Discover the Enhanced 2025 BMW X3: Modern Updates, Classic Appeal

The 2025 BMW X3 blends modern technology with classic design. Updated features include new infotainment screens, improved powertrains, and advanced driving aids.

The real innovation is the iX3, an electric SUV arriving next year, previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept this spring. It will be the first BMW to feature the automaker’s next-gen architecture.

For those not ready to switch to electric power, the iX3 will be sold alongside the combustion-engine X3. This heavily updated version of the 2024 SUV drops the ‘i’ from the model name, making the xDrive 30i the plain xDrive 30, and the M50 replacing the M40i, while the base two-wheel-drive version is discontinued. 

The 2025 X3, with the same 112.8-inch wheelbase as the outgoing model, masks its carryover DNA with styling borrowed from the 2022 X1. Subtle changes in length, width, and height give the new model a more assertive stance while maintaining the classic front-engine, rear-drive proportions. 

The large-format kidney grille, which is illuminated on the flagship M50 xDrive and optional on the base 30 xDrive, has a controversial pattern of vertical and diagonal bars. If you prefer horizontal bars, you might consider the M50, which also includes standard adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M wheels, M Sport rear diff, and quad exhaust tailpipes. This model is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, compared to the outgoing M40i’s 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. 

Despite these upgrades, BMW claims the same 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds for the M50 as for the old M40i. The xDrive 30 also doesn’t see any improvement in this area, maintaining its 6.0-second 0-60 mph time with a 2.0-liter inline-four gaining mild-hybrid tech and a slight power increase to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

A potentially faster variant could be the X3 M, expected to inherit a power boost to 523 hp from the recent upgrades to the M3 and M4 Competition xDrive.

BMW states that the new X3 offers improved cornering with a lower ride height, wider rear track, stiffer body structure, and various geometry tweaks for enhanced steering precision and stability. 

The 2025 X3 introduces an updated interior with BMW’s curved dashboard display and combined infotainment and gauge cluster. The new OS9 tech supports over-the-air updates, music and video streaming apps, news, augmented reality navigation, and in-car gaming using your smartphone as a controller.

While the 2025 X3’s updates are significant, the core of the SUV remains similar to the current popular model. The new X3 will be available in late 2024, with pricing starting at $49,500 for the xDrive 30 and $64,100 for the M50, reflecting modest increases over previous models.