“I don't like the engine On and off function, especially in the summer when you can hear it turn on whenever you start to move.”
2015 BMW X3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 BMW X3 is a mid-cycle design refresh, with updated exterior styling and revised cabin controls. BMW also expanded the lineup with new rear-wheel-drive and diesel trims.
About the 2015 BMW X3
2nd generation X3 (F25), mid-cycle refresh year.
BMW positioned the X3 as a compact luxury SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with a more athletic feel than many rivals. The official launch material emphasizes roomy interior and cargo space, premium materials, and the brand’s trademark driving enjoyment. In practice, the X3’s identity is a family-friendly luxury SUV for buyers who want strong turbocharged engines, sharp road manners, and a cabin that feels upscale without moving into a larger, heavier vehicle.
The xDrive28i remains the central all-wheel-drive model, while the new sDrive28i pairs the same 240-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. The new xDrive28d focuses on diesel torque and driving range, and the xDrive35i stands apart with a 300-hp turbo inline-six, a panoramic moonroof, and adaptive xenon headlights.
What changed, by category
Styling
BMW revised the headlights, kidney grille, front bumper, rear bumper, and side mirrors. The mirrors gained integrated turn signals, and roof rails became standard across the lineup.
Powertrain
The lineup gained the rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i with a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and the all-wheel-drive xDrive28d with a 180-hp turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.
Tech
The cabin received a new black-panel climate-control display, added chrome trim, and revised center-console details. Newer infotainment and driver-assistance features also joined the options list.
2015 BMW X3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Stptrnc Spt |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 180 hp | 240 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2015 BMW X3?
The biggest change is refreshed exterior and interior design. The 2015 X3 has revised headlights, grille, bumpers, mirrors, climate controls, and center-console details.
Is the 2015 BMW X3 a full redesign?
No, the 2015 BMW X3 is a mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign. It keeps the same basic platform and body structure while receiving fresher styling, revised cabin details, and a broader trim lineup.
Which BMW X3 trims were added for 2015?
BMW added the sDrive28i and xDrive28d for 2015. The sDrive28i uses rear-wheel drive and a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, while the xDrive28d combines all-wheel drive with a 180-hp turbo-diesel engine.
Does every 2015 BMW X3 have all-wheel drive?
No, not every 2015 BMW X3 has all-wheel drive. The new sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive28d, xDrive28i, and xDrive35i use all-wheel drive.
How is the 2015 BMW X3 different from the 2014 model?
The 2015 BMW X3 has refreshed front and rear styling, revised mirrors and cabin controls, standard roof rails, and two additional trims. Those trims are the rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i and the diesel-powered, all-wheel-drive xDrive28d.
2015 BMW X3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 BMW X3.
4.4
2015 BMW X3
(329 reviews)
“I wish there was a way to unlock all the doors when I park. I wish I could sync the rear view mirror to my key settings.”
“I wish the doors would stay open when you opened them even partway. They always shut unless you open them all the way and this is painful when it hits my legs when I do not have enough room to open it all the way.”