Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW X3 F25 20i (184 Hp) xDrive Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW X3:
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. Starting with the third generation, BMW South Africa's Rosslyn plant began production of the X3, alongside the Spartanburg plant, after the facility underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually....(Read more on Wikipedia)
F25 Overview:
BMW X3 (F25). With 270 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.9 l/100km). With a weight of 1705 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved a strong 5-star rating in 2011, demonstrating excellent all-round safety performance for occupants in various collision scenarios.
20i (184 Hp) xDrive Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and refined performance, ideal for comfortable cruising, though acceleration is modest for a premium SUV.
Fuel Economy
Improved fuel economy over the manual 20i, making it a more balanced choice for mixed driving and comfort.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics with precise steering
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Spacious and practical cabin with generous boot space
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines
- • Excellent xDrive AWD system for all-weather capability
- • Good safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Cons:
- • Firm ride, especially on larger wheels or M Sport suspension
- • Potentially high maintenance and repair costs for premium parts
- • Some engines (e.g., N47 diesel timing chain, early N20 petrol) have known reliability concerns
- • Infotainment system can feel dated on earlier models without iDrive updates
- • Rear legroom could be better for taller adults on long journeys
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(F25: 2010 - 2014).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | X3 |
| Generation: | F25 |
| Modification (Engine): | 20i (184 Hp) xDrive Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2011 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 184 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 92.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 270 Nm @ 1250-4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N20B20A More details about the engine N20B20A |
| Engine displacement: | 1997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.1 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1705 |
| Max. weight: | 2295 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 590 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1600 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 550 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2400 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 19.4° |
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4648 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1881 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1661 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2810 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1616 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1632 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 212 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 25.7° |
| Departure angle: | 22.6° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17 V |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5 J x 17 |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Have you ever driven an BMW X3?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: