2025 BMW X3

Overview

The BMW X3 helped kickstart the compact luxury crossover segment when it debuted back in 2004 and went on to become the maker’s best-selling model and earn a spot on our 2024 Editors' Choice list. The new, fourth-gen 2025 X3 builds on that solid record of success with incremental updates and improvements that refine the breed rather than reinvent it. While details won’t be confirmed until closer to its October 2024 reveal, we expect the rear-drive sDrive30 and all-wheel drive xDrive30 trims to return, and the performance-focused xdriveM40i M to be replaced by an xDriveM50 model. (Notably, BMW is reportedly dropping the "i" from the model names of its gas-powered vehicles going forward, reserving the letter for use exclusively on its EVs.) Spy photos and our drive of camouflaged prototypes reveal the new X3 to be larger in every exterior dimension, yet it possesses a lower drag coefficient than the outgoing model. We expect a choice of four- and six-cylinder powertrains; the fully electric iX3 will arrive later built on an entirely different platform and will exist alongside the new X3. A plug-in hybrid xDrive30e isn’t yet confirmed for the American market, but we'd be surprised if it doesn't join the lineup given America's renewed interest in hybrids of all stripes. What doesn’t change is the X3’s tasteful luxury appointments, refined ride-handling balance, and its position as a stylish, right-sized compact crossover in one of the hottest segments. We’ll have full details on the 2025 X3 as soon as they are available.

What's New for 2025?

Almost everything. Larger overall, the 2025 X3 benefits from a revised chassis, tweaked powertrains, and updated infotainment and driver-assist features. The xDriveM40i label gets replaced by xDriveM50 nomenclature. We expect the 2025 X3’s driver-assist systems to add a bunch of new comfort- and safety-enhancing tricks including automated lane change and adaptive cruise control with traffic-light recognition. There’s also a new parking feature that lets the car park itself in a predesignated parking space—think your assigned spot in the parking lot or garage—while you are outside of the vehicle. Notably, BMW is reportedly dropping the "i" from the model names of its gas-powered vehicles going forward, reserving the letter for use exclusively on its EVs. One thing not new: the X3 will continue to be assembled in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina factory.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Pricing remains undetermined, but we still think the xDrive30 represents the best value. Note that evidence suggests the M40 trim is upgraded to M50 for 2025 and is rumored to have more than 400 horsepower. Still, its estimated $64,000 price tag is likely just as far from the base sDrive30’s price as it is from the inevitable 2025 X3 M performance variant, so it’ll take an educated and determined customer to choose the M50.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

We expect noteworthy tweaks for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the sDrive30 and xDrive30 models. Though the exact figure remains unconfirmed, our sources indicate an output figure of approximately 280 horsepower is likely, a significant boost from the current car’s 248 ponies. We were able to sample prototypes of the 2025 X3 and found that it builds on the previous-generation model's already good road manners with a stiffer structure, a wider rear track, revised pivot bearings, beefed-up control-arm mounts, and an uprated front axle geometry with a new steering setup. We’re confident the changes will sharpen responses while leaving its ride quality unsullied; count on optional adaptive damping, called Dynamic Damper Control in BMW-speak, to aid in both ride and handling. Count on the available adaptive M suspension to return on the M50.

0–60-MPH Times

The last xDrive 30i we tested required 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph; we expect the more powerful 2025 car will shave a few tenths from that time. That should help the X3 narrow the gap between it and the Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5. The X3 M50 is rumored to have 400 horsepower or more, depending on the source, and should stay within a tenth or two of the existing car’s 4.1-second time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2024 X3 returned only so-so fuel economy, the EPA rating the base rear-wheel drive model for 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The 2024 X3 M40i is rated for 21 and 26 in the same measures. Interestingly, both outperformed their EPA estimates in our 200-mile real-world highway test, returning 31 and 29 MPG respectively. Don’t expect the 2025 X3 lineup to stray far from these numbers. For more information about the X3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Infotainment and Connectivity

While we don’t have finalized details, our sampling of X3 prototypes indicates the iDrive 9 infotainment system will make its X3 debut, and the iDrive rotary knob remains in place—a nice surprise considering its conspicuous absence on the recently refreshed X1 and X2 models. Otherwise, we expect more controls to migrate to the touchscreen, but hope we’re pleasantly proven otherwise.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A full suite of driver-assistance features is available, but BMW offers the basics as standard equipment. For more information about the X3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW's warranty offerings on the current 2024 X3 don't stand out among its rivals; its four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty is common in this segment and will likely extend to 2025 unchanged. Three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is nice, but it's something that the Genesis GV70 and the Volvo XC60 also offer.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

• Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
• Safety and Driver-Assistance Features