In a market flooded with compact luxury SUVs these days, it’s hard to believe the BMW X3 has been around since 2003, making its US premiere in 2013 at the New York Auto Show. Dubbed a premium “Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)” by the German brand, the 2013 X3 gained a new engine and was the last of its kind before a mid-generational facelift in 2014.
Overall, the 2013 BMW X3 is a decent all-rounder, 5-door hauler in the luxury compact segment, sporting refined powertrain and innovative equipment features. Here’s a closer look at its performance, new features, X3 interior, safety, and specs. For a full review with drive impressions, check out Andrew Wendler’s 2013 X3 review at Car&Driver.
X3 Powertrains and Performance
2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i key specs:
- Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (xDrive)
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 mph (electronically limited)
There were two main engine types used on the 2013 BMW X3 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), namely the N20 and the N55. The former is a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit offering up to 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; the latter is a 3.0L inline-6 offering up to 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both of these transmissions are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6-cylinder engine was added to the lineup in 2013 to replace the turbocharged 4-cylinder version.
One small weakness in the interior design was that while the windshield size and driver seat position allowed for a commanding view over the road, the rear window was slimmer and reduced overall visibility.
Fuel efficiency in the 2013 X3 typically managed around 11.7L/100km (20-mpg) in the city, and around 8.7L/100km (27-mpg) on the highway, all of which was achieved riding on an AWD drivetrain. This was part of what made the model so popular at the time, and some agencies even ranked it as the best SAV/SUV of that particular model year.
On the road, the 2013 BMW X3 was praised for its athletic and agile handling capabilities, but it wasn’t yet in possession of the much-improved BMW-made infotainment systems that came in later model years. The engines gave it strong and brisk power when accelerating, and the suspension allowed it to be maneuvered through tight turns and over different surfaces with ease and comfort.
New Features to the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i
The BMW X3 received a mid-generational facelift in 2014, so the 2013 X3 was the last available pre-facelift model. The 2013 model received two notable upgrades compared to the previous model year. It received a power liftgate as a standard feature, and lane departure warning became available in the ADAS suite.
While it missed out on many additional new features that were afforded it in the 2014 model year, being the final pre-facelift model allows buyers now to get a great deal on what was still a well-evolved vehicle at the time.
BMW X3 Interior & Styling
The 2013 BMW X3 is a 5-seater car, and even back then, it offered well-contoured seats and a decent amount of legroom. The rear had two sets of LATCH connectors for child seats, which was one of the reasons it was popular as a family car choice. One small weakness in the interior design was that while the windshield size and driver seat position allowed for a commanding view over the road, the rear window was slimmer and reduced overall visibility.
Unfortunately, the 2013 model was missing a few interior features that the X3 received in the next model year after getting its facelift. These included automatic climate control, gloss-black paneling and a sliding cover on the center console, additional cup holders, and new upholstery options.
Fast-forward to the 2022 BMW X3, which features slimmer headlights, a bigger kidney grille, and reshaped front bumpers with triangular-shaped vertical air intakes. In addition, the rear bumpers and taillights have been revamped compared to the previous version.
Safety Features on this Small BMW SUV
One key performance area that enhanced the 2013 BMW X3’s position in buyers’ eyes was its safety rating. The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a “Top Safety Pick” ranking in 2013, and it scored extremely well in all four main areas of testing. Safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, an optional driver head-up display, adaptive pivoting headlights, and a top-view camera.
Take a look at all the BMW SUV models here.
2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i Technical Specs
- Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 @ 2979 cc
- Horsepower – Peak: 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque – Peak: 300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Limited-Slip Differential: No
- Drivetrain: AWD (xDrive)
- Suspension: MacPherson strut front & Multi-link independent rear
- Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
- ABS: Yes
- Tires: 245/50R18 (standard size may vary)
- Wheelbase: 2,810 mm
- Length: 4,648 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,933 kg
- Passenger Volume: Approx. 2,855 liters (estimated)
- Fuel Capacity: 67 liters
- Fuel Consumption: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- Towing Capacity: 2,400 kg
- Payload Capacity: 550 kg
- Exterior Color: Sparkling Bronze Metallic (if specific to the model)
- Interior Color: Black Leatherette (if specific to the model)
