The first impression can be deceiving, especially when it comes to cars. “Imagine how desirable this would be if it didn’t look like that,” – this thought, initially about another BMW model, resonates surprisingly well with the all-new 2025 BMW X3. While perhaps not as polarizing as some of its stablemates, the new X3 certainly sparks conversation with its updated design. However, beneath the sheet metal, BMW’s engineering prowess shines brightly, promising a blend of sportiness and luxury that the X3 is known for.
The engineers in Bavaria have clearly been busy. The 2025 X3, particularly in the M50 guise, showcases impressive dynamic capabilities while simultaneously enhancing ride comfort. It firmly positions itself as a luxurious and highly competent family vehicle. The question remains: does the design live up to the engineering excellence? Let’s delve deeper into the 2025 BMW X3 to find out.
Front three-quarter view of the Dune Grey Metallic 2025 BMW X3 M50, highlighting its overall shape and painted fender flares.
The Basics: Design and Dimensions
Design is inherently subjective, and the 2025 X3 is no exception. While opinions may vary, it’s undeniable that BMW has taken a bold step with the new X3’s aesthetics. It’s arguably a departure from the previous generation’s more conservative styling. The fully painted fenders, especially in the Dune Grey Metallic shown here, contribute to a rather…unconventional look that some might find less appealing. You be the judge.
In terms of size, the 2025 X3 has undergone subtle yet significant dimensional changes. It has grown in width and length while adopting a lower stance, aiming for a sportier presence. Specifically, the new X3 is 1.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and an inch lower than its predecessor. These changes in proportion contribute to a more planted and athletic appearance on the road.
Front view of a row of 2025 BMW X3 models in different colors, emphasizing the redesigned front fascia and headlight design.
Side profile of a 2025 BMW X3 showcasing its lower stance and overall silhouette.
Rear three-quarter view of a 2025 BMW X3 highlighting the taillight design and rear bumper styling.
Close-up of the front grille and headlights of the 2025 BMW X3, focusing on the details of the new design language.
Stepping inside, the 2025 X3 presents a significantly decluttered cabin. BMW has streamlined the interior by reducing the number of physical buttons, opting for a more minimalist approach. While the overall design might not immediately strike everyone as the most visually stunning luxury car interior, it is functional and modern. The prominent multi-color light bars are a defining feature, and while the press photos showcase a rather vibrant red and blue combination, the standard soft brown theme is considerably more subtle and sophisticated in person.
However, not all interior changes are improvements. A notable low point is the new interior door handles. These are not only adorned with a large, illuminated “X3” logo, which feels somewhat out of place in a luxury vehicle, but the pull handle itself is made of a black plastic that feels noticeably less premium than the metallic handles found in other BMW models, including the previous generation X3.
Interior view of the 2025 BMW X3 door panel, specifically highlighting the design and material of the interior door handle with the illuminated X3 logo.
Door handles might seem like a minor detail, but they are a tactile point of interaction every time you use the vehicle. For buyers expecting a premium experience – and BMW buyers generally do – these economy-feeling door handles can be a jarring disconnect.
On a brighter note, the rest of the 2025 X3’s interior reflects typical modern BMW refinement. The center console offers ample storage, including dedicated space for smartphones. The iDrive 9 infotainment system is projected onto a large, curved screen that is sharp, vibrant, and responsive. While the software might take a bit of acclimation for those new to BMW, it is generally intuitive. Notably, climate controls are now integrated into the touchscreen, a trend in modern vehicles that may require some adjustment for those preferring physical buttons. However, owners are likely to adapt to this change over time.
Interior view of the 2025 BMW X3 dashboard and infotainment screen, showcasing the curved display and overall layout of the cockpit.
Driving Experience: Performance and Comfort
The 2025 BMW X3 offers two main powertrain options. The base X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more performance, the M50 model, the focus of this review’s driving impressions, utilizes BMW’s renowned B58 straight-six engine. Thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, this engine now delivers 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.
The performance figures for the X3 M50 are impressive for a compact SUV. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, matching the time of a manual 2016 BMW M2. With performance tires, it reaches a top speed of 155 mph. In everyday driving, however, the M50 feels remarkably composed and relaxed. Compared to the previous X3 M40i, the 2025 model offers a more compliant ride and lighter steering. The driving experience is smoother and less aggressive, making it a more comfortable daily driver. This is a welcome change, as the previous M40i sometimes felt a bit too firm for everyday commuting in a family SUV. The new X3 excels at high-speed stability and is remarkably easy to maneuver in urban environments and parking lots. It strikes a balance as a perfectly refined and luxurious daily driver.
BMW X3 M50 driving dynamically on a winding road, emphasizing its agility and sporty handling.
Despite its more relaxed demeanor in normal driving, the 2025 X3 M50 retains impressive performance capabilities when pushed. On a short autocross course, the M-lite X3 demonstrated surprising agility. Nimble body control and sophisticated torque-vectoring technology allow it to navigate tight corners with remarkable ease, rivaling even some hot hatchbacks. Improvements such as a lighter, more rigid body structure, a wider rear track, and refined suspension tuning have seemingly allowed for a softer suspension setup without compromising its sporty handling prowess.
