Competes with: Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Porsche Macan
Looks like: BMW Vision Neue Klasse styling translates well to high-volume SUVs
Powertrain: 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 393-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine; eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Fourth quarter 2024
BMW’s compact X3 SUV is popular in the U.S., selling more than its larger X5 stablemate so far this year. Given the tremendous amount of time it takes to develop a new vehicle, it’s no doubt more coincidental than congratulatory, but the X3 is wholly redesigned for the 2025 model year. Here’s how BMW hopes to keep the X3’s momentum going.
Related: Is the 2022 BMW X3 M Competition a Good SUV? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
Bigger and Brighter
The 2025 X3 is 1.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider and an inch shorter in height than the 2024 model, yet BMW says its body shell is lighter and stiffer than before. That should help improve agility, stability and ride comfort. The body shell is wrapped in new sheet metal with minimalist surfacing and a dramatically upswept beltline like that of BMW’s range-topping XM SUV, which grants the X3 a clean, modern look.
Bold new front-end styling features a tastefully enlarged kidney-bean grille that draws in the eye with diagonal grille bars intersecting with the brand’s traditional vertical elements. Look closely and the thin L-shaped LED daytime running lights are adorned with metallic-blue trim. An illuminated grille is standard on the X3 M50 and optional on the X3 30.
New Hybrid Engines
The displacements of the X3’s two available engines don’t change from 2024, but both the base four-cylinder and optional inline-six are thoroughly reworked for more efficiency and now incorporate mild-hybrid assistance.
The entry-level variant is now simply called the X3 30 xDrive, dropping the lower-case “i” from last year’s xDrive30i. (BMW says it will reserve “i” names for electric vehicles from here on out.) Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder generates 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque; BMW says this is enough for the X3 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds flat.
Both the four and X3 M50 xDrive’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six package their electric motors inside the housing for the eight-speed automatic transmission. The six, however, now makes 393 hp and 428 pounds-feet, increases of 11 hp and 59 pounds-feet over last year’s engine. BMW says the six will fling the X3 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
So far, BMW has only announced all-wheel-drive versions of the new X3, and given market trends, it seems possible there will be no rear-drive X3s in this new generation. Fuel economy figures are not yet available for the 2025 X3, but in the 4 Series, these engines resulted in an increase of 2 to 3 mpg in EPA ratings; expect a similar boost in the X3. The AWD 2024 X3 with the four-cylinder netted 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined, while the six returned 21/26/23 mpg.
Handling Still Matters
In addition to its more powerful engine, the X3 M50 rides on an adaptive sport suspension with electronic dampers, a sport rear differential, variable steering and upgraded brakes — all of which are optional on the X3 30. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard on the X3 30 while 20s are standard on the M50; the X3 30 can also be had with 20- or 21-inch wheels, but M Sport buyers who want to maximize handling may want to stick with the stock 19s.
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New Tech Inside
Not surprisingly, the 2025 X3 features the brand’s new Curved Display, which incorporates a digital gauge cluster and the central infotainment screen under a single piece of curved glass oriented toward the driver. The display runs iDrive 9 (or BMW Operating System 9, if you prefer), BMW’s first Android-based infotainment system. Users can customize their screen layout, download apps, and control a variety of primary and secondary vehicle systems with voice commands.
Elsewhere in the interior, bold, angular forms create a sense of solidity, while the asymmetrical perforations on the seatbacks lend a touch of artistry. Light bars on the center-console surround and door trim spice things up, and buyers can opt for a new fabric dash knitted from recycled polyester. Heated front seats are standard, while a head-up display with augmented-reality navigation is also available.
Standard and Available Safety Features
BMW’s latest active-safety tech will be available on the 2025 X3, but you’ll pay extra for it. Standard systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitors with steering assist, traffic-sign recognition and automated parking. Opting for the Parking Assistant Professional nets Maneuver Assistant and Backup Assistant, which can remember up to 1,950 feet of driveway or parking-lot entry or exit and allows the vehicle to maneuver itself. Driving Assistant Professional adds enhanced lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, as well as traffic jam assist, for semi-autonomous driving at higher speeds and in heavy traffic.
Availability and Pricing
The 2025 BMW X3 will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2024. Pricing for the X3 30 xDrive starts at $50,675, and the M50 xDrive starts at $65,275 (all prices include $1,175 destination).
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