Unique designs, the latest technology, and high performance make BMW one of the most popular luxury car brands in the world. Among its highly sought-after car models, BMW X3 is a great success story for the German auto brand. Soon after the successful launch of the X5, a midsize SUV, BMW X3 made its way in 2003 as a smaller version of the X5- a compact crossover named ‘Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)’.
As the demand grew for crossovers in the 2000s, BMW X3 became an appealing option with arguably one of the strongest design elements complemented by high performance. BMW X3’s history doesn’t date long back but it features three generations since its launch.
Let’s go through the complete history of the BMW X3 and its evolution over the years.
BMW X3 GENERATIONS
Living up to its famous car tagline ‘Any road. Any time’, BMW X3 is one of the perfect rides for several driving and weather conditions. Moreover, the high-performance specs and technological features make the X3 one of the premium crossover models by BMW.
Here is the complete BMW X3 history and the features and specifications that make this crossover model one of the most popular used BMW SUVs in the UAE.
E83- FIRST GENERATION BMW X3 (2003-2010)
BMW unveiled the X3 crossover, the smaller version of the X5 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2003. The BMW X3 model was built on the 3-series, a BMW sedan’s platform. That said, the crossover had the same rear suspension as the 3-series model.
BMW X3 boasted 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0-litre engines paired with 6-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission available as an option. Moreover, the luxurious interior had a seating capacity of five and featured the BMW iDrive infotainment system.
All BMW X3 models featured the all-wheel drive system. Also, the torque split was 40:60 meaning that it could transfer torque directly to the front or rear axle.
FIRST-GENERATION BMW X3 FACELIFT
The facelift version of the BMW X3 included changes in headlights. Also, the front and rear bumpers were redesigned such that the upper and lower parts were separated perfectly.
Moreover, the suspension system was made stiffer for better handling. For the first time in the BMW X3’s history, the German auto manufacturer made changes under the hood. A 3.0-litre engine came with more power of 286 hp and the 2.0-litre engine was replaced by a 1.8-litre one.
F25- SECOND-GENERATION BMW X3 (2010-2017)
The second generation of the BMW X3 debuted in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show. This generation solved many problems that were encountered in the BMW X3 history. For instance, the second-generation BMW X3 had enhanced comfort levels and the suspension system was improved to provide better ride quality and handling.
It featured two trims with the BMW xDrive System: xDrive 28i and xDrive 35i boasting 2.8 and 3.5-litre engines paired with 8-speed automatic transmissions, respectively. 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive headlights in the xDrive 35i distinguished it from the xDrive 28i trim.
Besides, the standard BMW X3 model included the following features distinguishing it from the first-generation crossover model:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Leatherette upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- Bluetooth connectivity and the new BMW iDrive interface
Besides, it was the first time in the BMW X3 history that the crossover included different packages featuring the following options:
- Sporty Activity Package included sport front seats, roof rails, and a sport transmission with paddle shifters.
- Premium Package came with a sunroof and leather upholstery, the Dynamic Handling that added adaptive suspension dampers, and three driver-selectable drive modes.
- Cold Weather Package featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
SECOND-GENERATION BMW X3 FACELIFT
The second-generation BMW X3 received a mid-generation refresher in 2014. The newly designed bumper completed the new front fascia which featured the following:
- New headlights with an option of LED headlamps
- The fog lights came with an option for LED technology
- Rearview mirrors got a new design and incorporated the LED turn-signal lights
The crossover’s interior was further improved with new colour and material options. Besides, the boot had a storage space of 550-litres. Moreover, drivers of this model can open the boot door by swiping their foot under the rear bumper.
G01- THIRD GENERATION BMW X3 (2017-PRESENT)
The third generation in the history of the BMW X3 was the most updated one, technology, and design-wise. An 8-speed automatic transmission was the only thing that was similar to the predecessors. But, it had received some software updates too.
The exterior was redesigned with the wheelbase increased by 56 mm increasing the room for rear passengers. Besides, a bigger front grille is featured in the third generation of the BMW X3. Also, three openings in the front bumper helped in cooling the engine.
The crossover also featured a semi-automated driving system which included features such as lane keeping assist, lane departure warning system, and pedestrian detection system. Moreover, a new 2.0-litre engine was introduced to the X3’s lineup producing 181 hp. Besides, a plug-in hybrid car model made its mark for the first time in BMW X3 history. The plug-in hybrid model featured a 2.0-litre engine offering 292 hp.
THIRD-GENERATION BMW X3 FACELIFT
BMW launched a refreshed version of the X3 in 2021 with infotainment systems including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With this facelift, BMW X3 matched the X5’s technology. The front fascia included a new grille design with a single-section frame and LED headlights type came as standard with Matrix lights as an option.
Moreover, the crossover came with a flush-fitting free-form exhaust system. The interior included a new wider multimedia screen and a three-zone climate control system. Besides, a new 48-volt battery pack was added to the plug-in hybrid, and all BMW X3 models including IC engine ones offered enhanced fuel efficiency.
That wraps the complete BMW X3 history which is one of the premium car models by the German automaker. If you want to explore this complete crossover model offering modern tech features, browse the listings of the used BMW X3 in the UAE. Alongside, you can explore a plethora of luxury and non-luxury used cars in the UAE and select a model of your preference.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading cars blog to find out more about the journey of popular car makes and models.
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