## 2025 BMW X3 Review

__Vehicle Type:__ A four-door, five-seat all-wheel drive compact crossover SUV.

__Price Range:__ From $51,125 to $65,875, including the $1,175 destination charge.

__Powertrain:__ A 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 393-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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__What’s New for 2025?__ 

The 2025 BMW X3 was redesigned almost from the ground up. While using a highly modified version of the previous car's underpinnings, the fourth-generation X3 is slightly larger in nearly every dimension, gets a power boost, and lots of new technology. Styling is also more revolutionary than the previous iteration's in keeping with recent BMWs inside and out. 

At launch, the only models are all-wheel drive versions of the four-cylinder 30 xDrive and six-cylinder M50 xDrive, with the new model's rear-wheel drive and X3 M versions yet to be confirmed. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the third-generation model is also MIA, but an all-electric model, the iX3, is due to arrive at a certain point.

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__What’s Good?__

- Still athletic and responsive to drive
- Spacious interior for the class
- Powerful engines with good fuel economy

__What’s Bad?__

- Interior materials don't feel as premium as many rivals
- Most controls are buried in a confusing infotainment system
- No hybrid or plug-in hybrid options

__Would we buy one?__ Yes. Despite the love-it-or-hate-it styling and some changes from previous models that aren't for the better, the X3's combination of practicality and performance makes it hard to beat among some formidable opponents.

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## More Photos:

[See more 2025 BMW X3 Photos](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-x3/2025-bmw-x3-photos).

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## Overview:

![2025 BMW X3 Back Right Side (Overview)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/rwrVrhGoNNDAOVs7C6pwe/fa6443f9111654267fade8056cf81d41/2025_BMW_X3_Back_Right_Side__Overview_.jpg)

BMW was in a field of nearly one when it launched the first-generation X3 in 2004. Compact SUVs were still limited primarily to models such as the [Ford Escape](https://www.autolist.com/ford-escape), the [Honda CR-V](https://www.autolist.com/honda-cr+v), and the [Toyota RAV4](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-rav4) at the time, and the X3 was viewed more as a smaller and less expensive alternative to the popular but very expensive [BMW X5](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-x5). Instead, the X3 defined the new compact luxury SUV class that soon dominated the sales charts for archrivals such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo and reshaped the luxury car landscape for the 21st century. 

Twenty years later and in its fourth generation, there's more competition than ever for the X3, and BMW itself is in the midst of revamping its internal combustion models ahead of the upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles that will start arriving next year. To keep its foothold in all segments, the 2025 X3 got larger and more technology-focused, ushering in a new infotainment system, more advanced driver assistance systems, and more efficient gasoline engines. Still, the fourth-generation X3 expands on what's made it so popular by getting the compact SUV fundamentals right and a balance of luxury features and a sporting driving character.

The [BMW X4](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-x4), a variant of the X3 with a coupe-like roofline, continues on the old platform for 2025.

Rivals for the BMW X3 include the [Acura RDX](https://www.autolist.com/acura-rdx), the [Alfa Romeo Stelvio](https://www.autolist.com/alfa+romeo-stelvio), the [Audi Q5](https://www.autolist.com/audi-q5), the Audi Q6 e-tron, [Buick Envision](https://www.autolist.com/buick-envision), the Cadillac Optiq, [Cadillac XT5](https://www.autolist.com/cadillac-xt5), the [Genesis GV70](https://www.autolist.com/genesis-gv70), the [Infiniti QX50](https://www.autolist.com/infiniti-qx50), the [Jaguar F-Pace](https://www.autolist.com/jaguar-f+pace), the [Land Rover Discovery Sport](https://www.autolist.com/land+rover-discovery+sport), the [Lexus NX](https://www.autolist.com/lexus-nx+350), the [Lexus RZ](https://www.autolist.com/lexus-rz+450e), the  [Lincoln Nautilus](https://www.autolist.com/lincoln-nautilus), the [Maserati Grecale](https://www.autolist.com/maserati-grecale), the [Porsche Macan](https://www.autolist.com/porsche-macan), the [Tesla Model Y](https://www.autolist.com/tesla-model+y), and the [Volvo XC60](https://www.autolist.com/volvo-xc60).

