BMW X3
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The BMW X3 appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with diesel and gasoline and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 16 to 30 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,950 to $5,000 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21-30 MPG | $3,150-$3,800 | 4 |
| 2017 | 21-24 MPG | $3,300-$3,800 | 3 |
| 2018 | 23-25 MPG | $3,200-$3,450 | 2 |
| 2019 | 23-26 MPG | $3,050-$3,450 | 3 |
| 2020 | 16-27 MPG | $2,950-$5,000 | 6 |
How it compares
Against the average small sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 24 MPG), the X3 sits roughly 1 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a X3 for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $14,750 to $25,000, averaging about $19,875 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the X3 varies by about 14 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used X3 check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the X3's average combined economy slipped from about 26 to 22 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2016 X3 has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 25 MPG, while the 2020 is the lowest at about 22 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 X3 at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| X3 sDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 27 MPG |
| X3 xDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 26 MPG |
| X3 xDrive30e | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Plug-in Hybrid | 24 MPG |
| X3 M40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 23 MPG |
| X3 M | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
| X3 M Competition | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the X3 against a rival, or go back to all BMW models.