Which BMW X3 Version Should You Buy?
The BMW X3 choice depends on whether you prioritize lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a manual gearbox, RWD, or the broadest performance envelope. The catalogue covers seven generation entries from February 2003 onward, consolidated here into four generations with their restylings kept inside the corresponding generation. Every entry is an SUV 5-doors.
The BMW X3 choice depends on whether you prioritize lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a manual gearbox, RWD, or the broadest performance envelope. The catalogue covers seven generation entries from February 2003 onward, consolidated here into four generations with their restylings kept inside the corresponding generation. Every entry is an SUV 5-doors. The original generation offers naturally aspirated Gasoline and turbo Diesel engines with manual or automatic transmissions; the second adds turbo Gasoline versions, 8-speed automatics, and selected RWD models; the third introduces Plug-in alternatives and performance models such as M40i xDrive and M40d xDrive; and the fourth generation moves to Mild Hybrid and Plug-in choices while retaining AWD throughout.
BMW X3 generations: what changed?
The first generation runs from February 2003 to September 2006, followed by its restyling from October 2006 to October 2010. Each period lists 12 displayed versions, all as SUV 5-doors. Early engines span 1995–2993 cc, 150–231 hp, and 200–500 Nm. The restyled range spans 1995–2996 cc and reaches 286 hp and 580 Nm. Five- and 6-speed gearboxes appear, while the listed versions use AWD. Ground clearance moves from 200 mm before restyling to 201 mm afterward.
The second generation covers November 2010 to May 2014, with 12 versions, and its restyling covers June 2014 to November 2017, also with 12 versions. Both retain the SUV 5-doors body. The initial range includes 6-speed Manual and 8-speed Automatic gearboxes, AWD and RWD, and outputs from 143 to 313 hp. Restyled versions span 150–313 hp, with combined consumption as low as 5 L/100 km for 20d 2.0 MT xDrive. Ground clearance changes from 212 mm to 204 mm.
The third generation runs from June 2017 to May 2021 with 12 versions; its restyling runs from June 2021 to August 2024 with 8 versions. All listed third-generation versions use an 8-speed Automatic and AWD. Its engine selection includes Gasoline, Diesel, and Plug-in powertrains, with outputs from 184 to 382 hp before restyling and 184 to 360 hp afterward. Ground clearance remains 204 mm.
The fourth generation starts in September 2024 and lists 5 versions, all SUV 5-doors with an 8-speed Automatic and AWD. The range comprises Diesel, Gasoline, and Plug-in versions, including Mild Hybrid derivatives. Output spans 197–398 hp, while ground clearance rises to 216 mm.
BMW X3 engine options and specs
The table focuses on the versions that create the clearest buying alternatives across the four generations. Names are reproduced exactly as supplied.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First: 2.0d 2.0 MT xDrive | 150 hp | 330 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| First: 3.0d 3.0 AT xDrive, 218 hp | 218 hp | 500 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First restyling: 2.0i 2.0 MT | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 1995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| First restyling: 3.0si 3.0 MT | 272 hp | 315 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| First restyling: 3.5d 3.0 AT | 286 hp | 580 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second: 18d 2.0 MT sDrive | 143 hp | 350 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second: 20d 2.0 AT xDrive | 184 hp | 380 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second: 28i 3.0 AT xDrive | 258 hp | 310 Nm | 2996 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second: 35d 3.0 AT xDrive | 313 hp | 630 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling: 18d 2.0 AT sDrive | 150 hp | 360 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second restyling: 20d 2.0 AT xDrive | 190 hp | 400 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling: 28i 2.0 AT xDrive | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling: 35d 3.0 AT xDrive | 313 hp | 630 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: 20d 2.0 xDrive X | 190 hp | 407 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: 30i 2.0 AT xDrive | 249 hp | 350 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: M40d 3.0 AT xDrive | 326 hp | 680 Nm | 2998 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: M40i 3.0 AT xDrive | 360 hp | 500 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: M40i xDrive Steptronic | 382 hp | 495 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third: 30e 2.0 AT xDrive | 292 hp | 300 Nm | 1998 cc | Plug-in | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling: 20d xDrive | 190 hp | 400 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling: 30d xDrive | 286 hp | 650 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling: M40d xDrive | 340 hp | 7000 Nm | 2993 cc | Diesel | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling: M40i xDrive | 360 hp | 5000 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling: 30e xDrive | 292 hp | 306 Nm | 1998 cc | Plug-in | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth: 2.0d Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronicic | 197 hp | 400 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth: 20 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic | 208 hp | 330 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth: 30 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic | 255 hp | 400 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth: 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic | 299 hp | 450 Nm | 1998 cc | Plug-in | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth: M50 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic | 398 hp | 580 Nm | 2998 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
The strongest power-per-litre figure among these buying candidates belongs to 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic at approximately 149.6 hp/L. M50 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic produces approximately 132.8 hp/L, while the earlier M40i xDrive Steptronic delivers approximately 127.4 hp/L. For Diesel buyers, M40d xDrive produces approximately 113.6 hp/L, compared with approximately 95.6 hp/L for 30d xDrive and approximately 98.7 hp/L for 2.0d Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronicic.
The supplied 7000 Nm for M40d xDrive and 5000 Nm for M40i xDrive are retained exactly as recorded. Buyers comparing these entries should treat them as catalogue values rather than silently substituting different figures.