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## Overall Score: 4/5 stars

## Driving Experience: 5/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Driving (Driving)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3fxVPZy5bdzhql7Wj3fdux/5689b47cfbae821e6b99a98fe3cc8260/2025_BMW_X3_Driving__Driving_.jpg)

The redesign and its bigger footprint haven't blunted the X3's driving dynamics. Not only does it feel smaller than it is, it also manages to provide the ride, the handling, and the comfort befitting of its price (even with options). The optional firmer M Sport setup naturally yields a bumpier ride and more tire noise, but that's your own doing if you go for it, and even then, it's often more comfortable than some rivals' standard setups. Base Sport versions, while less adventurous to look at and lacking the adaptive suspension dampers and more aggressive brakes, are what most people stuck in stop-and-go traffic in their X3s will need.

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## Safety Features: 4/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Dashboard and Seats (Safety)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3KVvwQ9QXSzZq6txj5unBJ/0104678a0b734a707ac1f4b730030b85/2025_BMW_X3_Dashboard_and_Seats__Safety_.jpg)

Every 2025 X3 gets BMW's Active Driving Assistant suite of technology, including automatic emergency braking, auto high-beam assist, active blind spot warning and lane departure prevention systems, and a speed limit warning. The X3 also has a system that detects an imminent collision and tightens seatbelts, closes windows, and prepares the post-collision braking system to prevent the car from being involved in secondary collisions. 

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have tested the 2025 X3 at the time of writing. The previous X3 earned the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and five stars from the NHTSA, so the new model is expected to do at least as well. And the competing Genesis GV70 and [Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class](https://www.autolist.com/mercedes+benz-glc) received top honors for the 2025 model year.

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## Value: 4/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Front (Value)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/XRhfxVtIt0eelbk73hAN2/3ef3208efa7d92febe4049fcc070a878/2025_BMW_X3_Front__Value_.jpg)

For a change, the base X3 30 xDrive comes relatively well-equipped for just over $51,000. All-wheel drive is standard this year, as is that comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, along with a power tailgate, power lumbar support for the front seats, and a navigation system. That wasn't entirely the case last year, and even a few a la carte options keep the price in the $57,000 range. 

The $66,000 M50 xDrive—the replacement for the xDrive M40i and the way to get the smooth turbo inline-six-cylinder engine this year—looks fairly pricey on paper but comes highly equipped that it looks like not only good competition for an Audi SQ5 or a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, but especially the aging Porsche Macan T and the Maserati Grecale.

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## Tech Features: 4/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Infotainment (Tech)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1UVVNqj17hQlHkve4DyjFi/903626f0cdfd1fb5c61d7956bfc1b167/2025_BMW_X3_Infotainment__Tech_.jpg)

BMW is betting big on tech with its future models, and the new X3 is no exception. The new iDrive 9 infotainment system represents a sweeping change in that it eliminates the physical controls for climate and most of the ones for audio (as seen on the 3 Series), but it also gets rid of the console-mounted scroll wheel that dates back to iDrive's inception in 2002. That leaves the touchscreen and voice commands as the way to navigate the menus and climate controls in the new system. 

For its part, the touchscreen is bright and responsive, and the voice commands do a pretty good job. However, those familiar with BMWs of the last couple of decades might feel adrift with iDrive 9, because the menus all require more poking and swiping than before. Also, putting all the climate functions on the screen when the old model's physical controls were so straightforward should be considered a crime.

The rest of the X3's standard and available tech is much better. A clear and informative head-up display is an option, as is a surround-view camera, an active parking assistant, and a pair of cameras, including a forward-facing dash cam and one that records what's happening inside the car.

