More than 20 years after the original BMW X3 was introduced, this compact SUV is undergoing its fourth generation. The all-new 2025 X3 is becoming more radical in terms of exterior design, and while some will love it and some may find it difficult to accept, it will be fully hybrid with a hybrid engine. The interior is more exclusive, with a new entertainment system and only a slight price increase.
Based on the CLAR modular platform, the new X3 has a slightly larger body size, with a 1.3-inch increase in length and 1.1 inches in width, a 1-inch reduction in height, and a wider wheelbase. The body is stiffer and the suspension has been tuned to provide more precise handling.
The front of the car has a bold design, with a kidney grille and a diagonal trim strip, which I feel is a perfect complement to the car. The headlights are sharp and sharp, the LED light clusters are framed by staggered L-shaped lines, and the front bumper is clean and modern, even with the M Sport package without overusing black accents.
The body has sleek lines that follow the low window line and feature dramatic Hofmeister corners at the D-pillar. The wheel arch area is no longer decorated with plastic trim and is replaced by creases that emphasize the width, giving the X3 a more powerful feel. 19-inch wheels are standard, with 20-inch and 21-inch wheels available. The rear has a simple design, with a deep tailgate, low license plates, T-shaped taillights, and exhaust pipes hidden behind the guards.
Step inside the car and you'll find a super angular design that I personally like very much. The interior of the new X3 incorporates a large-arc display and interactive strips that use lights and animations to provide informed feedback to the driver. The triangular area on the door panel features an illuminated frame with a climate control knob, lock button and door handle, as well as a halo of light underneath the central armrest box.
The X3 is powered by the latest Android-based operating system9, and with the exception of the iDrive knob, most operations are done via a touch screen, including the climate control system. The navigation system supports augmented reality and 3D maps, as well as satellite views, and the intelligent personal assistant is fully functional and has a wide range of applications. The head-up display is also a new feature, and of course, OTA updates are essential.
In terms of interior materials, you can choose to recycle polyester woven eco-friendly fabric to cover the dashboard and door interiors, and the fabric texture is novel, which is more visually impactful than ordinary imitation leather. Perforated leather seats are standard, but Arcatara or Merino leather is also available. There has been a slight increase in baggage space, but it has not yet been clarified whether there will be an improvement in the passenger compartment.
The entry-level X3 30 xDrive (formerly known as the "i" removed) is powered by a B48 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mile time of 6 seconds but an increase of 7 horsepower and 37 pound-feet. The blue X3 in the photo is a European-spec plug-in hybrid version that is expected to be launched in the U.S.
Upgrade to the X3 M50 xDrive and you'll get a B58 turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine that also comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The M50 boosts its maximum power to 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 11 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque over the old M40i, but the 0-60 acceleration time remains at 4.4 seconds. In addition to the engine, the M50 comes with a quad exhaust, exclusive exterior design, larger brakes, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, variable ratio sport steering, and M Sport rear differential.
The 2025 X3 is expected to be produced at the South Carolina plant by the end of this year, and for the first time, the Fort Spartans plant will offer the X3 more than 15 BMW Individual paint options. The X3 30 xDrive starts at $50,675 (including $1,175 shipping), which is only $780 more than the previous generation, while the M50 costs $65,275, which is $2,380 more expensive than the previous model.
Post by JAMES