“I love the heads-up display. I love the consistent feel of power when accelerating up mountains in Colorado. I enjoy feeling safe in my car. I like the remote start, back-up assist and parking assist features.”
2023 BMW X3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The main change for the 2023 BMW X3 is the addition of South Africa-assembled sDrive30i SA and xDrive30i SA variants. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with no major powertrain, styling, safety, or infotainment updates.
About the 2023 BMW X3
3rd generation (G01, 2018-2024), second model year after the 2022 mid-cycle update
BMW positioned the X3 as a compact luxury SUV that blends everyday passenger and cargo usefulness with the steering response and road manners associated with its cars. Its main appeal is balance: comfortable seating, useful rear-seat and cargo space, modern infotainment, and standard driver assistance without giving up engaging handling. The range spans efficient four-cylinder rear- or all-wheel-drive models and a much quicker six-cylinder M40i.
The sDrive30i is the everyday rear-wheel-drive version, while the xDrive30i adds all-wheel drive for better traction in changing conditions. Both use a 248-hp turbo four-cylinder and a 10.25-inch touchscreen; the performance-focused M40i has a 382-hp turbo six-cylinder, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, and dual 12.3-inch displays.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
BMW added South Africa-assembled sDrive30i SA and xDrive30i SA variants. They match the corresponding 248-hp rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive 30i models but have a factory panoramic moonroof.
2023 BMW X3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | AWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | 29 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 248 hp | 248 hp | 248 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 28.7 cu-ft | 28.7 cu-ft | 28.7 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2023 BMW X3 redesigned?
No. The 2023 BMW X3 carries over the exterior, interior, infotainment, and driver-assistance updates introduced for 2022.
What is the main difference between the 2023 and 2022 BMW X3?
The main difference is that the 2023 lineup adds South Africa-assembled sDrive30i SA and xDrive30i SA variants. The core engines, styling, safety equipment, and infotainment systems otherwise carry over.
Did the 2023 BMW X3 get new engines?
No. The 2023 X3 keeps the 248-hp turbo four-cylinder in the 30i models and the 382-hp turbo six-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance in the M40i.
What are the 2023 BMW X3 SA variants?
The SA variants are South Africa-assembled versions of the sDrive30i and xDrive30i. They retain the corresponding model’s engine and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layout, and they have a factory panoramic moonroof.
Is the 2023 BMW X3 M40i different from the 2022 model?
No major M40i change is confirmed for 2023. It retains its 382-hp turbo six-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and dual 12.3-inch displays.
2023 BMW X3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 BMW X3.
4.4
2023 BMW X3
(1,575 reviews)
“The X3 is both beautiful and well made. I feel safe driving the vehicle. I would submit that it saved my life when I was hit by someone who ran a red light. My vehicle was hit several times by other cars and I am happy to report that I only had minor injuries. I love driving the X3 and it brings me great joy!”
“You will love it. Its interior is very comfortable and customizable. Performance is stellar, and the heads-up display is great. Integrates well with smartphone.”