It has been over a year since BMW introduced the fourth generation X3. Since then we have seen many “G45” variants that range from 20 and 20d to the plug-in hybrid 30e and the Hot M50. What you share is the XDRIVE badge on the back. However, the “SDRIVE” surprisingly returns to Mexico. The car manufacturer, based in Munich, once claimed that the rear drive X3 had been finally stopped according to the “G01”, but it is now back.
For the 2026 model, the X3 20 SDRIVE becomes the new basic model in Mexico. It uses the familiar 2.0-liter petrol engine from Turbos, which generates 190 hp and 310 Nm (229 LB-FT) torque. The power supply of the B48 is only sent to the rear wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables a sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds of sprint. Flat from it reaches 218 km/h.
BMW has not announced the curb weight, but it can be assumed that it is easier than the XDRIVE version. As a reference, the all -wheel drive model sold worldwide in European specification weighs 1,855 kilograms (£ 4,089). No version is available in the United States because the line -up with the stronger 30 XDrive begins.
It makes a completely useful sense to retrieve a rear-wheel drive X3. Anyway, not every XDRIVE needs, and customers can either enjoy the cost savings or assign the difference for additional options. We will see if this entry-level SDRIVE variant is available in other markets. In any case, it is refreshing to see that the rear wheel drive also returns in a crossover.
Technically speaking, one could argue that the X3 has never really disappeared in the rear wheel drive. The full electrical IX3 of the first generation (“G08”) was only sold with RWD. His successor, who debut tomorrow, will initially start with XDRIVE, but it probably seems that BMW will later expand the line-up with a single engine rear drive version. BMW will probably sell a full-fledged M-version of the IX3, but the combustion engine X3 setup will continue to be exceeded by the M-Performance version.
Source: BMW Mexico
