BMW is one of the most well-known luxury automobile brands in the world known for its distinctive styling, cutting-edge technology, and high performance. Among its highly sought-after car models, the BMW X3 is one of its most popular car models. It was a remarkable success for the German automaker. Soon after the successful launch of the X5, BMW X3 made its way in 2003 as a smaller version of the X5 – a compact crossover known as a “Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)” and made a successful debut.
In the 2000s, as demand for crossovers increased, this BMW model rose to the top of the list because of its excellent performance and perhaps one of the strongest design features. The BMW X3 has a short history.
The Birth & Positioning
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in collaboration with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also made all X3s under contract to BMW. The second-generation BMW X3 was produced at BMW’s Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, USA. BMW X3’s third generation was manufactured at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn plant which underwent significant renovations in order to make room for the X3, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. A total of 76,000 units will be produced there each year.
The Evolution and Timeline of the BMW X3
The BMW X3 is among the best vehicles for a variety of road and weather situations, living up to its motto “Any road. Any time.” Moreover, it is one of BMW’s premium crossover vehicles thanks to its high-performance specifications and cutting-edge features. Possibly one of its strongest features was the design.
BMW revealed the X5’s little brother at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the fall of 2003. It wasn’t a car with a lot of market rivals except for the Land Rover Freelander.
E83- First Generation BMW X3 (2003-2010)
The X3 crossover, a scaled-down variant of the X5, was revealed by BMW in 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. A BMW sedan called the 3-series served as the foundation for the BMW X3 vehicle. However, the crossover had the same 3-series model’s rear suspension.
With a 6-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic transmissions, the BMW X3 was equipped with 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0-liter engines. Additionally, the posh cabin offered room for five passengers and the BMW iDrive infotainment system.
All BMW X3 cars came equipped with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the torque split was 40:60, allowing it to transmit torque to either the front or back axle.
First-Generation BMW X3 Facelift
The BMW X3 received a facelift that includes headlight modifications. Additionally, the upper and lower portions of the front and rear bumpers were perfectly separated by redesigning.
In addition, the suspension system was stiffened for improved handling. The German automaker changed the engine of the BMW X3 for the first time in its history. A 1.8-liter engine took the place of the 2.0-liter one, and a 3.0-liter engine had 286 horsepower more.
F25- Second-Generation BMW X3 (2010-2017)
At the Paris Motor Show in 2010, the BMW X3’s second generation made its debut. Numerous issues that existed in previous generations of the BMW X3 were resolved in this version. For instance, the suspension system was modified in the second-generation BMW X3 to provide better ride quality and handling.
The BMW xDrive System was available in two trim levels: the xDrive 28i and xDrive 35i, which used 2.8 and 3.5-liter engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions, respectively. The xDrive 35i trim set itself out from the xDrive 28i version with 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive headlights.
Besides, the standard BMW X3 model included the features like 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and the new BMW iDrive interface distinguishing it from the first-generation crossover model.
Second-Generation BMW X3 Facelift
The second-generation BMW X3 got a mid-generation update in 2014. The redesigned front fascia was finished with a newly designed bumper that had new headlights with the option of LED headlamps. Rearview mirrors had a new look and integrated LED turn-signal lights, and fog lights had an LED technology option.
With fresh color and material choices, the interior of the crossover was significantly enhanced. Additionally, there were 550 liters of storage capacity in the boot. The boot door on this particular model may also be opened by the driver by sliding their foot beneath the rear bumper.
G01- Third Generation BMW X3 (2017-Present)
The third version of the BMW X3 was the most technologically and aesthetically advanced. The only component that was the same as the predecessors was an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, it also had some software updates.
The wheelbase was extended by 56 mm, redesigning the appearance and improving rear passenger space. In addition, the BMW X3’s third generation has a larger front grille. Additionally, the front bumper’s three apertures assisted in keeping the engine cool.
A semi-automated driving system with features like lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and pedestrian recognition was also included in the crossover. Additionally, a new 2.0-liter engine with 181 horsepower was added to the X3’s selection. Additionally, the BMW X3 history was made the first plug-in hybrid vehicle model. The plug-in hybrid vehicle had a 2.0-liter engine with 292 horsepower.
Third-Generation BMW X3 Facelift
In 2021, BMW released a redesigned model of the X3 featuring infotainment systems including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The technology of the BMW X3 was brought up to par with that of the X5. A redesigned grille design with a single-section frame was part of the front fascia, and LED headlights were standard with Matrix lighting as an option.
The crossover also included a free-form flush-fitting exhaust system. The inside featured a three-zone climate control system and a new, bigger multimedia screen. Additionally, the plug-in hybrid now has a new 48-volt battery pack, and all BMW X3 models, even those with IC engines, have improved fuel efficiency.
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