BMW’s latest iteration of the X3 has arrived, and it’s generating buzz. The 2025 BMW X3 aims to blend luxury, performance, and practicality into a compelling package for the discerning driver. While opinions on its aesthetics are varied, a deeper dive into the mechanics and driving experience reveals a vehicle with significant merit. This review explores the key aspects of the new BMW X3, helping you decide if it deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Design and Styling: A Matter of Taste?
Design is undeniably subjective, and the 2025 X3’s appearance has sparked debate. While BMW has avoided the overtly controversial styling seen in some recent models, the new X3 presents a unique visual identity. Initial impressions, particularly with the fully painted fenders and the Dune Grey Metallic finish, lean towards a minimalist or even “naked” aesthetic. Whether this resonates as sophisticated or underwhelming will depend on personal preference.
Size-wise, the X3 has undergone subtle but noticeable changes. It’s grown slightly longer by 1.3 inches and wider by 1.1 inches, while also sitting an inch lower. This altered stance aims to project a sportier and more grounded presence on the road, contributing to the overall driving dynamics and visual appeal.
Interior and Technology: Stepping Up the Luxury and Tech Game?
Inside, the BMW X3 showcases a streamlined and decluttered cabin. The reduction in physical buttons gives the interior a more modern and minimalist feel. The multi-color light bars are a prominent design element, potentially polarizing with their bold presence. The default soft brown interior theme offers a more understated alternative to the more vibrant red and blue options depicted in promotional materials.
However, not all interior changes are universally praised. The new interior door handles, adorned with a large “X3” logo, may strike some as overtly branded and lacking in refinement. The use of black plastic for the pull handle itself contrasts with the metallic handles found in other BMW models and even previous X3 generations, raising questions about the perceived luxury experience in this frequently used touchpoint.
Despite this detail, the X3 interior retains typical BMW strengths. Ample storage space in the center console, including dedicated phone slots, enhances practicality. The curved, high-resolution screen displaying iDrive 9 is a technological centerpiece, offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. While the iDrive 9 system may have a learning curve for newcomers, and the integration of climate controls into the touchscreen might require adjustment, owners are likely to adapt to its functionality over time.
Driving Performance: Balancing Sport and Comfort
The 2025 BMW X3 offers a range of powertrains, starting with the X3 30 xDrive, 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 experience, features 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.
The BMW X3 M50’s performance figures are impressive, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, matching the pace of a manual 2016 BMW M2. Its top speed reaches 155 mph with performance tires. However, beyond outright speed, the new X3 M50 prioritizes a more refined and relaxed driving character compared to its predecessor, the X3 M40i. The ride and steering are noticeably softer, creating a more rounded and less aggressive feel, aligning with its role as a daily-driven family crossover.
Despite this enhanced comfort, the M50 retains impressive athleticism when pushed. During autocross testing, the X3 M50 demonstrated surprising agility and nimbleness, particularly in tight corners. Torque-vectoring and a more rigid body structure, combined with suspension refinements, contribute to a composed and capable driving experience without sacrificing comfort.
The steering, while not brimming with feedback, is well-weighted and responsive, offering sufficient engagement for spirited driving on winding roads. The B58 engine remains a highlight, delivering smooth and potent power delivery. While engine noise is more subdued in this application, artificial sound enhancement is an available option. The eight-speed automatic transmission stands out for its exceptionally rapid and precise paddle shifts, rivaling those found in high-performance sports cars, setting a new benchmark for SUVs in this class. M Sport brakes provide confident stopping power without feeling overly aggressive in everyday driving.
Features, Options, and the Competitive Landscape
The 2025 BMW X3 starts at $50,675 for the base 30 xDrive model, while the higher-performance M50 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 like the Convenience and Premium packages add features such as remote start, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The M50 model includes many of these features as standard, with additional premium packages available to further enhance equipment levels.
The BMW X3 faces a crowded and competitive segment, including rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60. Each competitor offers its own strengths and appeals to different buyer preferences. The Audi Q5, while aging, maintains user-friendliness. The Porsche Macan offers a sportier driving experience at a higher price point. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, recently redesigned, stands as a particularly close competitor to the X3.
Fuel Efficiency: Leading the Pack?
One area where the BMW X3 distinguishes itself within its competitive set is fuel economy. BMW’s engine technology delivers impressive efficiency figures for both engine variants. The X3 achieves 27 mpg combined with the six-cylinder engine and 29 mpg combined with the four-cylinder, outperforming its German rivals in EPA-rated fuel economy.
The fuel efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz GLC43, even with its downsized four-cylinder engine, highlights the BMW X3’s advantage in this area. This fuel economy edge adds to the X3’s appeal as a practical and efficient luxury SUV.
Verdict: Should the 2025 BMW X3 Be on Your List?
The 2025 BMW X3 M50 emerges as a refined and comfortable luxury SUV that balances everyday usability with impressive performance capabilities. It offers a smoother and more compliant driving experience than its predecessor without compromising athleticism. While the touch-centric infotainment system may require some adaptation, the overall driving experience is pleasant and capable.
Aesthetically, the new X3’s design represents a departure from the previous generation, and opinions on its styling will vary. Details like the interior door handles may detract slightly from the overall luxury ambiance. However, the BMW X3’s underlying engineering and performance credentials remain strong.
For those considering a compact luxury SUV and receptive to the new design direction, the 2025 BMW X3 offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a worthy contender for 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 |
