The new 2025 BMW X3 is an important model for the Bavarian company. While it once made building the Ultimate Driving Machines its core stock in trade, today, it’s a company with a broader portfolio. Conventional wisdom is that brands that build desirable SUVs end up with buckets of money, and the X3’s job is to help BMW score that bag.
Fundamentally, SUVs are core product for most brands these days. Any denial of such became pointless when Lamborghini and Ferrari started getting in on the action. The X3 is one of BMW’s biggest lines in the US market, shifting over 80,000 units in 2022 alone. Where the 3 Series was once the accessible darling of the BMW lineup, that mantle has now shifted.
The third-generation model sold well for BMW in its seven year reign. Now, the new X3 brings new design language, new tech, and new engines, including a hybrid option. The question will be whether it can continue the model’s strong sales momentum into a new era.
All-New
There’s no use hiding from the elephant in the room, nor its giant nostrils. BMW has committed to a design language featuring huge kidney grilles, with only the smaller model lines spared. The new X3 doesn’t change this, but it does make them more eye catching than ever. The grilles feature bold diagonal and vertical strakes that appear akin to some kind of dazzle camouflage from the early 20th century. They also get outlined with glowing contour lights to really draw the eye.
Besides the nose, though, it’s an otherwise modern and clean design. The basic proportions are largely rectangular, with BMW ignoring the temptation to go for a steeply-sloping roof that would unduly cut headroom and cargo space. The X3 almost rides low enough that has you wondering if automakers are flirting with wagons again, but its overall height keeps it in the SUV class.
BMW bills the X3 as suitable for “everyday use, weekend adventures, and cross-country journeys,” though we’re about a decade past anyone pretending they’re buying one for off-road use. Still, in the US, all models will come with BMW’s xDrive AWD system.
Two main models will be available from launch. The X3 30 xDrive starts at $50,675 including destination charges. It will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, too. It’ll propel the X3 to 60 mph in just six seconds flat.
Cashed-up buyers can go for the X3 M50 xDrive instead, which begins at $64,100. It gets BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six, complete with turbo and 48-volt mild hybrid system. It offers a mighty 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW also claims that new “extremely rigid” model-specific engine mounts provide supreme responsiveness from the drivetrain. All that extra power will rocket the X3 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds—a number once the purview of real supercars.
Notably, both trims drop the “i” which BMW formerly used to designate models fuel injection. Going forward, “i” will only be used for BMW’s all-electric models.
BMW is serious about efficiency with the X3, hence the mild-hybrid systems on both engines. Other details include the flaps which block airflow through the grille for better aerodynamic efficiency, and the fact that both engines can use variable valve timing to implement the Miller cycle for better fuel economy.
Inside, BMW has gone for a cutting-edge, futuristic look, with bold lines in contrasting colors. Call it interesting, or call it lurid, but it’s certainly not blending in with any of the competition. The base model is sharp, but not too crazy. However, BMW has chosen to show off the M50 xDrive in wild fashion. It’s, uh…particularly eye catching in the way it proudly displays the M colors, red and blue.
With an interior like that, your friends will certainly remember their first trip in your BMW. It’s a look that would be a bit over the top for a special limited-edition sports model. It’s surprising to see BMW go ham on the M colors in what is fundamentally an SUV, even if it’s a moderately fast one.
The X3 will feature a large touchscreen and a screen for the instrument cluster, with the system running the latest iDrive 9 infotainment software. According to BMW, it’s focused on improving touch and voice controls to allow for a more “driver-focused cockpit” with less buttons and switches. It provides for a clean interior, but fans of bespoke tactile controls may be disappointed. A worthy feature, however, is the Augmented View function when using navigation. It will display a live video stream from the driver’s perspective on the interior display, with animated arrows overlaid to indicate the correct way to progress through difficult junctions.
Another interesting option is BMW’s innovative Parking Assistant Professional with Maneuver Assistant. It goes above and beyond traditional parking assists, allowing the driver to “record” complex parking maneuvers for later use. Using GPS and the recorded trajectory data, the X3 can automatically execute advanced parking maneuvers on command. This can be controlled from either inside the car, or from the outside via a smartphone app. If you’ve got a weird driveway or parking spot that’s a little hard to get to, you might find this feature to be a great tool.
Similarly, if you have a long driveway, Backup Assistant can drive the X3 backwards for up to 650 feet on a route that you formerly drove in forwards. If your nouveau-riche college friend just bought a mansion with a winding one-way driveway, this could pay for itself in no time flat.
Ultimately, the X3 has become a vital pillar of BMW’s lineup in the US. It’s a top seller for the brand, and it will want to see that continue. The engines are competent, the tech should be too. It will thus come down to looks, and whether the model’s intended audience will accept them. With the bold direction the new model is taking, the X3 could really go either way.
Image credits: BMW
Except for the grill, there is nothing BMW about the styling IMHO. And nice to see that they are able to bedazzle the interior with bits from Alibaba.
Did BMW fire their design team and replace them with AI? Because man is this thing just not right.
