and Active M differential.
- First steps of electrification, with a version plug-in hybridthe X3 xDrive30e, which, in addition to good performance, allows, thanks to its 12 kWh battery (10.8 kWh net), to travel up to 46 km in 100% electric mode. With this generation, the BMW iX3 also came onto the market, the first model of the brand with the fifth generation of the BMW eDrive electric propulsion system and capable of offering up to 460 kilometers of autonomy.
The third generation of the BMW X3 had a complete update in 2022. It is the one we analyze in depth in this video:
Production was once again centralised at the BMW Group plant in Spartanburg… but the success of the model was such that other group factories in Rosslyn (South Africa) and Dadong (China) were added.
BMW X3 (G45). 2025
With internal code G45, the fourth generation of the BMW X3, whose sales start in 2025, brings quite a few differences with the previous one. It grows 3.4 cm in length, up to 4.755 mm And on its front we find the double kidney-shaped grille, with an outline that can be illuminated and creates animations that greet you as you say goodbye to the car.
The revolution comes inside, where a curved panel dominates, encompassing the two usual screens: 12.3 inches for the fully configurable instrument panel and another 14.9 inches for the infotainment system, with the latest generation operating system.
When you open the tailgate you find a cargo space of 570 litre capacity20 more than before (1,700 with the seats folded down). In the plug-in versions it is 460, which is also a considerable figure. You can see all this that we tell you better in this video:
In terms of mechanics, all the variants sold at the start are associated with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and XDrive all-wheel drive. They also have an ECO label (thanks to the 48 mild hybrid system, versions between 190 and 398 hp) or Zero (the plug-in hybrid variant, with 299 hp of power and up to 86 km of autonomy).
The brand talks about chassis improvements to make it even more agile without losing comfort, with thinner anti-roll bars supported by more rigid bushings to better contain swaying, new power-assisted steering, as well as revised springs and shock absorbers.
