Yahoo Autos 2025 BMW X3 Pairs Funky Styling with Punchier Powertrains
The 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30 utilizes a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system.
The X3 M50 gains a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid system pumping out 393 ponies.
The X3 xDrive30 starts at $50,675, and the X3 M50 opens at $65,275.
These days, BMW sells more SUVs than sedans and coupes combined. Globally, its bestseller is now the X3, which has superseded the 3-series as BMW's bread-and-butter offering since its launch over 20 years ago. Now for 2025, BMW is launching a new X3 that arrives with a funky new look, an overhauled infotainment system, and a pair of upgraded engines.
Fresh New Style
The X3—which BMW calls the fourth generation but really amounts to a substantial revision of the outgoing one—has a new design featuring crisp creases and ornate details. The 2025 model measures 1.3 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than its predecessor, while sitting 1.0 inch lower. This results in a sportier stance that emulates the 738-hp plug-in-hybrid XM SUV, accentuated by beefy wheel arches and a long roof spoiler. Two X3 models will be offered, the xDrive30 and M50. (BMW is dropping the letter "i," which formerly indicated fuel injection, from its gas-powered models; "i" is now exclusive to BMW's EVs.)
The X3 debuts a new take on BMW's iconic kidney grille for the base model, featuring a clashing mix of vertical and diagonal bars, while the M50 gets a simpler blacked-out look. The outline of the grille is illuminated as standard on the M50—an option on the xDrive30—while the headlights are comprised of overlapping L-shaped elements decorated with either black or blue trim, depending on the model. The more potent M50 gets an assertive front bumper with larger intakes. The xDrive30 rides on 19-inch wheels as standard, with 20- and 21-inch options. While the xDrive30's tailpipes are hidden, the M50 proudly displays twin exhaust tips on either side of the rear bumper.
A Modern Cabin
Inside, the cabin packs a bold look highlighted by unusual ambient lighting. The lighting can display contrasting colors and forms U-shaped elements on the center console and door panels, creating borders around the air vents, door handles, and some of the door-mounted buttons.
The futuristic lighting is accompanied by a large curved display that houses a digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen, and although BMW didn't provide dimensions, the screens look appropriately large. The X3 runs the newest software, BMW iDrive 9, which has led BMW to further reduce the number of physical controls in the interior. The new system supports apps for video streaming, music, and in-car gaming, and the navigation system now includes 3-D and satellite views. A head-up display remains optional, and BMW says it upgraded the voice assistant to better communicate when it's listening for commands.
The steering wheel has a flat bottom, and a new gear-selector toggle lives on the center console. As standard, the seats are electronically adjustable and heated. On the base model, the seats are wrapped in BMW's Veganza faux-leather, but they can be upgraded with Alcantara accents or replaced with Merino leather chairs. For the first time, the dashboard can be upholstered in a woven fabric created from recycled polyester.
Efficient and Potent Engines
The xDrive30 model is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system. The powertrain produces 255 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque, an increase of seven ponies and 37 pound-feet. BMW says the xDrive30 will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. BMW also boasts of improved efficiency thanks to the use of the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and a revised ignition system, among other changes.
The M50, meanwhile, packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. Output is a healthy 393 hp and 428 pound-feet of torque, an extra 11 hp and 59 pound-feet over the previous M40i model. BMW says 60 mph arrives from a standstill in 4.4 seconds, and the 130-mph top speed can be extended to 155 mph with an optional package.
On both powertrains, the electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and can either add to the engine's output or ease the engine's load. The six-cylinder receives similar efficiency-minded upgrades to the four-cylinder as well an optimized oil supply system for the pistons and a better high-performance turbocharger. BMW also says the M50 is fitted with an "extremely rigid" engine mount.
The M50 rides on an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, combined with variable sport steering and an M Sport rear differential. M Sport brakes—fixed four-piston units up front and floating single-piston calipers at the rear—help bring things to a halt. Most of this content is also optional on the xDrive30. When equipped with a trailer hitch, the X3 can tow up to 4850 pounds.
Packed with Tech
As with any new luxury car, there are plenty of driving and parking assists, from lane-keep assist to blind-spot detection to a newly optional Parking Assistant Professional package that takes into account other vehicles, road markings, and the curb to identify the borders of a parking space. The SUV can also be controlled from outside the vehicle via the My BMW app, allowing you to remotely navigate the X3 into and out of tight spots. Using the Maneuver Assistant program, you can store up to 10 maneuvers with a total length of up to 650 yards. There is also a Traffic Jam Assistant that can complete hands-free driving at speeds up to 40 mph on limited-access highways.
The U.S.-market X3 will continue to be produced at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with sales kicking off in the fourth quarter of this year. The X3 xDrive30 will start at $50,675, while the X3 M50 will cost $65,275 before options. This represents just a $780 increase over the outgoing xDrive30i, although the 2024 model also offered a $2780 cheaper rear-wheel-drive model. The new M50 is $2380 more than the 2024 X3 M40i.
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