BMW X3 vs X4: Specs, Performance, Reliability. Considering that the introduction of the BMW X SAV they have actually been quick selling models. The X3 was actually BMW’s very popular model in the United States in 2019. Provided the X3 is a popular cars and truck it makes good sense that the X4 is a common comparison. BMW X3 vs X4 designs share numerous resemblances, but also have a variety of crucial distinctions. In this short article, we discuss BMW X3 vs X4 specifications, cost, performance, reliability, and more.
X3 vs X4 Basic Information
Both the X3 and X4 are Sport Energy Automobiles (SUV). BMW rather refers to the X3 as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) and the X4 as a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). The X4 is still a 5 door SUV however it uses styling aspects similar to a coupe – notably the sloping roofing. X4 models are even constructed off the exact same design & chassis as the X3.
Anyways, the X3 goes back to MY 2004 while the X4 did not occur up until MY 2015. This is an essential element of the BMW X3 vs X4 comparison. Many people most likely aren’t comparing a 2004 X3 to a 2015 X4. We will exclude some older X3 models from the bulk of this discussion.
It’s still essential to think about older models to help drive home particular points. We will consist of some references to older BMW X3’s. To paint the complete image let’s very first start with the chassis and design year information.
BMW X3 & X4 Chassis
The X3 is broken down by the following chassis and model year:
- 2004-2010 X3 (E83).
- 2011-2014 X3 (F25).
- 2015-2017 X3 (F25 LCI).
- 2018-pres. X3 (G01).
Our primary focus in this post is the 2015+ F25 models along with the 2018+ G01 X3. The F25 chassis really dates back to 2011, however it went through an LCI (Life Process Impulse) facelift for MY 2015. Focusing on these X3’s aid paint a reasonable contrast with the X4.
BMW X4 models are of the following chassis and years:.
- 2015-2018 X4 (F26).
- 2019-pres. X4 (G02).
You’ll notice the chassis codes with the BMW X3 vs X4 are really comparable. After all, they are built upon the very same platform and share much of the exact same basic styling. One significant distinction off the bat is the fact the X4 is 1 year behind the X3.
BMW X3 vs X4 Price.
Prior to buying a BMW X SUV price is likely among the most crucial subjects. Which designs are in the budget plan? What’s the distinction in MSRP? What about the price difference when purchasing utilized? Let’s jump in and resolve these topics.
A 2022 base model X3 starts at $43,700 while the X4 starts at $51,800. The base model X3 is rear-wheel drive while the base X4 is all-wheel drive. If you take a look at the AWD X3 the cost reaches $45,700. For the M40i or M models the price difference diminishes to less than $5,000. Nevertheless, it’s still a significant cost difference for similar SAV’s.
The X4 is meant to be a higher-end design than the X3, so the price difference makes some sense. Remember, the X4 has things like AWD and sport suspension standard. There’s likewise a larger touchscreen and instrument cluster on the X4. Point is – the BMW X3 vs X4 price distinction is there for a reason. Is it worth paying the additional, though?
When it concerns brand new cars we would probably argue for no. There are a lot of resemblances to justify a $6,100 space between the X3 xDrive30i and X4 xDrive30i, in our viewpoint. However, the price space does close when looking at utilized designs.
Utilized X Prices.
In the utilized market price spaces tend to diminish. Usually, the older the design the more the price space diminishes. However, that’s not precisely the case with the BMW X3 vs X4. A few of it likely comes down to the truth that we’re looking at 2015+ models. Another element is likely that the X4 is much less popular, which helps keep prices up a bit.
We researched these used car prices with a few filters: less than 70,000 miles, no accidents or damage, and tidy titles. Utilizing this, many 2015-2016 X4 models can be found in around $26,000 to $35,000. Similar X3’s will run you about $20,000 to $30,000. Simply put, the BMW X3 vs X4 cost distinction of about $4,000 to $6,000+ is true in the used market too.
Taking a look at older X3 models to compare price isn’t completely reasonable. The X3 does date back well before 2015. If the spending plan doesn’t permit for 2015+ designs, this implies there are plenty of opportunities to get into an X3 for even less money. It would likewise mean the X4 is out of the concern.
Cost Is the Main Difference.
To be truthful, price is the main distinction in between the two SAV’s. Much of the rest is very comparable. It’s important we deal with more topics about the BMW X3 vs X4. This will assist paint the complete image and assist you make an informed decision on which BMW SAV is right for you.
BMW X Engines.
We’re taking a look at efficiency as a whole here, so there are a few primary topics within. Engines, weight, power, and handing. Beginning with engines – the BMW X3 vs X4 share the very same precise engine alternatives when looking at the exact same year and chassis. For the sake of not getting extremely complex we’re not including diesel motor here. Anyways, here’s the breakdown:.