The steering, while not overflowing with feedback, is well-weighted and responsive across various driving scenarios. It’s quick and enjoyable, particularly on winding backroads.
Close-up of the steering wheel and driver's hands in a 2025 BMW X3, focusing on the driving interface and controls.
The B58 engine remains a highlight, delivering power smoothly and effortlessly. In the X3 M50, it is notably quieter than in some other applications, aligning with the more grown-up character of the vehicle. However, for those who desire a more pronounced engine note, artificial sound amplification is available as an option. The eight-speed automatic transmission is exceptional, offering incredibly quick and responsive manual shifts via the paddle shifters – comparable to Porsche levels of shift speed. It’s genuinely surprising how quickly this SUV shifts gears, especially for its segment. M Sport brakes (four-piston front, single-piston rear) provide ample stopping power without feeling overly aggressive or jerky.
2025 BMW X3 Features, Options, and Competition
The 2025 BMW X3 starts at $50,675 for the base 30 xDrive model. The six-cylinder M50 version, as tested, starts at $65,275. Option packages can quickly escalate the price, as is typical with luxury vehicles.
Standard equipment on the X3 30 xDrive includes 19-inch wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, parking assist, and navigation. The Convenience package ($1,400) adds remote start, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and rear seat coat hooks. The Premium package ($3,400) includes the Convenience package features and adds a head-up display, interior camera, Parking Assist Plus, and BMW’s semi-automated driving assist functionality for stop-and-go traffic. The M50 model includes many of these features as standard, but the head-up display, interior camera, Park Assist Plus, assisted driving, and Harman Kardon audio are bundled into a $2,700 Premium package.
Interior view of the 2025 BMW X3 front seats and dashboard, emphasizing the luxurious materials and overall cabin ambiance.
The BMW X3 faces stiff competition in the crowded luxury compact SUV segment. Key rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60, among others. The Audi Q5, while still competitive, is one of the older models in the segment. The Porsche Macan offers a sportier driving experience but comes at a higher price point. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC is arguably the X3’s most direct and formidable competitor, offering a similar blend of luxury, technology, and performance.
Fuel Economy: A Standout Performer
One area where the BMW X3 truly excels compared to its German rivals is fuel economy. BMW’s engine technology demonstrates impressive efficiency. In EPA testing, the X3 outperforms its German competitors in fuel efficiency, regardless of engine choice. The six-cylinder X3 M50 achieves a combined 27 mpg, while the four-cylinder X3 30 xDrive reaches an impressive 29 mpg combined. The chart below illustrates how the 2025 BMW X3 models compare to their counterparts from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche in terms of fuel efficiency.
Screenshot of a fuel economy comparison chart showing the BMW X3 M50 and 30 xDrive leading in MPG compared to Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, and Porsche Macan models.
The fuel economy figures are particularly noteworthy considering the GLC43’s relatively low efficiency despite downsizing to a four-cylinder engine.
Early Verdict: A Refined and Capable SUV
Overall, the 2025 BMW X3 M50 emerges as a refined and comfortable luxury SUV that also offers impressive performance and athleticism when desired. It represents an improvement over its predecessor as a daily driver, providing a more pleasant and user-friendly experience, despite a potentially polarizing touch-screen dependent user interface.
While the design might not be universally praised as an upgrade over the previous generation, particularly the interior door handles, familiarity may breed acceptance as the 2025 X3 becomes more commonplace. If you are in the market for a compact luxury SUV and can reconcile with the new design direction, the 2025 BMW X3 offers compelling driving dynamics, technology, and fuel efficiency that warrant serious consideration and a test drive.
| 2025 BMW X3 Specs | 30 xDrive | M50 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (Canadian-spec as tested) | $50,675 | $65,275 ($85,800 CAD) |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter turbo-four | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive | 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive | 48-volt mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 @ 4,700-6,500 rpm | 393 @ 5,200-6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm | 428 lb-ft @ 1,900-4,800 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Cargo Volume | 31.5 cubic feet behind second row | 67.1 cubic feet behind first row | |
| Curb Weight | 4,176 pounds | 4,535 pounds |
| Ground Clearance | 8.5 inches | 8.3 inches |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 155 mph |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 27 mpg city | 33 highway | 29 combined | 25 mpg city | 30 highway | 27 combined |
| Quick Take | A friendlier drive that’s no less capable than before makes up for some mildly questionable design decisions. | |
| Score | 7.5/10 |
Rear view of a 2025 BMW X3 M50 parked, showcasing the rear design and quad exhaust outlets.
Front three-quarter view of a blue 2025 BMW X3 on a scenic road, highlighting its road presence.
Interior shot of the 2025 BMW X3 with ambient lighting, focusing on the atmosphere of the cabin.
Close-up detail of the BMW kidney grille on the 2025 X3, emphasizing the design and texture.
Action shot of a 2025 BMW X3 driving through a puddle, demonstrating its all-wheel-drive capability.
Rear seat view inside the 2025 BMW X3, showing the legroom and seat design.
Cargo area of the 2025 BMW X3, showcasing the storage space and practicality.
Dashboard and infotainment screen of the 2025 BMW X3 at night, highlighting the ambient lighting and screen display.
Exterior detail of the 2025 BMW X3 wheel and tire, focusing on the design and size.