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## Practicality: 4/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Trunk (Practicality)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/NKMBbSc8lpUXsgR5PMeRZ/19278377f0effbc5f92c20407a222e40/2025_BMW_X3_Trunk__Practicality_.jpg)

Even though the wheelbase was left unchanged from the third-generation model, the new BMW X3 is marginally more commodious, because it's longer and wider. It's likely the right size for most buyers in this class, as it occupies roughly the same footprint as direct rivals.

At just over 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the X3 is among the most spacious of compact luxury SUVs, with slightly more room than the XC60 and far more than just about everything else apart from the Tesla Model Y. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats add to the X3's functionality, because they make it easier to carry two people and long items, such as skis and snowboards, simultaneously. 

Towing capacity is rated at a healthy 4,001 pounds when properly equipped, but opting for the BMW trailer hitch for a reasonable $600 raises that to a highly commendable 4,850. That's far more than the typical 3,500-ish pounds of a GLC or XC60, way more than an Acura RDX, Buick Envision, or Lexus NX 350, and the Audi Q5 and Q6 split the difference at 4,400 pounds.

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## Styling & Design: 3/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Front Right Side (Styling)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6hs1QFdEvgwd9ZKwKug5hg/f3adbe354f8be03309920fb6fd7cf30e/2025_BMW_X3_Front_Right_Side__Styling_.jpg)

The new X3's styling is the elephant in the room. BMWs of late have either stayed relatively conservative with exterior design changes (2 Series Coupe, X5) or gone off the deep end (X7, iX), and the X3 skews towards the latter. A new pattern for the slats in the trademark kidney grille (light-up kidneys are available and likely a common option) is the second-most noticeable thing about the front, apart from the massive size of the grille. M Sport models have lots of gloss black trim (Shadowline, if you ask BMW), and the whole shape is much brasher than before. Whether or not that's a good thing is very open to debate. 

The interior also takes on similar themes with the aforementioned tech-heavy interface, eliminating most physical controls in favor of large curved displays. However, that comes with more storage space for water bottles, cups, and other small-to-midsize objects, which somewhat justifies the sharp turn of the new design direction. As is fashionable today, there are 15 ambient lighting colors and effects to scroll through.

The apparent downturn in quality inside is not so welcome. There are far more hard plastics on the dashboard, the center console, and the door handles than before, which both look and feel like a retrograde step. Audi and Mercedes have made similar moves, and that would be OK if that's all the X3 faced, but against the eight-year-old XC60 (itself primed for an update for 2026) and the very upscale GV70, BMW's choices inside are hard to justify.

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## Fuel Efficiency: 4/5 stars

![2025 BMW X3 Speedmeter (Efficiency)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6OFVhHfGa53tOnNiMQVvBG/9f814bbd418cc666bff0044afba96623/2025_BMW_X3_Speedmeter__Efficiency_.jpg)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive at 27 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 mpg combined. The M50 xDrive is rated at 25 mpg city, 30 highway, and 27 combined. Premium fuel is recommended for both.

Those figures compare very favorably with AWD versions of the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, and the Volvo XC60, which are rated at 26 mpg combined. The far less powerful Lexus NX 250 is rated at 28 mpg, and most other rivals fall in the 23-24 mpg range with the same equipment. And all have four-cylinder engines with worse figures than the six-cylinder X3.

However, the latest X3 doesn't yet offer a hybrid or a PHEV version as some close rivals do. The XC60 T8 PHEV is rated at 36 miles on a full charge, the NX 450+ PHEV at 37, and the GLC 350e PHEV at 54, while the outgoing Q5 PHEV is rated at just 23. The NX and the Nautilus hybrid versions are rated at 39 and 30 mpg, respectively.

And ahead of a fully electric X3, the Tesla Model Y has been revised, deliveries of the Lucid Gravity have just begun, and the Lexus RZ continues with an uncompetitive range until a revamped version arrives, likely in 2026. That leaves the newly available Audi Q6 E-tron as the electric SUV closest in size to the X3, and the all-wheel drive version is close to the M50 xDrive in performance and price. About 300 miles of range on a full charge, and DC fast-charging times are relatively quick for a modern EV.