BMW X3 performance, mpg and economy
For minimum stated consumption, the third-generation 30e 2.0 AT xDrive records 2.4 L/100 km combined, reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and has a 210 km/h top speed. The restyled 30e xDrive records 2.5 L/100 km, 6.4 seconds, and 235 km/h. These are Plug-in versions, so their combined figures should be compared with the other powertrains as recorded, without assuming identical operating conditions.
Among conventional Diesel choices, the second-generation-restyling 20d 2.0 MT xDrive records 5 L/100 km combined and 8.1 seconds to 100 km/h. Its Automatic equivalent, 20d 2.0 AT xDrive, uses 5.2 L/100 km and also takes 8.1 seconds. The Automatic therefore adds no recorded acceleration penalty, while combined consumption is 0.2 L/100 km higher.
The third-generation 20d 2.0 xDrive X records 5.1 L/100 km combined, reaches 100 km/h in 8 seconds, and tops out at 213 km/h. The later 20d xDrive records 7.6 L/100 km, 7.9 seconds, and 213 km/h. The fourth-generation 2.0d Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronicic records 5.8 L/100 km, 7.7 seconds, and 215 km/h.
For outright acceleration, M40i xDrive records 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h, 8.1 L/100 km combined, and 250 km/h. M50 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic takes 4.6 seconds and reaches 250 km/h; its city, highway, and combined consumption figures are not measured. The earlier M40i 3.0 AT xDrive takes 4.8 seconds, reaches 250 km/h, and consumes 8.9 L/100 km combined. M40d xDrive needs 4.9 seconds, reaches 250 km/h, and records 7.3 L/100 km.
BMW X3 dimensions, weight and wheels
The data contains weights rather than exterior length, width, or height. The lightest listed second-generation choice is 20i 2.0 MT xDrive at 1710 kg kerb and 2300 kg gross. The restyled second-generation 18d 2.0 AT sDrive is lighter at 1680 kg kerb, with a 2320 kg gross weight, 204 mm clearance, and a 67 L tank.
Among third-generation alternatives, 30i 2.0 AT xDrive weighs 1715 kg kerb and 2385 kg gross, giving approximately 6.9 kg per horsepower. M40i 3.0 AT xDrive weighs 1810 kg and produces 360 hp, improving that ratio to approximately 5 kg per horsepower. Its specified wheels are 245/45 R20 and 275/40 R20.
The restyled M40i xDrive weighs 1985 kg and produces 360 hp, or approximately 5.5 kg per horsepower. Its listed wheels are 245/45 R20, 275/40 R20, and 275/35 R21. The restyled 30e xDrive is heavier at 2065 kg, with a 2620 kg gross weight, 204 mm clearance, a 50 L tank, and 225/60 R18 or 245/50 R19 wheels.
Every fourth-generation version has 216 mm of clearance and a 65 L tank. Kerb weight ranges from 1855 kg for 20 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic to 2065 kg for 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic. Wheel sizes for all five fourth-generation versions are not measured.
Which BMW X3 version should you buy?
Choose 20d 2.0 AT xDrive from the restyled second generation if the priority is a balanced Diesel specification: 190 hp, 400 Nm, AWD, an 8-speed Automatic, 5.2 L/100 km combined, and 8.1-second acceleration. The 20d 2.0 MT xDrive saves 0.2 L/100 km while retaining the same stated acceleration, making it the stronger option if a Manual is preferred.
Choose 18d 2.0 AT sDrive if lower kerb weight and RWD matter more than maximum output. Its 150 hp and 360 Nm trail 20d 2.0 AT xDrive by 40 hp and 40 Nm, but its 1680 kg kerb weight is 140 kg lower, and combined consumption differs by only 0.1 L/100 km.
Choose 30i 2.0 AT xDrive when you want a lighter Gasoline third-generation X3. It provides 249 hp from 1998 cc, accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and weighs 1715 kg. M40i 3.0 AT xDrive adds 111 hp and cuts 1.5 seconds from that sprint, but combined consumption rises from 7.6 to 8.9 L/100 km and kerb weight increases by 95 kg.
Choose M40d 3.0 AT xDrive if strong Diesel performance is the target. Its 326 hp and 680 Nm produce a 4.9-second sprint and 250 km/h top speed, while combined consumption is 6.5 L/100 km. Against M40i 3.0 AT xDrive, it gives up 34 hp but has 180 Nm more torque as recorded and uses 2.4 L/100 km less in the combined figure.
Choose 30e xDrive if the third-generation-restyling Plug-in balance suits the intended use. It provides 292 hp, a 6.4-second sprint, 235 km/h, and 2.5 L/100 km combined. Its 2065 kg kerb weight is 235 kg above 30i xDrive at 1830 kg, while both use an 8-speed Automatic and AWD.
Choose M50 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic for the highest fourth-generation output: 398 hp and 580 Nm, with 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h and 250 km/h. It produces 143 hp more than 30 Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, weighs 86 kg more, and cuts the acceleration time by 1.7 seconds. Its fuel-consumption figures are not measured.
Choose 2.0d Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronicic for the fourth generation’s lowest measured combined consumption. It records 5.8 L/100 km, 197 hp, 400 Nm, and 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h. Choose 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic instead for 102 additional horsepower, 50 additional Nm, and a 1.5-second quicker sprint, accepting an extra 175 kg of kerb weight.
No price, sale-listing, maintenance, engine-oil, coolant, engine-light, recall, or reliability data is supplied. Those points cannot be used to rank a BMW X3 for sale or a used BMW X3 here; the defensible choice must rest on the recorded engine, performance, consumption, drivetrain, weight, clearance, tank, and wheel specifications.