Making significant changes to a top seller is always challenging for a car company. In the case of the 2025 BMW X3, the German luxury automaker significantly improved this premium compact crossover without taking away the qualities that have made it so popular. Residing in the BMW lineup between the X1 and X5 (X2 and X4 models are SUV coupes), the X3 outsells all other BMWs sold in America. BMW invited me to South Carolina (covering my travel, food, and lodging) to experience the 2025 X3.
Photo: Perry Stern
BMW offers the 2025 X3 in two trim levels: X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive. Both come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), as BMW no longer offers a rear-wheel-drive version. Prices range from about $51,000 to around $65,000; the 2025 BMW X3 is on sale now.
For this review, BMW provided me with a 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive, painted in the extra-cost Vegas Red Metallic. Other options included the Driving Assistance Professional package, M Sport Professional package, Premium package, and ventilated front seats for a total manufacturer's suggested retail price of $72,225, including the $1,175 destination charge. BMW assembles all X3 SUVs at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina, production facility.
Photo: Perry Stern
Even when a BMW gets a design makeover, certain aspects remain familiar to the brand, and the significantly updated 2025 X3 is no exception. Up front is the familiar twin-kidney grille, which features an illuminated border flanked by stylish new LED headlights. At the rear are new taillights, while the more powerful M50 stands out with quad exhaust pipes.
The new model is wider, longer, and lower than the outgoing version, which gives the premium crossover a more sporting stance. Ultimately, it is still recognizable as a BMW X3.
Sliding into the 2025 X3 reveals a cabin with a much more modern vibe than the previous generation. Highlighting the interior is a large, curved screen that combines the digital driver's display and updated infotainment system, which creates a simple, clean look with minimal physical buttons. Simplified controls in the center console feature a small gear selector and a volume dial.
Front sport seats get a fresh design with improved comfort and standard heating. Seat trim is in Perforated Veganza (synthetic leather) or Extended Merino leather. For the first time, BMW offers an optional woven fabric made from recycled polyester as a dashboard trim. Ambient lighting adds to the high-tech look, appearing on the center console and dashboard and outlining the door handles. Colors are adjustable manually or can reflect the current drive mode.
The rear seat of the X3 is surprisingly spacious, with comfortable outboard seats that can be heated and plenty of legroom and headroom. The middle seat is less desirable, with limited legroom and a stiff bottom cushion.
With its increased dimensions, the 2025 X3 gets a larger cargo area than the previous version. It would be easy to fit multiple suitcases in the 31.5 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats folded, the space increases to 67.1 cubic feet. If there's a need for more hauling capability, the X3 can tow up to 4,850 pounds.
Photo: Perry Stern
The latest version of BMW's operating system—OS9—powers the infotainment system in that new display screen. The system features quicker response time and gets a new design with a Home screen featuring the most used apps on the left, overlaying the navigation map. A series of shortcuts remains static at the bottom of the display for quick access to audio, climate, and communications functions as well as the Home page.
There's also a selection to bring up all applications on one screen, nicely laid out with large icons and quick filtering. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with a wireless connection.
Added entertainment options are available through BMW's Digital Premium subscription service, which provides access to streaming music and video services as well as in-car gaming while the vehicle is parked. The system allows for over-the-air updates, keeping it running with the latest software.
In addition to its entertaining features, the 2025 BMW X3 has an extensive list of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. My test vehicle had the optional Driving Assistance Pro package, which adds adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance and the innovative traffic-jam assist.
Driving on the interstate outside Greenville, South Carolina, I set the adaptive cruise control to 65 mph. The X3 stayed in the center of the lane with minimal corrections and adjusted speed smoothly as I caught up to a slower vehicle, then accelerated back to the set speed when I changed lanes to go around it.
Since BMW built its production facility in South Carolina 30 years ago, traffic in the area has progressively gotten heavier, so it was no surprise when I saw brake lights ahead on my route. Once my speed dropped below 40 mph, the traffic-jam assist system engaged, which allowed me to take my hands off the steering wheel.
This hands-free system works only below 40 mph on specific limited-access highways, handling the steering, braking, and throttle. When traffic came to an inevitable halt, the X3 stopped behind the car ahead of me. Once it started moving, the X3 followed, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Stop-and-go traffic can be frustrating and stressful, and this system goes a long way toward making this scenario more relaxed. It is important to note that while the X3 can operate hands-free, the driver must pay attention to the road, or the system will disengage.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2025 BMW X3 gets more than just fresh styling and new technology. The premium crossover gets two new engines that deliver improved performance and more power than the previous version. Powering the X3 30 xDrive is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, putting out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the M50 bumps up to a turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder power plant that delivers a plentiful 393 hp and 428 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that uses an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers smooth power with quick throttle response and improved fuel efficiency.
The SUV's smooth, strong power delivery was immediately apparent as I departed the BMW Performance Center in the X3 M50 xDrive. Turning onto a busy highway, the X3 quickly reached 60 mph. BMW says it can do this in 4.4 seconds, and I believe it.
However, like other BMWs, the X3 is capable of much more than straight-line acceleration. Heading north, I found some winding country roads demonstrating how enjoyable the X3 can be to drive. With responsive steering and standard adaptive suspension, the BMW handles exceptionally well, staying flat in the corners with a stable, confident ride. Even in a heavy downpour, the AWD and stability control systems kept the X3 on course without issue, and the M Sport brakes provided all the necessary stopping power.
As good as the BMW X3 is at carving up a twisty road, a more common scenario for an X3 owner is motoring through the city or cruising on the highway. The X3 delivers a quiet, solid ride no matter where you take it. Overall, the 2025 X3 M50 is a joy to drive in any situation.
During my time in South Carolina, I took a short drive in the X3 30 xDrive, and it was enough to see that this base model is no slouch. With solid acceleration and excellent handling, most consumers would be delighted with this lesser-priced option.
It's been 20 years since BMW first introduced the X3 to America, and the compact crossover has come a long way in those two decades. With significant changes to styling, features, and performance, the 2025 BMW X3 boasts a roomy interior, advanced technology, and driving dynamics that are becoming of a BMW.
The X3 goes up against stiff competition with strong offerings like the Genesis GV70, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Porsche Macan. While these premium compact SUVs are all quite good, the 2025 BMW X3 brings a proper blend of luxury, technology, and performance with a stylish new design that makes it a worthy competitor.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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