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## What’s it Going to Cost Me?

![2025 BMW X3 Profile (Cost)](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/63lm8ugmdQUtse9bA7Rp8c/0df19db24edf7d69fcdf30f764bf464e/2025_BMW_X3_Profile__Cost_.jpg)

The 2025 BMW X3 has a starting MSRP of $51,125 and rises to $65,875, including the $1,175 destination charge, but before options. It's available as the 30 xDrive and the M50 xDrive.

The __X3 30 xDrive__ starts from $51,125. Standard equipment includes a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, power-folding exterior side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button start, personalized remote key settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, power heated front seats, privacy glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver's side exterior mirror, and a power tailgate.

Technology features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.9-inch touchscreen with BMW OS 9 and over-the-air updates, SiriusXM 360L, 5G personal eSIM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, two USB-C charging ports, wireless device charging, and BMW Remote Services which includes remote climate control and door unlock, light flash and horn control, and stolen vehicle recovery.

Driver assistance and safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot detection, automatic high beams, front, side, and rear parking sensors with braking, active park assist, and a backup camera.

The M Sport Package includes different wheel designs, gloss black exterior trim, M Sport body styling, different exterior paint selections, front sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, and a revised suspension system with adaptive dampers. The Convenience Package includes a remote engine start, a fixed Sky Lounge panoramic roof, a heated steering wheel, and rear-seat brackets for accessories. Finally, the Premium Package adds to those features: a head-up display, interior camera, Active Driving Assistant with adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go capability, forward-facing dash camera, and surround-view camera with 3D imaging.

Other add-ons include the Driver Assistance Professional Package for the Convenience Package with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go assist and the Parking Assistance Package with a surround-view camera and active park assist. The M Sport Professional Package includes extended gloss black exterior trim, red or blue brake calipers, an illuminated signature kidney grille in front, and full LED exterior lights with front cornering lights that get the gloss black treatment. 

Standalone options include metallic paint, 20 or 21-inch wheels, leather upholstery, wood or aluminum interior accents, a heated steering wheel, trailer hitch, rear-side window sunshades, rear-heated seats, ventilated front seats, fabric-covered dashboard, rear climate controls, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, and the illuminated grille.

The __BMW X3 M50 xDrive__ starts from $65,875 and includes the 393-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, M Sport styling package, M Sport suspension with adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes, 20-inch wheels, front sport seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, and the Convenience Package. The Premium Package is optional and includes the Harman Kardon sound system. 

Other options include metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, wood trim, leather upholstery, and the M Sport Professional,  Driver Assistance Professional, and Parking Assistance packages. The trailer hitch, sun shades, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear climate controls, fabric dashboard, and Harman Kardon system are also available as standalone extras.

If it were our money, we'd go with an xDrive 30 M Sport, Premium Package, and a few standalone options while trying to keep it below the $60,000 mark. That sounds like a lot of money for a compact SUV with a four-cylinder engine, but it's arguably the X3's sweet spot right now and keeps the price competitive with rivals that offer more features or space—or more attractive styling—for the money and somehow aren't as well-rounded.

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## More Photos:

[See more 2025 BMW X3 Photos](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-x3/2025-bmw-x3-photos).

Read our expert review of the 2025 BMW X3. 

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Here are the top BMW X3 listings for sale ASAP. Check the carfax, find a low miles X3, view X3 photos and interior/exterior features. Search by price, view certified pre-owned X3s, filter by color and much more. What will be your next ride?

Aquí están los mejores listados de BMW X3 a la venta lo antes posible. Verifique el carfax, busque millas bajas en X3, vea las fotos de X3 y las características interiores / exteriores. Busque por precio, vea X3s usados ​​certificados, filtre por color y mucho más. ¿Cuál será tu próximo vehículo?

2025 BMW X3 Review

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