2025 BMW X3

The X3 has been a bestseller for BMW, and this latest version is set to keep that flame burning bright. The X3 has always impressed us with its energetic yet efficient engines, unusual agility for an SUV, remarkable space for people and their stuff, excellent technology, and the prestige that comes with a German luxury marque. BMW knows what the 2025 X3 has to do and has given it the talent to succeed.

The fourth generation of X3 debuts for this model year. It’s slightly bigger than before, with more power in both variants (there’s no X3 M version yet), the latest infotainment system, plus a whole cornucopia of other upgrades. Notice also that there’s no more letter i as part of the model names. It once stood for fuel injection, but now BMW is using that letter solely for the company’s all-electric vehicles.

On-Sale Date

The 2025 X3 is set to go on sale toward the end of 2024.

We recommend the 30 xDrive version. It comes with all-wheel drive and a decent amount of power, while possibly leaving money in the budget for a few options.

In ascending order of cost from the low $40K mark to around $64K, rivals include the Lexus NX, Genesis GV70, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Porsche Macan.

Before buying a new X3 luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values of the previous-generation X3 are a touch below average. If this is important, check out the Lexus NX or Acura RDX. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

We’ve always been impressed by how the X3 drives, not far off the talented Porsche Macan, yet more affordable. A 7-horsepower bump over last year gives the 30 xDrive 255 horses. This doesn’t translate to a faster dash from standstill to 60 mph, though. It remains at a respectable six seconds. The same as the base Macan, coincidentally. We’re more than OK with that, especially when we remind ourselves that BMW usually understates its performance figures.

BMW says that it has improved both agility and ride comfort in this new X3, which already brought a well-judged suspension tuning blending pliancy with poise. Another typical X3 attribute is the ability to attain a good driving position, plus seats that are comfortable enough for long highway stretches yet still sufficiently supportive for quick zig-zags along canyon roads. We’re talking about the X3 as if it’s a sports car, but this is a luxury SUV. That’s how versatile it can be.

Enthusiast drivers will adore the new X3 M50 xDrive, with its adaptive M Sport suspension and the ability to hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That’s thanks to a 6-cylinder engine (a BMW specialty) that develops a thumping 393 horsepower. A Macan S is about $10K more, has 375 horsepower, and is two-tenths slower.

Fuel Economy

As well as generating lively power, BMW engines also tend to be among the more fuel-efficient in their respective classes. We’re expecting the 30 xDrive to achieve something like 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and the M50 xDrive to manage about 23 mpg combined.

High-quality materials, superb fit and finish, and an understated air of luxury permeated through the third-generation X3’s cabin. We anticipate more of the same for this latest version. We know it comes with heated sport front seats as standard, covered in animal-friendly simulated leather. Simulated suede is also available, plus an optional instrument panel covering made of woven fabric — a first in a BMW.

Space is another X3 trait, usually class-leading or close enough. In the 2025 X3, the cargo area is even larger, spanning from 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 67.1 cubic feet when they’re folded — beating the previous generation’s already impressive 28.7/62.7 cubes.

At 15.6 feet, this new X3 is just over an inch longer than its predecessor. It is slightly more than an inch wider, plus an inch lower. Buyers will have a wide array of paint choices. From an aesthetic point of view, we think the word “polarizing” should be banned from all reviews henceforth, since it reached over-used status several years ago. Some people are going to love the new X3’s styling, others aren’t. To the latter crowd, we say give it time, it might grow on you.

BMW Operating System 9
This is the latest setup, based on Android technology (don’t worry — Apple CarPlay is still standard), offering over-the-air updates, an onboard digital assistant, plus gaming and streaming.

Navigation
This is a standard feature in the new X3 SUV, using cloud-based maps and up-to-the-minute traffic information. It also offers the options of a head-up display and augmented video.

Parking Assistant Professional
An optional package, it’s updated to take into account the curb and any road markings, rather than just the position of other parked vehicles. It can move the X3 with the driver inside or outside.

BMW Maneuver Assist
Part of the Parking Assistant Professional package, this ingenious feature can store up to 10 tricky locations and the maneuvers required to get into and out of them.

Traffic Jam Assistant
One of the features in the optional Driving Assistant Professional package, this provides hands-free driving in demanding, traffic-heavy situations.

The new X3 30 xDrive has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid setup, enjoying a healthy 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M50 xDrive comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with a mild-hybrid system to make 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are both standard. These mild-hybrid systems allow each engine to achieve its peak output with optimum efficiency, while making the fuel-saving stop/restart function as smooth as possible.

The X3’s maximum towing capacity is 4,850 pounds. That’s quite impressive for a compact SUV, given that a typical midsize SUV is rated at 5,000 pounds. It’s also a 450-pound bump over the previous X3.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for European luxury car makers. Roadside assistance is included for that period, but with unlimited mileage. Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles, which is less typical.

Safety

Standard safety technology in the new X3 includes forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot monitoring.