2026 BMW X3 Engine Options, Horsepower & Performance Guide
The X3 is one of the most popular models in the BMW lineup, a versatile and comfortable model that provides an exciting experience behind the wheel. A major part of that exciting experience comes from the highly advanced engines offered in the X3. There are two engines offered for the X3: an inline four-cylinder and an inline six-cylinder, and both come with turbocharging and a mild hybrid system. But there’s a lot that goes into making these engines such exceptional methods of propulsion, so we’ve put together this engine guide.
What Engines Are Offered In The X3?
| Engine | Found In | Starting MSRP* | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 Time | Fuel Economy MPG (city / highway/ combined) |
| 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo | X3 30 xDrive | $51,300 | 255 | 295 lb-ft | 6.0 seconds | 27 / 33 / 29 |
| 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo | X3 M50 xDrive | $66,500 | 393 | 428 lb-ft | 4.4 seconds | 25 / 30 / 27 |
The two engines offered in the X3 are the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo and the 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo. The 2.0-liter engine is an inline four-cylinder, while the 3.0-liter engine is an inline six-cylinder. The two engines are part of the same modular engine family, and both use the same 500 cc per cylinder block architecture; the big difference in design is just the number of cylinders. But there is also a difference in performance, as you would expect, and while the 2.0-liter engine already offers class-leading performance, the 3.0-liter engine pushes performance even further, delivering sports-car-like performance in a vehicle that also has plenty of room for groceries. Both engines come mated to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, as well as a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid system features an electric motor inside the 8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission that also comes with both engines. This provides extra power that can either give you a performance boost or ease the engine load in stop-and-go conditions. This is why both get such excellent fuel economy as well.
BMW X3 30 xDrive Engine
The X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve 255-hp engine. It features a Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Variable Valve Control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and a High-Precision Direct Injection system, known internally as the B48B20O2. The intake ports and combustion chambers have also been recently redesigned to maximize airflow, and the fuel injection system now features both high-pressure and low-pressure injectors. All of this adds up to an incredibly responsive engine, especially at low speeds, where most engines struggle. Compare this to a competitor like the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is roughly the same size as the X3, and also has a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine with a mild hybrid system. The Mercedes makes less horsepower, less torque, and takes 6.6 seconds to get to 60 mph, compared to 6.0 seconds for the X3, all thanks to BMW’s advanced engine technology.
BMW X3 M50 xDrive Engine
Raising the bar on performance, the engine in the X3 M50 xDrive is is a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 393-hp Engine. With a Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Variable Valve Control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and High-Precision Direct Injection, with the engine code B58B30M2. The fact that this is a six-cylinder engine at all is one of the big things that sets the X3 apart from the competition. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Lexus, and Land Rover all offer similarly priced competitors, but none are offered with a six-cylinder engine option. The Genesis GV70 is offered with a V6, but despite a larger displacement, it produces less power. That’s just how advanced BMW engine technology is, and why BMW continues to be the benchmark when you’re choosing a performance SUV.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for vehicle as shown does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price and does not include tax, title, license, registration and adjusted market value. Dealer sets actual price. Please consult your selected dealer.