We’re spending every week with the 2025 BMW X3, and there’s so much to soak up. It’s the primary yr of the nameplate’s fourth technology, which implies massive modifications inside and outside. It additionally means expectations are excessive; in spite of everything, there wasn’t a lot dangerous you might say in regards to the earlier technology, significantly the range-topping and very dynamic X3 M mannequin. They are saying change is nice, and we’re blissful to report that one way or the other, BMW discovered methods to enhance. There’s a lot to like in regards to the all-new G45 X3 — even when it’s following within the footsteps of the superb G01 mannequin that got here earlier than it.
Acquainted and Wonderful Powertrain
At present, the G45 BMW X3 is just accessible with xDrive. However that’s simply high-quality; it’s one of the dynamic and pleasurable all-wheel drive programs available on the market. Whereas it will’ve been good to check out the faster X3 M50 xDrive mannequin, we are able to’t say we now have any complaints in regards to the X3 30 xDrive; it’s a pleasure to drive. The turbocharged four-pot (B48B20O2) adopts acquainted 48-volt hybrid tech to ship a complete of 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There are some modifications within the engine in comparison with the final B48 we noticed beneath the hood — primarily redesigned consumption ports and combustion chambers and new ignition and injection programs — however it feels as stable as ever.
A very good engine is nothing with out an equally competent gearbox, and the X3 equally shines right here. The ZF eight-speed automated is way from new at this level, popping up in all the things from BMW M Collection automobiles to Ram vehicles and nearly all the things in between. And as common, BMW implements it completely right here. It’s faster than it was within the final X3, and redesigned paddle shifters really feel a bit sportier whereas nonetheless providing a well-known and satisfying “click on” upon shifts. While you additional contemplating this X3 doesn’t even have any M Sport goodies, the magic BMW’s chassis engineers have labored is much more commendable. Bonus factors for concurrently delivering glorious gas financial system. The 17.2-gallon gas tank is nice for nicely rattling close to 500 miles even in combined driving circumstances.
iDrive 9 is Eminently Usable
Screens are by no means my favourite function a couple of automotive, however contemplating the brand-wide push in direction of the bigger curved display screen is right here to remain, the 2025 BMW X3 does a stable job. After pairing up my telephone and reacquainting myself with the assorted on-screen buttons, iDrive 9 and QuickSelect made navigation, media choice, switching drive modes, and even discovering and adjusting stereo settings (a should, at the least with the usual sound system) easy and fast. That mentioned, it’s going to undoubtedly take a while to study when you’re unfamiliar with BMW. Even I wanted a full day with the automotive to essentially really feel comfy discovering all the things. Older iDrive programs have been maybe extra instantly intuitive.
New Panoramic Glass Roof
Let’s get the dangerous information out of the way in which: the panoramic roof doesn’t open in any respect. This was a disappointing discover, however solely after I spent hours actually having fun with the hell out of the pure gentle and openness that the panoramic glass roof gives. It’s a brand new addition to the BMW X3 for 2025. In our tester it comes bundled with the $3400 Premium Bundle, however it’s additionally accessible within the $1400 Comfort Bundle. We’re right here for it, though extra timidly advocate it to customers within the Southwest and southern California. Regardless of common temperatures within the US Northeast the place we examined the automotive, sunny days made it toasty quick. Desert dwellers could discover the AC working extra time in the event that they go for the glass roof. It might nonetheless be value it — at the least within the winter.
Comfy and Lux-Feeling Seats
The G45 X3 additionally marks the primary time BMW has supplied the mannequin with Veganza upholstery. It’s a reasonably noticeable enchancment from the final X3 we drove with Sensatec, and feels delicate however supportive regardless of being the usual providing. Whereas there’s definitely no complicated it for leather-based, it will likely be greater than sufficient for much less discerning consumers. Paired with the heated and ventilated seat features, the game seats are up for just about something and do an amazing job of feeling sporty with out compromising ease of ingress/egress.
Loads of House
The X3 has all the time been “just-right” sized, and that doesn’t change with the G45 X3. The specs say the brand new 2025 BMW X3 has 67.1 cubic ft of cargo area with all of the seats folded down, which is 5 extra cubic ft than final yr’s truck. Passenger area feels kind of the identical within the again, and we had no complaints from our few (grownup) backseat riders. After all, contemplating the 2025 BMW X3 is greater than its predecessor, it had higher be a bit bit extra spacious. Fortunately, that’s the case.
Total, the G45 BMW X3 does so much good. After all, no automotive is ideal, and there are infinite nits to select — we’ll cowl them individually. The takeaway? The X3 stays a wonderful SUV for drivers prioritizing dynamism. And it nonetheless does lots of different issues nicely, too.