Did BMW fire their design team and replace them with AI? Because man is this thing just not right.
Damn…looks like someone murdered Bozo the Clown in there. BMW sure making Honda look classy these days.
Honda don’t cheat on emissions.
Damn…looks like someone murdered Bozo the Clown in there. BMW sure making Honda look classy these days.
Honda don’t cheat on emissions.
Ever since I saw the outlined nostrils on the WEC/IMSA prototypes, I knew it was going to be translated to the road cars.
Ever since I saw the outlined nostrils on the WEC/IMSA prototypes, I knew it was going to be translated to the road cars.
Quad grilles with Sol LeWitt grille inserts and ring lighting: That’s completely weird – and not in a good way.
Seems the 4 person interior design team consisted of one for dash & forward console, another for the upper doors, a third for the lower doors, seats and rear console and the last for the roof – none of whom were on speaking terms. And why does the roof console have more buttons than the dash itself?
In the vein of current BMW incohesive designs – its yet another rolling cacophony of designer participation trophies.
Quad grilles with Sol LeWitt grille inserts and ring lighting: That’s completely weird – and not in a good way.
Seems the 4 person interior design team consisted of one for dash & forward console, another for the upper doors, a third for the lower doors, seats and rear console and the last for the roof – none of whom were on speaking terms. And why does the roof console have more buttons than the dash itself?
In the vein of current BMW incohesive designs – its yet another rolling cacophony of designer participation trophies.
I don’t know if its my screen resolution but is that plastic on the interior with a texture that looks just wavy? Looks like a cloth too but I am too confused to identify the material.
I don’t know if its my screen resolution but is that plastic on the interior with a texture that looks just wavy? Looks like a cloth too but I am too confused to identify the material.
Where are the A/C vents? Is this thing going to have vents you have to adjust in iDrive?
Vents are part of the HVAC package, available by subscription. $50/month.
Where are the A/C vents? Is this thing going to have vents you have to adjust in iDrive?
Vents are part of the HVAC package, available by subscription. $50/month.
It accomplishes something I’ve only ever seen BMW do. It looks like a breast implant.
No, I will not explain further.
It accomplishes something I’ve only ever seen BMW do. It looks like a breast implant.
No, I will not explain further.
Good God that interior look awful. The screen looks simply tacked on as it’s the cheapest one they could source… I was used to BMW interiors being really consistent and quite well executed, but I just don’t know what the hell is happening here
The current BMW interiors are actually excellent. My dad’s X5 50e legitimately has one of the nicest interiors I’ve ever sat it. The materials are fantastic across the board, it’s Fort Knox levels of solid, and there are cool modern design touches that are neat but not overpowering. It’s all very elegant.
…so of course they threw that all out the window in favor of an interior that’s the worst parts of Hyundai and Tesla combined with some Autozone trim pieces threw in for good measure. At this point I’m convinced BMW’s design team is trolling us and trying to see how bad they can make things before it affects sales.
This, Nsane, is what makes it so painful to longtime BMW fans. I remember the halcyon days of driver-oriented center stacks, staid interiors and bank vault solidity.
It’s good to know the quality remains but heartbreaking to see the interiors resemble a direct to video, dystopian Wesley Snipes film.
I myself am a longtime BMW fan, and I couldn’t agree more. Hell, I’ve been an apologist for some of their current offerings, particularly the M2. But I just can’t get past some of this shit no matter how hard I try. I don’t want to drive a video game/rolling cell phone. No one who values what BMW used to stand for does.
But unfortunately it doesn’t matter. They’ve moved on from enthusiasts. Their current target demographic is the nouveau rich/social media influencer crowd whose primary interest is drawing as much attention as humanly possible. And unfortunately those folks are lining up around the block to buy the gaudiest, most ostentatious cars BMW has to offer.
This explains why my newest BMW is a 2015 model.
There is hope for the future though…my 12 year-old asked if it’s possible to drop a V8 into a 4-series coupe!
I second this sentiment. Some of the styling hits well with me (i4) and some not so much (iX, XM). The overall quality of my X5 45e is fantastic. We have had it almost two years and it just as tight and functional as day 1. The doors close solidly with a conviction missing from other brands. There aren’t any rattles. The “vegan leather” (plastic) feels and looks great, plus it is durable and doesn’t scratch with the dog in the car.
BMW is hit and miss with the styling, for sure. But the quality in the X5? Top notch.
The X5 is the gold standard in luxury crossovers for a reason. Really the only thing I’d consider over it if I was in the market is a Cayenne, but they’re significantly more expensive to buy and own. I’d also cross shop a used X3M because they’re shockingly cheap…I see certified ones in the high 40s/low 50s all the time. But there’s a good chance the horrific fuel economy and harsh ride would be deal breakers.
Good God that interior look awful. The screen looks simply tacked on as it’s the cheapest one they could source… I was used to BMW interiors being really consistent and quite well executed, but I just don’t know what the hell is happening here
The current BMW interiors are actually excellent. My dad’s X5 50e legitimately has one of the nicest interiors I’ve ever sat it. The materials are fantastic across the board, it’s Fort Knox levels of solid, and there are cool modern design touches that are neat but not overpowering. It’s all very elegant.
…so of course they threw that all out the window in favor of an interior that’s the worst parts of Hyundai and Tesla combined with some Autozone trim pieces threw in for good measure. At this point I’m convinced BMW’s design team is trolling us and trying to see how bad they can make things before it affects sales.
This, Nsane, is what makes it so painful to longtime BMW fans. I remember the halcyon days of driver-oriented center stacks, staid interiors and bank vault solidity.
It’s good to know the quality remains but heartbreaking to see the interiors resemble a direct to video, dystopian Wesley Snipes film.
I myself am a longtime BMW fan, and I couldn’t agree more. Hell, I’ve been an apologist for some of their current offerings, particularly the M2. But I just can’t get past some of this shit no matter how hard I try. I don’t want to drive a video game/rolling cell phone. No one who values what BMW used to stand for does.
But unfortunately it doesn’t matter. They’ve moved on from enthusiasts. Their current target demographic is the nouveau rich/social media influencer crowd whose primary interest is drawing as much attention as humanly possible. And unfortunately those folks are lining up around the block to buy the gaudiest, most ostentatious cars BMW has to offer.
This explains why my newest BMW is a 2015 model.
There is hope for the future though…my 12 year-old asked if it’s possible to drop a V8 into a 4-series coupe!
I second this sentiment. Some of the styling hits well with me (i4) and some not so much (iX, XM). The overall quality of my X5 45e is fantastic. We have had it almost two years and it just as tight and functional as day 1. The doors close solidly with a conviction missing from other brands. There aren’t any rattles. The “vegan leather” (plastic) feels and looks great, plus it is durable and doesn’t scratch with the dog in the car.
BMW is hit and miss with the styling, for sure. But the quality in the X5? Top notch.
The X5 is the gold standard in luxury crossovers for a reason. Really the only thing I’d consider over it if I was in the market is a Cayenne, but they’re significantly more expensive to buy and own. I’d also cross shop a used X3M because they’re shockingly cheap…I see certified ones in the high 40s/low 50s all the time. But there’s a good chance the horrific fuel economy and harsh ride would be deal breakers.
I know it is fashionable to dump on BMW styling these days, but do they have to make it so easy to do so? Holy hell, if you don’t want people dumping on your product, don’t make it look like a toilet…
My toilet is better designed.
And easier to use.
I’ve got a Toto Washlet bidet that puts any BMW interior tech to shame
Mine is a Brondell Swash.
I experienced my first Toto Washlet at the Spago in Roppongi back in 1992.
Actual buttons are a good thing.
We had a Brondel before the Toto. We personally prefer the Toto, but the Brondel definitely got the job done. Regardless, once you go bidet you don’t go back.
BMW designs tend to spark conversations along these lines…
I know it is fashionable to dump on BMW styling these days, but do they have to make it so easy to do so? Holy hell, if you don’t want people dumping on your product, don’t make it look like a toilet…
My toilet is better designed.
And easier to use.
I’ve got a Toto Washlet bidet that puts any BMW interior tech to shame
Mine is a Brondell Swash.
I experienced my first Toto Washlet at the Spago in Roppongi back in 1992.
Actual buttons are a good thing.
We had a Brondel before the Toto. We personally prefer the Toto, but the Brondel definitely got the job done. Regardless, once you go bidet you don’t go back.
BMW designs tend to spark conversations along these lines…
I get the feeling that people who like that interior wouldn’t be able to afford the car.
I get the feeling that people who like that interior wouldn’t be able to afford the car.
I could almost forgive the giant light up grille for this. I’m so over sportback/coupe profile SUV’s.
The interior looks like something that belongs in a fast Hyundai. I’m sure the materials are top notch, but the shapes are not screaming “luxury” for me.
As the owner of a fast Hyundai, I’ve got to say you’re absolutely correct. The brightly colored trim pieces would be right at home in an N. For $35,000 they’re completely acceptable. For $60,000 they’re hilariously bad.
Well that’s why the X4 exists
Leave it to the Germans to create a solution to the “I want my SUV to be uglier and less practical” problem
I could almost forgive the giant light up grille for this. I’m so over sportback/coupe profile SUV’s.
The interior looks like something that belongs in a fast Hyundai. I’m sure the materials are top notch, but the shapes are not screaming “luxury” for me.
As the owner of a fast Hyundai, I’ve got to say you’re absolutely correct. The brightly colored trim pieces would be right at home in an N. For $35,000 they’re completely acceptable. For $60,000 they’re hilariously bad.
Well that’s why the X4 exists
Leave it to the Germans to create a solution to the “I want my SUV to be uglier and less practical” problem
Isn’t that just LED lighting which you can set/turn off if you want…
It won’t show that Red and Blue all the time.
Isn’t that just LED lighting which you can set/turn off if you want…
It won’t show that Red and Blue all the time.