2025 BMW X3

BMW X3 MOVES INTO FOURTH GENERATION WITH 2025 MODEL

The BMW X3 moves into its fourth generation with the 2025 redesign of what the German automaker introduced for 2004 and calls a Sports Activity Vehicle (or SAV).

The 2025 BMW X3 Drive30I gets new exterior features that include a modified grille and front fascia. A new 33-inch display screen that stretches across the front of the dash doinates the interior. The touchsceen portiion of that display provides access to an expanded suite of infotainment features in BMW’s new iDrive9 system.

New 4- and 6-cylinder engines feature mild hybrid technology and is a bit more fuel efficient. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder in the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i that this review is based on earns fuel economy figures of 27 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined compared to 21/28/24 for the 2024 version. That’s using premium fuel, of course.

Get-up-and-go also gets a boost with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i compared to 248/258, respectively, for the previous model. With a 6.0 zero-to-60 mph time, the 2025 version is about a half-second quicker than previous models.

The 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i is about an inch longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor at 187.2, 75.6, and 65.4 inches respectively, helping increase rear cargo capacity a bit to 31.5 cubic feet from 29.0. It remains, however, easy enough to maneuver in tight parking lots. 

Finally, rear-wheel drive sDrive versions have have been junked in favor all-wheel xDrive configurations. 

Among standard features on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i are an 8-speed automatic transmission (with gear selection via a small switch on the center console or by using the paddle shifters for manual settings), a Sport steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging pad.

My test 2025 BMW X3 xDriver30i included no-charge extras like keyless entry and push-button start, lumbar support, BMW Teleservices, heated front seats, and an Anthracite headliner.

Standard safety features include a parking assistant with trailer and reversing assistant, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot steering assist.

Adding to the starting MSRP of $49,500 for the 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i were items like a Premium Package (Active Driving Assist Pro, heated steering wheel, an interior camera, and remote engine start) for $3,400 and a Driving Assistant professional package for $1,700 as well. Stand-alone options like a parking assistant package that gives you sensors and a surround view camera ($200), front-ventilated seats and special bicolor 20-inch wheels ($600) also add on.

All told that ran the final tab to $57,725 including the $1,775 destination charge.

An inline, twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque is offered on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive M50 that fills out the X3 portfolio. It’s a bit quicker than the 30i with a 4..4-second zero-to-60 mph clocking, but you pay for it. Starting MSRP is $65,275 including the destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: The engine is very responsive and fuel efficient. The interior is roomy and the ride is comfortable. The cargo hold is spacious. Pricing is very reasonable considering the segment. Activated by the push of a convenient button the auto hold feature prevents creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: Some of the numerous tech features are not easy to get to and others require extra touches. The gear selector on the console is kind of funky.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i? It’s worth a look but the competitive segment offers more attractive options. I’d prefer one with a more user-friendly infotainment system.