BMW built its reputation on great sports sedans. But, like most automakers, it’s SUVs that pay the bills. The BMW X3 is the brand’s best-selling model – a compact SUV known for bringing a little of that sport sedan handling to a just-get-me-to-work class.
Lately, though, BMW also builds its reputation on controversial designs. Designers from Munich seem determined to only release models that get the faithful fighting each other in comments sections (before they all buy one).
Enter – the 2025 BMW X3’s enormous nostrils.
When you look past them, there’s an all-new X3 with more punch than most of the luxury compact SUV class and stylish interior lighting. But it will take you a minute to look past it.
The 2025 BMW X3 will come in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive trims (BMW has dropped the “i” from gas-powered model names). The 30 xDrive starts at $50,675, including the $1,175 destination fee. The M50 xDrive will start at $65,275. BMW says the new model will launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.
That Peppa Pig Schnoz
First things first — BMW has brought the oversized grille to the X3. The design element has been controversial on the latest M3 and 7 Series, so BMW amped it up for the X3, giving it both vertical and diagonal slats on X3 30 xDrive models. It draws the eye and won’t let go.
The subtler, LED-lined grille of the M50 somewhat reduces the effect.
Further back, big wheel arches and strong character lines give this X3 a chunkier look than the last one. The numbers back it up. It’s 1.3 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider. It sits an inch lower, though, somewhat hiding the growth.
But it’s a heavy, substantial look for a small SUV.
Mild-Hybrid Power
Every 2025 X3 gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
On 30 xDrive models, it comes paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s an upgrade of 7 horses from the 2024 model.
On the M50, it comes attached to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, good for 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. That’s an improvement of 11 horses.
There’s no word yet on a high-performance X3 M. We assume it is coming.
Both models send power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with the hybrid motor built directly into its housing.
The company promises, “Both BMW X3 models boast noticeable advancements in agility, cornering stability, and long-distance comfort over the outgoing model.” A lighter body, increased rigidity, and updated axle geometry apply to both.
But optional on the 30 xDrive and standard on the M50 are an adaptive suspension, M Sport steering setup, and beefier brakes.
Wild Interior
If you thought the exterior changes brought drama, wait until you see the interior. Ambient lighting LEDS line many dashboard and door components, and are thicker than most modern ambient setups.
For press photos, BMW has set the lighting to a blue-and-red scheme that makes it seem overpowering. But it’s adjustable to more subtle hues.
The curved screen – technically separate screens for the driver and central infotainment system but mounted to appear as one – runs iDrive 9. BMW’s classic interface, iDrive is more flexible these days. You can change vehicle settings with the touchscreen, voice commands, or the well-known puck controller.
BMW says the iDrive 9 system promises “a broader offering of digital content for information and entertainment, shorter function update cycles and improved accessibility to a host of specific online services via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.” It powers streaming music, video, and games through AirConsole (the latter two when parked).
Park From Outside the Car
Driver-assist systems include standard features such as lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional – part of an options package – can now detect not just other cars but also curbs and painted lines, making it effective in a wider variety of scenarios. Better yet, you can operate it from inside or outside the car (using your phone).
The 2025 X3 is an important step up in the luxury compact SUV competition. Its looks, inside and out, will take some getting used to. But BMW fans get used to big changes from the brand often. Buyers looking for something more subtle might still consider the Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5.
