Fourth-Gen 2025 BMW X3 Shows Bold Styling, Tech Inside and Out
While we wait to see how the Vision Neue Klasse X concept will translate into the next generation of BMW electric SUVs and crossovers, the Bavarian automaker is introducing a completely redesigned X3 for the 2025 model year.
This fourth generation of the compact luxury SUV marks an evolution across the line and will arrive in Canada sometime this fall. Two models will be available at first including the 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive (BMW has dropped the letter “i” from the names, keeping it for all-electric models going forward).
- Also: Luxury SUVs No Better Than the Rest at Protecting Rear-Seat Occupants
- Also: BMW to Use Canadian-Made Aluminum in SUVs Starting in 2024
Monolithic Appearance
Standing 34 mm longer, 29 mm wider and 16 mm lower than its predecessor, the 2025 BMW X3 boasts a sportier stance. Meanwhile, styling is bolder and admittedly more polarizing, especially up front—just look at the new grille combining vertical and diagonal bars on the base model. Then again, you can’t really say designers went too far.
We quite like the new headlight and taillight signatures, as well as the tauter, more chiseled body. BMW offers a wide selection of paint colours including the new Dune Grey metallic. The redesigned wheels range from 19-21 inches in size. Of course, the available M Sport Package is back for those wanting a racier-looking exterior.
Colourful Cabin
Inside, the main highlights of the 2025 BMW X3 include a brand new curved display powered by the iDrive 9 infotainment system with QuickSelect menu, interaction bar on the dashboard, dynamic ambient lighting and redesigned steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim. The big rotary controller on the centre console is still there, but now flanked by a new gear selection toggle replacing the shifter.
The X3 is fitted as standard with newly designed sport seats upholstered in the customer’s choice of three colours of perforated and quilted Veganza (synthetic leather). Two colours of Merino leather upholsteries are available as options on both models, while an M Veganza/Alcantara combination is available in M50 xDrive trim. Also, for the first time on any BMW model, you can have woven fabric made from recycled polyester covering the dashboard and upper doors.
Total cargo capacity is 1,700 litres, which is strangely down 75 litres from the outgoing X3. On the other hand, max towing capacity is increased to 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs).
Enhanced Powertrain and Chassis
Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the X3 30 xDrive continues to generate a maximum output of 255 horsepower and peak torque of 295 lb-ft, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. Beyond the adoption of 48V mild hybrid technology, it benefits from a Miller combustion cycle (which shortens the opening time of the intake valves), redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and an ignition system featuring an active coil with integrated electronics.
Meanwhile, the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine motivating the X3 M50 xDrive is one of the first to employ the new Efficient Dynamics Next technology package, which includes the Miller cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, and changes to the injection system, ignition system, exhaust gas routing and camshaft timing. Paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, it now delivers 393 horsepower (+11) and 428 lb-ft of torque (+59), the latter from 1,900-4,800 rpm. However, due to the extra weight, 0-100 km/h sprints are a tenth slower at 4.6 seconds.
Both X3 models boast noticeable improvements in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort, BMW says. A body-in-white with lower weight and increased rigidity, wider rear track and revised suspension play key roles here. An adaptive M suspension is available on the sportier of the two models.
Naturally, there is a plethora of active safety and driver assistance features on the new X3. The Parking Assistant is now standard, with a more advanced version among the options. The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system has been updated, while the intelligent personal assistant is able to understand and execute more tasks than before.
The 2025 BMW X3 carries an MSRP of $58,900 in base 30 xDrive trim, a hike of $2,200 from 2024. Pricing for the M50 xDrive starts at $74,900. The plug-in hybrid variant and high-performance X3 M will be introduced at a later date.
