BMW X3 sDrive, xDrive, M40i & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

BMW X3

The BMW X3 lineup starts with the value-minded 3.0i and sDrive group, while the xDrive28i, xDrive30, xDrive30i, xDrive30i SA, and xDrive35i form the mainstream all-wheel-drive branch. The xDrive28d is the diesel choice for long-distance efficiency, and the xDrive30e is the plug-in hybrid for short electric trips with gasoline backup. At the top, the M40i and M50 are the performance models. They pair six-cylinder power and sharper M-tuned handling hardware with the X3’s everyday passenger and cargo usefulness.

What each trim is known for

BMW X3 Rear-wheel Drive

Rear-wheel Drive

3.0isDrive28isDrive30isDrive30i SA

The Rear-wheel Drive trim level groups the 3.0i, sDrive28i, sDrive30i, and sDrive30i SA as the value-minded core X3, focused on everyday luxury and a simpler, road-oriented setup.

Best for: Drivers who want the X3’s premium feel and useful space without prioritizing all-weather traction or M-level performance.

Highlights

  • Rear-wheel drive on the sDrive models
  • Turbocharged four-cylinder power in the sDrive28i and sDrive30i
  • Power front seats and automatic climate control
  • Split-folding rear seat for flexible cargo space
110 in stock
BMW X3 All-wheel Drive

All-wheel Drive

xDrive28ixDrive30xDrive30ixDrive30i SAxDrive35i

The All-wheel Drive trim level includes the xDrive28i, xDrive30, xDrive30i, xDrive30i SA, and xDrive35i; it is the mainstream four-season X3, with the xDrive35i adding a stronger six-cylinder character.

Best for: Shoppers who want a comfortable daily X3 with extra traction in rain, snow, and other slippery conditions.

Highlights

  • BMW xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Turbocharged four-cylinder power in the core 28i and 30 models
  • Power front seats and everyday cargo flexibility
  • More advanced displays, parking aids, and safety technology on recent versions

Adds xDrive all-wheel drive over the rear-drive sDrive models; the xDrive35i also brings a 300-hp turbocharged inline-six and added comfort equipment.

248 in stock
BMW X3 Diesel

Diesel

xDrive28d

The Diesel trim level is the xDrive28d, the mileage-focused X3 that uses a turbo-diesel engine for strong low-speed pull and fewer fuel stops on long drives.

Best for: Highway commuters and road-trip drivers who value fuel efficiency, AWD traction, and relaxed pulling power.

Highlights

  • 180-hp turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Power tailgate and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat

Swaps the regular all-wheel-drive level’s gasoline engine for a turbo-diesel four-cylinder, emphasizing lower fuel use and stronger low-speed pull rather than extra luxury.

1 in stock
BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

xDrive30e

The Plug-in Hybrid trim level is the xDrive30e, the electrified X3 built for short electric commutes while keeping a gasoline engine for longer trips.

Best for: Drivers who can plug in regularly and want electric driving for errands without relying on charging for road trips.

Highlights

  • 288-hp plug-in hybrid system
  • Up to 18 miles of EPA-estimated electric driving
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Digital instrument display and driver-assistance technology

Adds plug-in charging, an electric motor, and up to 18 miles of electric driving over the diesel level while retaining all-wheel drive.

15 in stock
BMW X3 Performance

Performance

M40iM50

The Performance trim level covers the M40i and M50, the quicker and sharper X3 models built around six-cylinder power and dedicated BMW M handling hardware.

Best for: Drivers who want stronger acceleration and more responsive handling without giving up the X3’s daily practicality.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine
  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering
  • M Sport brakes and more aggressive exterior details

Moves beyond the plug-in hybrid’s efficiency focus with 382 hp in the M40i or 393 hp in the M50, plus M-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes.