F25 X3 & F26 X4.
- N20 inline-4 turbo (20i and 28i models).
- N55 inline-6 turbo (35i models).
The F25 X3 also has some other engine options like the N52 naturally aspirated engine. However, this is only available in 2011-2012 designs (before the X4’s time). Anyways, this is the performance topic so the above links direct to performance/bolt-on mod guides. We will also offer the same for the newer G chassis simply below.
G01 X3 & G02 X4.
- B48 inline-4 turbo (20i and 30i designs).
- B58 inline-6 turbo (M40i designs).
- S58 inline-6 twin turbo (X3 M and X4 M).
You’ll see these engines resemble the older generation X3 vs X4. The N20 and B48 are both 2.0 L turbo engines and the latter is just the newer engine. That likewise applies to the N55 and B58. However, the G chassis includes the M models with the (what will likely be one of the most famous engines ever) S58 twin turbo engine.
BMW X3 vs X4 Performance.
If the engine choices are the exact same and the X3 & X4 are constructed on the same platform they should deliver comparable efficiency? Precisely. Model for design, BMW claims the specific very same 0-60 time for the X3 vs X4. For instance, the 2022 X3 M40i and X4 M40i both provide 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds. As a side note – that’s quite darn quick for an SAV, and the M designs deliver a much more excellent 3.9 s 0-60.
These are both outstanding performance SAV’s. Even if the X3 or X4 edges the other out by a couple tenths of a second it’s absolutely nothing you’ll discover in the real world. Ultimately, straight-line efficiency is so comparable that it needs to not be a consider your BMW X3 vs X4 decision.
The biggest factor is the particular year and engine. BMW’s newest B-series engines usually use more performance and potential than their predecessors. Then there’s the addition of the absolutely outrageous S58 engine in M models.
X3 & X4 Handling.
Regardless of the sportier appearances of the X4 these SUV’s clock in at approximately the very same weight. OK. Now we have cars with the same engine, very same platform, and exact same weight. Managing should be nearly similar? Yes and no.
This is where things get a bit more intriguing and tend to prefer the BMW X4. The base X3 gets basic BMW suspension while an X4 gets the M Sport suspension. On base design cars this offers the X4 a small edge. However, M Sport suspension is a choice on the base X3. Naturally, that will start to close the rate space of the BMW X3 vs X4.
M Sport suspension is basic on higher-end designs like the M40i and M. These models do have the smaller sized rate difference from the factory, but it’s still to the tune of about $3,500 to $4,000+.
Back to the initial point – the X3 and X4 both provide really similar handling. The X4 has a small edge in some situations, however it still shouldn’t suffice to sway your decision one method or the other. A common theme appears to be in the works here.
X3/X4 Interior & Characteristic.
This is another location where the X4 makes a small edge. It’s merely the higher-end BMW in terms of standard functions. That’s not to say the X3 doesn’t have its reasonable share of innovation and functions.
Both the X3 and X4 share lots of similarities in the interior. The total design, layout, and upholstery is the same. One main difference is the larger screen and completely adjustable instrument cluster on the X4. There’s likewise a scenic moonroof on the BMW X4.
These are available upgrades on the X3, but they aren’t standard functions as they are on the X4. If you truly worth these alternatives then you ought to think about the expense of adding them to the X3. When you add these upgrades, you’ll discover the cost gets a lot closer.
BMW X3 vs X4 Size.
In honor of keeping things moving we’ll fast here. Let’s overlook outside dimensions since these cars share the same base platform. It’s so close that – sticking to the total style – outside dimensions likely aren’t a choosing element.
One aspect that might be choosing is the interior. Consider the sloping roof of the X4 for its coupe-inspired styling and style. Undoubtedly, that does cut down on interior area of the X4. The freight space behind the rear seats is a good bit smaller (to the tune of 10 cubic feet or about 50%). Rear seats also sit ever so a little additional up causing about 1″ less legroom for passengers.
Eventually, the X3 is the more experience and household friendly SUV. Area isn’t a substantial distinction unless you’re aiming to stack things height-wise. You’re still sacrificing some by going with the less roomy X4, however depending upon your needs that may not matter at all.
Is the X4 Worth The Money?
Obviously, we can’t answer this concern for everybody. Everything depends on what you value in a cars and truck or SUV. Picking between an X3 vs X4 might be an extremely close decision. In our viewpoint, the X3 delivers the better value thanks to its comparable functions, very same engine choices, and more area.
If you truly value some of the standard features of the X4 then you may think about adding them to the X3. That closes the price space of the BMW X3 vs X4. At this moment the X4 may be the more appealing option if you appreciate the sportier design.
