BMW X3 2025 Review: A Comprehensive Look at Performance, Design, and Features

The BMW X3 has long been a staple in the compact luxury SUV segment, and the 2025 model aims to continue that legacy. Much like other recent BMW releases, the engineering prowess of the new X3 is immediately apparent, especially in the M50 guise. It manages to blend sporty performance with enhanced comfort, making it a genuinely luxurious and versatile family vehicle. However, the design language, both inside and out, might be a point of contention for some. Let’s delve into a detailed review of the 2025 BMW X3, exploring its design, driving experience, features, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Design and Aesthetics: A Subjective Evolution

Design is inherently subjective, and the 2025 BMW X3 presents a bold new direction. While it may not be as polarizing as some recent BMW designs, it certainly marks a departure from its predecessor. The fully painted fenders and the Dune Grey Metallic color option, as tested, lend a somewhat “naked” aesthetic that may not appeal to everyone. Dimensionally, the X3 has grown, now 1.3 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider, while sitting an inch lower, aiming for a more athletic stance.

2025 BMW X3 Dune Grey Metallic Exterior Front View

Exterior Styling: Modern Lines and Proportions

The updated proportions contribute to a more planted and aggressive look on the road. The front fascia features a redesigned kidney grille and headlight arrangement, giving it a contemporary BMW family face. The silhouette is sleek, with a gently sloping roofline and strong shoulder lines. The rear is also updated with new taillights and bumper design, completing the modern SUV aesthetic. Whether this new design is an improvement is a matter of personal taste, but it undeniably projects a more modern and assertive presence.

BMW X3 2025 Exterior Rear and Side View

BMW X3 2025 Exterior Front Three Quarter View

BMW X3 2025 Exterior Side Profile View

BMW X3 2025 Exterior Wheel and Fender Detail

Interior Design and Cabin: Minimalism Meets Technology

Inside, BMW has adopted a minimalist approach for the 2025 X3, significantly reducing the number of physical buttons. The cabin is dominated by a large, curved display housing the infotainment and instrument cluster, running BMW’s latest iDrive 9 system. While the press images showcase vibrant and potentially polarizing red and blue light bars, the test vehicle featured a more subtle and sophisticated soft brown theme.

BMW X3 2025 Interior Dashboard and Curved Display

However, a notable downside is the new interior door handles. Adorned with a prominent “X3” logo, they are constructed from a black plastic that feels less premium compared to the metallic handles found in other BMW models and even previous X3 generations. This detail, though seemingly minor, impacts the tactile experience every time you enter and exit the vehicle, which can be a significant factor in perceived luxury.

Despite this, the interior offers practical storage solutions, including a spacious center console with dedicated phone space. The iDrive 9 system, displayed on the curved screen, is sharp, bright, and offers rich colors. While the system may require a learning curve for new users, particularly with the integration of climate controls into the touchscreen, it is expected that owners will adapt over time.

BMW X3 2025 Interior Center Console and iDrive Display

Driving Dynamics and Performance: Refined and Capable

The 2025 BMW X3 offers two main powertrain options. The base X3 30 xDrive is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M50 model, reviewed here, boasts BMW’s renowned B58 straight-six engine, now enhanced with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.

Engine and Performance: Power and Efficiency

The M50 variant is undeniably quick, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, matching the pace of a manual 2016 BMW M2. It can reach a top speed of 155 mph when equipped with performance tires. Beyond outright speed, the engine delivers power smoothly and responsively across the rev range, making for effortless daily driving and exhilarating bursts of acceleration when desired. The mild-hybrid system further enhances responsiveness and contributes to improved fuel efficiency.

BMW X3 2025 Driving on Autocross Course

Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Agility

Compared to the previous X3 M40i, the 2025 M50 offers a more compliant ride and lighter steering feel. This results in a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience for everyday use. However, this enhanced comfort does not come at the expense of performance. On an autocross course, the X3 M50 demonstrated surprising agility and nimbleness. Torque-vectoring and a more rigid chassis, combined with a wider rear track and refined suspension, allow for impressive cornering capabilities.

Steering and Brakes: Precision and Confidence

The steering, while not brimming with feedback, is well-weighted and precise, offering quick responses and making it enjoyable on winding roads. The M Sport brakes (four-piston front, single-piston rear) provide strong and consistent stopping power without feeling overly aggressive in daily driving scenarios.

Transmission: Quick and Responsive Shifts

The eight-speed automatic transmission is a standout feature, offering exceptionally quick gear changes, especially when using the paddle shifters in manual mode. Shifts are described as near-instantaneous, rivaling those found in high-performance sports cars, which is remarkable for an SUV in this class.

BMW X3 2025 Driving on Winding Road

Features, Options, and Competition: Navigating the Luxury SUV Landscape

The 2025 BMW X3 starts at $50,675 for the base 30 xDrive model, while the M50 version begins at $65,275. Standard equipment on the 30 xDrive includes 19-inch wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, parking assist, and navigation.

Optional packages offer further enhancements. The Convenience package adds remote start, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and rear seat attachments. The Premium package includes the Convenience package features plus a head-up display, interior camera, Parking Assistant Plus, and BMW’s semi-automated driving assistance for stop-and-go traffic. Many of these features are standard on the M50, but the Premium package for this model adds head-up display, interior camera, Park Assist Plus, assisted driving, and Harman Kardon audio.

BMW X3 2025 Interior Door Panel and Controls

The BMW X3 faces stiff competition in the luxury compact SUV segment. Key rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60. The Audi Q5, while still a strong contender, is an older design. The Porsche Macan, while sportier, comes at a higher price point. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC is arguably the X3’s closest competitor, offering a similar blend of luxury, performance, and technology.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency: Leading the Pack

One area where the BMW X3 truly excels is fuel economy. Both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder versions demonstrate superior fuel efficiency compared to their German rivals. The X3 M50 achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, while the X3 30 xDrive reaches 29 mpg combined.

BMW X3 Fuel Economy Comparison Chart

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and Porsche Macan, the BMW X3 offers significantly better fuel economy in both engine configurations. This efficiency advantage is particularly noteworthy given the performance capabilities of the X3 M50.

Verdict and Conclusion: A Refined and Capable Luxury SUV

The 2025 BMW X3 M50 emerges as a well-rounded and refined luxury SUV. It successfully blends comfortable daily driving with impressive performance capabilities when called upon. The driving experience is smoother and more forgiving than its predecessor, making it an even more appealing daily driver. While the touchscreen-heavy infotainment system may require some adjustment, it is functional and visually appealing.

Design remains a subjective aspect, and the new X3’s styling may not resonate with everyone, particularly the interior door handles. However, the underlying engineering and driving dynamics are undeniably strong. If you are in the market for a compact luxury SUV that offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, technology, and class-leading fuel economy, the 2025 BMW X3 warrants serious consideration and a test drive.

2025 BMW X3 Specs

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	5
Cargo Volume	31.5 cubic feet behind second row \| 67.1 cubic feet behind first row	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.	A friendlier drive that’s no less capable than before makes up for some mildly questionable design decisions.