17 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureDieselPerformancePlug-in HybridAll-wheel DriveRear-wheel Drive
Includes
xDrive28d1 in stock
M40i, M5017 in stock
xDrive30e15 in stock
xDrive28i, xDrive30, xDrive30i, xDrive30i SA, xDrive35i248 in stock
3.0i, sDrive28i, sDrive30i, sDrive30i SA110 in stock
Included trim namesxDrive28dM40i, M50xDrive30exDrive28i, xDrive30, xDrive30i, xDrive30i SA, xDrive35i3.0i, sDrive28i, sDrive30i, sDrive30i SA
Powertrain typeTurbo-diesel four-cylinderTurbo gas inline-sixTurbo gas four-cylinder plus electric motorTurbo gas four-cylinder in 28i and 30 models; xDrive35i uses an inline-sixTurbo gas four-cylinder in sDrive models; older 3.0i uses an inline-six
Driven wheelsAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAll-wheel driveRear-wheel drive on sDrive models
Power output180 hp382 hp in M40i; 393 hp in M50288 hp240–255 hp with four-cylinder; 300 hp in xDrive35i240–248 hp in sDrive models; 260 hp in 3.0i
Plug-in electric driving——Up to 18 EPA-estimated miles——
M handling hardware—Adaptive M suspension, sport steering, M brakes———
Main focusLong-distance fuel efficiencyQuicker acceleration and sharper handlingShort electric trips with gas backupEveryday comfort and four-season tractionValue-minded core X3

Frequently asked questions

What do sDrive, xDrive, and M mean on an X3?

sDrive identifies rear-wheel drive, while xDrive identifies all-wheel drive. M40i and M50 are the performance-focused versions, with six-cylinder power and sharper suspension and steering hardware than the regular 30-level trims.

What's the difference between the sDrive30i and xDrive30i?

The main difference is traction. In the third-generation lineup, the sDrive30i sends its 248 hp to the rear wheels, while the xDrive30i uses all-wheel drive. Their everyday cabin, technology, and safety equipment are otherwise closely matched.

What's the difference between the sDrive28i and xDrive28i?

The sDrive28i is rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive28i is all-wheel drive. In the refreshed second-generation lineup, both use the same 240-hp turbo four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic, and similar comfort and cargo features.

Is the xDrive30 the same trim as the xDrive30i?

They fill the same mainstream all-wheel-drive role, but they belong to different generations. Since the 2025 redesign, the xDrive30 has 255 hp and a curved display with BMW's newer touchscreen system. The earlier xDrive30i has 248 hp and the prior cabin design.

What's the difference between the xDrive30 and M50?

Since the 2025 redesign, the xDrive30 is the balanced everyday trim with a 255-hp four-cylinder. The M50 raises output to 393 hp and adds performance suspension, stronger brakes, sport steering, a sport differential, and more aggressive styling.

What's the difference between the M40i and M50?

The M50 replaced the M40i name with the 2025 redesign. Recent M40i models have a 382-hp six-cylinder, while the M50 has 393 hp. Both are performance-focused, but the M50 belongs to the newer generation with its redesigned cabin and technology.

How is the xDrive35i different from the xDrive28i?

The xDrive35i is the stronger six-cylinder version of the second-generation X3. It has 300 hp versus 240 hp in the xDrive28i and adds upscale equipment such as a panoramic moonroof, adaptive headlights, and premium surround-sound audio.

What is the BMW X3 xDrive28d?

The xDrive28d is the diesel X3 sold from 2015 through 2017. It pairs a 180-hp turbo-diesel four-cylinder with all-wheel drive and suits drivers who value highway efficiency and strong low-speed pulling power over quick acceleration.

What is the BMW X3 xDrive30e?

The xDrive30e is the plug-in hybrid X3 sold for 2020 and 2021. It combines a turbo four-cylinder, an electric motor, and all-wheel drive for 288 hp, with up to 18 miles of EPA-estimated electric driving before gasoline backup.

Which BMW X3 trim makes the most sense for snow?

An xDrive trim is the straightforward choice because xDrive means all-wheel drive. Among similar 28i or 30i models, the xDrive version keeps the regular engine and everyday equipment while adding traction at all four wheels.

Which BMW X3 trim suits frequent highway driving?

The xDrive28d is the mileage-focused choice among 2015-2017 models. Its diesel engine was intended for lower fuel use, fewer highway fuel stops, and strong low-speed pull while retaining all-wheel drive and the regular X3 cabin.

Which BMW X3 trim is for someone who wants stronger performance?

Look for the M40i in 2018-2024 models or the M50 since the 2025 redesign. Both add a turbocharged six-cylinder and sharper suspension, steering, and braking hardware while keeping the X3's five-seat SUV practicality.

Does SA mean extra equipment on an X3 trim?

No. The sDrive30i SA and xDrive30i SA match the regular sDrive30i and xDrive30i equipment sets. In these names, SA does not identify a separate feature package or a meaningful step up in equipment.

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