2025 BMW X3: Enhanced Size and Electrification in a Luxury Compact SUV

2025 BMW X3 Overview

The updated 2025 BMW X3 has grown lower, longer, and wider to pack in more capability and features, while adopting new model names, ditching the rear-wheel drive option, gaining more standard equipment, and, consequently, increasing the price. Here’s what you need to know about the newest BMW compact luxury SUV.

2025 BMW X3 Design

There’s a sportier look for the new X3 SUV this year, as its overall height has dropped by an inch (65.4 in.), while growing in length by 1.3 inches (187.2 in.) and width by 1.1 inches (75.6 in.). This redesign results in a vehicle that seems more visually grounded to the road. The kidney grille now features both vertical and angular line effects for added appeal, with available contour lighting that illuminates the outline of those grilles at night. At the rear, the lower trim conceals the exhaust, while the higher trim displays it prominently.

The redesign comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, while 20- and 21-inch wheels are also available. An optional M Sport pack offers a unique 19-inch wheel design, and the M Sport Professional pack includes red or blue painted brake calipers, the M Shadowline lighting option, and the full Shadowline trim upgrade, along with kidney contour lighting as standard (this is already included on the higher of the two new trims).

2025 BMW X3 Naming

The fourth-generation X3 is omitting the “i” designation for “fuel injection” from its nomenclature for good; this naming scheme will now be reserved for electric BMWs. The 2025 X3 offers two trims, the 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive and the 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive, which loosely correlate to the outgoing X3’s 30i and M40i trim levels.

2025 BMW X3 Power

The X3 M50 xDrive trim is powered by an updated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (designated B58B30M2) with a 48-volt hybrid system. This system features a crankshaft-mounted starter generator and an e-motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, treated with what the German automaker calls the Efficient Dynamics Next technology package. This package includes updates such as changes to the intake ports, combustion chamber geometry, and ignition system, as well as switchable exhaust-side rocker arms and eVANOS electrically controlled camshaft adjustment.

For the X3 M50 xDrive, expect total system output of 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. This trim also includes as standard an adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, and an M Sport differential on the rear axle.

The more mainstream X3 30 xDrive trim features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (designated B48B20O2), also with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and an active coil ignition system. This setup allows for electric-only driving at low speeds thanks to the hybrid system. Expect the X3 30 xDrive to generate 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enough to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Currently, both trims are available only in all-wheel drive.

Moreover, for all X3 trims, the body-in-white (the shell structure of the car before final assembly) has become lighter but more rigid. The double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle suspensions offer increased precision in cornering. Dynamic Damper Control is also available for those desiring enhanced control without compromising comfort.

BMW X3 Safety

Safety is a priority in the updated BMW SUV, which includes an array of driver-assistance features such as forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist, and speed limit warnings. Other available safety enhancements include blind spot detection, a parking assistant, backup assistant, and a rear-view camera. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package facilitates lane keep assist, side collision protection, and distance control at highway speeds. Furthermore, the traffic jam assistant offers hands-free driving up to 40 mph.

2025 BMW X3 Interior

Inside the 2025 X3, drivers will find a central touchscreen that integrates with a digital driver’s display, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. This setup pairs with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and the newly developed BMW iDrive 9 programming, based on Android Open Source Project software. An available head-up display enhances visibility and functionality, unlocking further connectivity options and allowing for third-party applications suitable for navigation, music playback, and even in-car gaming.

2025 BMW X3 Price

The new models of the X3, the 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, are priced at $50,675 and $65,275 respectively, including destination fees. Both will go on sale later this year in the fourth quarter and will be manufactured in South Carolina.

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