2015 BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle

The BMW X3 is a German ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ built right here in the U.S. – in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  The X3 was first introduced in 2003 and is now the middle brother in the BMW SAV lineup that also includes the X1 and X5.

Keeping in mind the philosophy of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the 2015 X3 is an update rather than a complete re-design. It includes changes to the front and rear that mean that you aren’t settling for less if you choose an X3 instead of an X5, it simply means that you’ve chosen a vehicle of equal virtues that just happens to be smaller.

2015 BMW X3 Styling

The new BMW X3 cuts a visually more powerful figure with its new, modified twin-circular headlights (LED headlights are optional), a more eye-catching kidney grille, new front and rear bumpers, and exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.  Interior changes include more chrome trim, a center console with automatic climate control system in a high-gloss black-panel display, and new cup holders with a sliding cover.

2015 BMW X3 Technical Specifications

Technical features include new features from BMW ConnectedDrive on board the BMW X3 are the iDrive controller with touchpad functionality (for text input using finger movements), Parking Assistant, the full-color BMW Head-Up Display, and Active Driving Assistant with ACC Stop & Go, including Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning, and City Collision Mitigation.

New exterior colors, upholstery designs, interior trim strips and light-alloy wheels enable even more refined individualization. The new xLine allows owners to lend greater emphasis still to the dynamic and robust SAV character of the BMW X3. And the Smart Opener for the automatic tailgate further enhances the already impressive functionality of the BMW X3.

The new BMW X3 is available with a choice of one diesel and two gasoline engines, with outputs ranging from 180 hp to 300 hp. The state-of-the-art engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology guarantee outstanding performance combined with low fuel consumption.

The new X3 xDrive28d will feature BMW’s 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine. It produces 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,750 rpm, and will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The X3 xDrive28d will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just under eight seconds. BMW Advanced Diesel technology includes Selective Catalyst Reduction to make the new X3 a clean diesel.

Like its xDrive all-wheel drive counterpart, the new X3 sDrive28i features BMW’s brilliant 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For customers with driving habits in which all-wheel drive might prove superfluous, the X3 sDrive28i provides an excellent alternative. Zero to 60 mph may be accomplished in a swift 6.2 seconds.

The new BMW X3 went on sale in spring 2014 as a 2015 model. Prices in the US start at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39,325 for the X3 sDrive28i (new offer: rear- wheel drive). The X3 xDrive28i (with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive) will have an MSRP of $40,725, while the top-of-the-line X3 xDrive35i will have an MSRP of $45,825.  The all-new X3 xDrive28d with BMW Advanced Diesel technology will start at $42,825.