2025 BMW X3 Pairs Funky Styling with Punchier Powertrains
A fresh take on the kidney grille and striking interior lighting adds flair to the X3, while the M50 model delivers an impressive 428 pound-feet of torque.
- The 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30 features a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system.
- The X3 M50 is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 393 horsepower.
- Pricing starts at $50,675 for the X3 xDrive30 and $65,275 for the X3 M50.
Currently, BMW sells more SUVs than sedans and coupes combined, with the X3 now being its top seller globally, having overtaken the 3-series since its debut over 20 years ago. For 2025, BMW is introducing a new X3 with a distinctive new design, a revamped infotainment system, and enhanced engine options.
Updated Design and Enhanced Features
The 2025 BMW X3, while technically the fourth generation, is essentially a major update of the previous model. It showcases a new design with sharp creases and intricate details. The new model is 1.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and sits 1.0 inch lower than its predecessor, giving it a sportier appearance reminiscent of the 738-hp plug-in-hybrid XM SUV.
This sporty look is further highlighted by pronounced wheel arches and an extended roof spoiler. BMW offers two models: the xDrive30 and the M50, with the letter “i” now reserved for its electric vehicles. The X3 introduces a fresh interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille, featuring a combination of vertical and diagonal bars for the base model, while the M50 sports a more streamlined blacked-out design.
The grille outline on the M50 is illuminated by default and is an optional feature on the xDrive30. The headlights have overlapping L-shaped elements with black or blue trim, depending on the model. The M50 features a more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes.
Standard on the xDrive30 are 19-inch wheels, with 20- and 21-inch options available. Unlike the hidden tailpipes on the xDrive30, the M50 boasts twin exhaust tips on either side of the rear bumper.
Contemporary Interior Design
The interior of the 2025 BMW X3 features a striking design, accentuated by unique ambient lighting. This lighting showcases contrasting colors and forms U-shaped elements on the center console and door panels, highlighting the air vents, door handles, and some door-mounted buttons. Complementing this modern lighting is a large curved display that integrates a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen. Although BMW has not specified the dimensions, the screens appear suitably large.
The X3 is equipped with the latest BMW iDrive 9 software, which has allowed for a significant reduction in the number of physical controls within the cabin. The new system supports apps for video streaming, music, and in-car gaming, and the navigation system now includes 3-D and satellite views. An optional head-up display is available, and BMW has enhanced the voice assistant for better responsiveness when listening for commands.
The steering wheel features a flat bottom design, and a new gear-selector toggle is located on the center console. Standard features include electronically adjustable and heated seats. The base model comes with BMW’s Veganza faux-leather upholstery, which can be upgraded with Alcantara accents or replaced with Merino leather. Additionally, for the first time, the dashboard can be upholstered in a woven fabric made from recycled polyester.
Efficient and Potent Engines
The xDrive30 model is driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—an increase of seven hp and 37 lb-ft. BMW claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Efficiency improvements come from the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and an updated ignition system.
The M50 variant features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, also paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque—an increase of 11 hp and 59 lb-ft compared to the previous M40i model. BMW states it can achieve 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with the top speed extendable from 130 mph to 155 mph with an optional package.
Both powertrains integrate the electric motor within the eight-speed automatic transmission, enhancing engine output or reducing engine load. The six-cylinder engine benefits from similar efficiency enhancements as the four-cylinder, including an optimized oil supply system and a high-performance turbocharger. Additionally, the M50 has an “extremely rigid” engine mount for improved stability.
The M50 rides on an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, variable sport steering, and an M Sport rear differential. Braking is handled by M Sport brakes with fixed four-piston calipers in the front and floating single-piston calipers at the rear. These features are optional on the xDrive30. The X3 can tow up to 4850 pounds when equipped with a trailer hitch.
Packed with Tech
The X3 offers numerous driving and parking assists, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and the new Parking Assistant Professional package, which uses other vehicles, road markings, and the curb to identify parking space borders. The My BMW app allows remote control of the X3 for maneuvering in tight spaces.
The Maneuver Assistant program can store up to 10 maneuvers, covering a total distance of up to 650 yards. Traffic Jam Assistant provides hands-free driving at speeds up to 40 mph on limited-access highways. The X3 for the U.S. market will continue to be produced at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with sales starting in the fourth quarter of this year.
The xDrive30 will be priced from $50,675, and the M50 will start at $65,275 before options. This reflects a modest increase of $780 over the outgoing xDrive30i, though the 2024 model included a cheaper rear-wheel-drive version. The new M50 is $2380 more than the 2024 X3 M40i.
