All-New 2025 X3 Brings Curved Screens, Improved Power to BMW’s Most Popular Model

Despite building its reputation on sports sedans, BMW, like virtually every other auto brand, has an SUV at the top of its sales charts. The X3 has climbed to the top by combining athletic handling, practical packaging, and efficient, gutsy powertrains. The 2025 model, due at the end of 2024, is set to improve on those aspects with a longer, wider, lower package backed by a pair of powertrains that bring a bump in power.

The new BMW X3 is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor, 1.1 inches wider, and its roof sits one inch lower, resulting in sporty proportions enhanced by new design language with prominent fender arches and a bold face with an upright BMW kidney grille. LED headlights incorporate daytime running lights, side marker lights, and turn signal indicators into L-shaped elements. Full LED headlights with cornering light functions and blue design detailing are optional, as are M Shadowline lights.

Inside, standard electrically adjustable and heated sport seats are available in three colors of perforated Veganza upholstery, with M Veganza/Alcantara optional in black and two colors of Extended Merino leather. The rest of the cabin follows the direction BMW has already shown in the recently unveiled 2 Series, including the BMW curved display and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. BMW Operating System 9, based on an Android Open Source Project, allows for over-the-air updates and access to third-party apps as part of the optional BMW digital premium offering. Some of the available functions include in-car gaming and the ability to watch videos while parked.

Light elements in the center console and door allow for contrasting colors surrounding the HVAC controls and door handles. The extra length and width allow for the cargo capacity to grow, as the X3 now offers 31.5 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats up and 67.1 cubic feet when they’re folded forward. For those looking to bring even more on the journey, an optional hitch allows for trailers up to 4,850 pounds.

The X3 30 xDrive uses a 2.0-liter, TwinPower 4-cylinder that is turbocharged and assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. At very low speeds, the hybrid system can power the vehicle on its own. Total system output is 255 hp between 4,700 and 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft. available from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. BMW claims the X3 30 xDrive will accelerate from 0–60 mph in six seconds flat.

The X3 M50 xDrive uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Like its four-cylinder counterpart, it uses a Miller combustion cycle, delaying the intake valve closing until the piston is partway up the cylinder. The result is a longer power stroke compared to the compression stroke, increasing efficiency. The new engine uses redesigned intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, switchable exhaust-side rocker arms, and eVANOS electrically controlled camshaft adjustment. The engine’s bottom end was also revised, with redesigned oil cooling passages for the pistons and new bearing caps. Combined with a 48-volt hybrid system, the total output is 393 hp, up from the current six-cylinder M40i that produces 383 hp. Again, the turbocharger and variable valvetrain allow for a flat torque curve, with a peak torque output of 428 lb.-ft. between 1,800 and 4,800 rpm. Likewise, peak power is maintained from 5,200—6,250 rpm.

The powertrain is matched with a unique Adaptive M Sport suspension for the X3 M50 xDrive that uses electronically controlled dampers, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and an M Sport differential, all standard. Visually, the X3 M50 xDrive will be identified thanks to its quad exhaust tips and the trademark kidney grille with horizontal bars.

Of course, the X3 30 xDrive also benefits from the new platform, as the body-in-white is lighter and more rigid than its predecessor. BMW says its double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have increased precision when turning into corners. X3 30 xDrive buyers can opt for the M Sport suspension including sport steering and M Sport brakes—both standard on the X3 M50 xDrive. Dynamic Damper Control, tailored for those seeking a bit more comfort, is available separately from the M Sport Package.

All X3s are equipped with forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assistant, speed limit info, and the Driving Assistant that adds active blind spot detection and manual speed limit assistant. Parking assistant, now standard, includes a backup assistant. An optional parking assistant professional package takes things a step further by examining road markings and the curb in addition to other vehicles, helping to squeeze into tight spaces. This function can be controlled from outside the vehicle using the My BMW App. BMW maneuver assistant is also included in the parking assistant professional package and can store up to 10 parking maneuvers with a total length of up to 650 yards. It can take over the full parking maneuver, including all necessary changes in direction while the driver is behind the wheel or spotting the vehicle while using the App.

Further driver support comes from the optional driving assistant professional package that can help out at speeds under 40 mph and allows for hands-free driving to ease the stop-and-go strain of dense traffic with its traffic jam assistant function.

The all-new X3 will be at dealerships at the end of the year. The X3 30 xDrive will have a base MSRP of $50,675 while the X3 M50 xDrive will start at $65,675.

***

Check out the Hagerty Media homepage so you don’t miss a single story, or better yet, bookmark it. To get our best stories delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters.