All-New 2025 BMW X3 Is A Renaissance Inside And Out

The fourth-generation BMW X3 has officially been revealed. With bold styling, a selection of four- and six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines, and new technology, the latest X3 aims to raise the bar for compact luxury SUVs, starting with a cabin that borrows design cues from the all-electric iX. The outgoing model is already a class-leading machine, so can the newest iteration pick up the baton and stay in the lead? Let’s find out.

Like the new 1 Series that debuted a few weeks ago (yet oddly, unlike the new 2 Series), the X3 is the latest BMW to drop the ‘i’ suffix from its model name. As such, the new variants are called the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive. The former employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech. It produces a total of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph sprint time of six seconds flat and a top speed of 130 mph. This engine is already available in the updated 3 Series sedan.

Strong Performance From The M50 xDrive

If you’re looking for more performance, the M50 xDrive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that develops a total output of 393 hp and 428 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid technology improves both performance and efficiency; BMW says the engine in the M50 xDrive is the first to make use of the Efficient Dynamics Next technology package, which includes new intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, among other changes. 0-60 mph is dispatched in 4.4 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 130 mph, although this is increased to 155 mph with summer tires. Both models make use of BMW’s smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2025 X3 may be a compact luxury SUV, but it’s still a BMW at heart. That means handling is important, so BMW has ensured that it’s fun to drive. The body-in-white is more rigid than before despite being lighter. There’s also a wider rear track, while the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have been made more precise than before. Compared to the outgoing model, the caster offset of the steering axle has been increased by 19%, improving straight-line stability.

M Sport Package Tightens Up Handling

Of course, the X3’s dynamics can be further improved with the optional M Sport suspension (standard on the M50 xDrive). This includes M Sport suspension, sport steering, and brakes. Customers can also opt for M Adaptive suspension (also standard on the M50 xDrive), promoting a smoother ride while sharpening the handling. Dynamic Damper Control is also available and introduces electronic adjustable dampers with a “less sporting calibration” which will appeal to comfort-oriented consumers. As part of the M50 xDrive, buyers enjoy an M Sport differential and 20-inch wheels.

The new X3 is a drastic departure from the conservatively styled G01 generation. BMW says it has an “almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions.” The styling borrows several styling cues from existing Bimmer SUVs, with a clear influence from the controversial XM, the all-electric iX, and more recent models such as the X1. The rear reminds us of the F20-generation 1 Series sold abroad, which is no serious crime. While the styling won’t be to everyone’s tastes, more generous dimensions make the X3 more practical than before. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the X3 now measures 187.2 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. At 65.4 inches, it is one inch lower than before. That makes the new X3 longer and wider than the first-generation X5.

Styling Won’t Be To Everyone’s Taste

The kidney grille has an unusual combination of vertical and diagonal bars, while Iconic Glow contour lighting (standard on M50 xDrive models) lends the front fascia even more presence. Full LED headlights, blue design detailing, and M Shadowline lights are available. The new X3 wears prominent side skirts, flared wheel arches, and uniquely shaped taillight clusters. There are ten paint colors for the M50 xDrive and eleven shades for the 30 xDrive. Vehicles produced at Plant Spartanburg in the United States will be available in more than 15 BMW Individual colors.

The X3 30xDrive receives 19-inch wheels as standard, although customers can choose from 20- and 21-inch wheels. An M Sport package adds more aggressive exterior styling, while the M Sport Professional Package adds the aforementioned Iconic Glow grille, M Shadowline lights, Extended Shadowline trim, and a choice of blue or red brake calipers.

Much Improved Interior Has All The Bells And Whistles

Inside, the new X3 offers a spacious cabin with all the usual BMW refinements and touches. This includes the new Curved Display, the BMW Interaction Bar, and steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim. There’s also a new gear selector, with all the parts coming together to create a driver-focused environment. The latest X3 ships standard with power-adjustable and heated sports seats, available in Veganza, Extended Merino leather upholstery, or a Veganza/Alcantara combination. For the first time in a BMW, customers can choose from a woven fabric instrument panel made from recycled polyester.

BMW says the trunk has 31.5 cubic feet of space. With the rear bench folded flat, the luggage capacity expands to a generous 67.1 cubic feet. Those hoping to haul things around can specify the optional trailer hitch, which allows the X3 to tow up to 4,850 lbs, depending on the engine and trim. Standard equipment is generous, with standard Forward Collision Mitigation, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and a parking assistant. An optional Parking Assistant Professional Package includes the BMW Maneuver Assistant, which allows customers to store up to ten complicated parking maneuvers for a total of 650 yards. This allows the vehicle to carry out an entire parking maneuver without input from the driver.

Upgraded iDrive And Availability

As an all-new car, the 2025 X3 uses BMW Operating System 9, the latest software to underpin the iDrive system. Owners can operate the system using the touchscreen, iDrive controller, steering wheel-mounted buttons, or voice controls. There’s also an optional Head-Up Display. The voice control system, known as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, pays attention to the driver’s needs and aims to improve the dialogue between humans and the car. A cloud-based navigation system is also standard on the new X3, ensuring the latest and most up-to-date map data is always available. A Live Cockpit Professional package adds a head-up display and an augmented view function for the navigation system.

As expected, the system can provide OTA updates, and customers can download additional content to use in their vehicles. Lastly, BMW is offering a Digital Premium package that introduces a video app that can be used to stream videos when the vehicle is stationary. The system also includes the AirConsole gaming platform, which includes racing, quiz, and sports games. The Digital Premium package also adds Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer. A worldwide launch will take place in Q4 2024, with the X3 30 xDrive starting at $49,500 and the X3 M50 xDrive starting at $64,100, excluding the automaker’s standard $1,175 destination fee.