Verdict
A
Mid SUV · Germany · 2003-Present
BMW X3
BMW X3 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2003-Present
Generations
4
Segment
Mid SUV
BMW's mid-size SUV. E83 (2003–2010), F25 (2010–2017), G01 (2017–2024), G45 (2024-Present). iX3 EV variant from G01.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2003-2010
E83
→
3.0sd twin-turbo diesel — 286 bhp, 0-62 in 6.6s.
Verdict
B
BHP
286
0–60
6.6 s
Top
149 mph
MPG
34.0 mpg
Used
£2,000-£8,000
- + First X3
- + xDrive standard
- − Cabin shows age
- − Transfer case failures
2010-2017
F25
→
xDrive35i — 306 bhp, 0-62 in 5.6s.
Verdict
B
BHP
306
0–60
5.6 s
Top
152 mph
MPG
32.0 mpg
Used
£5,000-£14,000
- + 8-speed ZF auto
- + sDrive (RWD only) variant
- − N47 timing chain
- − iDrive freezes
2017-2024
G01
→
M40i xDrive — 360 bhp, 0-62 in 4.8s.
Verdict
A
BHP
360
0–60
4.8 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
32.0 mpg
Used
£18,000-£42,000
- + B58 inline-six smooth
- + iX3 EV variant
- − B58 oil consumption
- − iX3 12V drain
2024-Present
G45
→
M50 xDrive — 397 bhp, 0-62 in 4.6s.
Verdict
A
BHP
397
0–60
4.6 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
34.0 mpg
Used
£42,000-£82,000
- + New CLAR-derived platform
- + M50 inline-six MHEV
- − Larger than G01
- − Premium pricing
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2003-2010 · E83
- xDrive transfer case failures
- M54 valve cover gasket
- Run-flat tyres
2010-2017 · F25
- N47 timing chain
- iDrive freezes
- Run-flat tyres
2017-2024 · G01
- B58 oil consumption
- iDrive 7 freezes
- iX3 12V battery drain
2024-Present · G45
- Software updates needed
- iDrive 8.5
- PHEV charge port
Rivals
Audi Q5 · Mercedes GLC · Volvo XC60 · Range Rover Velar