AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9.0/10
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Safety9.0/10
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PRACTICALITY9.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS8.0/10
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FEATURES8.0/10
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POWER9.0/10
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COMFORT9.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL9.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY9.0/10
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VALUE8.0/10
BMW has been steadily revamping its SUV lineup to great success, releasing one model after another that are leaps and bounds better than the ones they replace.
The overhauled 2025 BMW X3 continues that trend, raising the bar in a very competitive segment. As one of the brand’s most popular models, the X3 has been improved in the ways I expected and some that even managed to surprise me.
Styling: 9/10
BMW has likely received too many complaints about its “bigger is better” grille design and has scaled back the enormity of its signature double kidney fascia on its latest vehicles so it doesn’t look like buck teeth. The restraint gives the new X3 an unfussy look that’s still stylish and modern.
The redesigned X3 has angular lines, great proportions, and a sporty stance, giving it a blockier and more aggressive look, with the new headlights giving the same expression as a furrowed brow. A new illuminated grille surround comes standard on the X3 M50 tested and is optional on the base trim, giving this SUV more visual punch at night and making it easier to find in a dark parking lot.
The interior has also been massively improved over the previous version and is way more fun and luxurious than it used to be. The old one was very dark and quite boring.
New customizable ambient lighting that’s diffused through clear plastic trim gives the cabin so much life and is a great example of how automakers can use plastic but still make it look upscale. The light can change based on drive mode or you can customize it based on your mood, but it goes beyond just looking pretty; it’s functional, too. If, for example, you’re parked and about to exit but there’s a car or cyclist incoming, it will flash red to indicate possible danger.
Power: 9/10
All X3s now have mild-hybrid powertrains. With the previous model, only the performance-oriented six-cylinder got an added electric boost. The last version was also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but it’s unclear if it will return for this generation.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that joins forces with the mild-hybrid setup to make 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The uplevel X3 M50 tested here has a turbocharged inline-six with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. All X3s have all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid uses an integrated starter-generator setup that lessens the load on the engine and allows it to run more efficiently. It gives X3 an extra boost of instant power without too much impact on fuel economy, allows the climate control to continue running even if the engine is shut off while idle, and smoothes out transmission shifts and the ignition stop-start system.
Fuel Economy: 9/10
The X3 surprises with its fuel efficiency, which is excellent considering how much performance it offers. Mild hybrids typically focus on powertrain smoothness rather than fuel economy gains, but the X3’s newfound efficiency could change that perception.
The six-cylinder X3’s official fuel economy ratings are 9.3 L/100 km in the city, 7.7 on the highway, and 8.6 combined — a significant improvement over the last-generation model’s combined rating of 10.1 L/100 km. After more than 700 km of mixed testing, the indicated average was 8.7 L/100 km, which is especially impressive considering the “Leadfoot Lai” nickname given to me by AutoTrader Road Test Editor Dan Ilika. The X3 requires premium fuel.
Driving Feel: 9/10
The X3 M50 balances sportiness and luxury well, providing excellent ride quality without sacrificing handling. Casually cruising around, the X3 feels very manageable, even in tight areas, and it’s smooth and comfortable. It corners confidently and always feels sure-footed. The brakes are strong without being too grabby.
The steering is a bit too light, but flipping it into sport mode changes this SUV’s whole personality, firming up the steering and making everything tighter and more responsive, giving it more urgency. The X3 even sounds pretty good in sport mode, growling with authority whenever a burst of acceleration is called for. Plenty of power on tap provides a rewarding turn of speed to make getting up to highway speeds or passing slower vehicles effortless.
Practicality: 9/10
The X3 is bigger all around, meaning more cargo capacity. With 570 L of space — which expands to 1,700 L with the 40/20/40 split seats folded flat — the trunk has more room than the previous-generation model. I wish there were levers in the trunk to fold the second row to make it even easier.
The cabin has lots of small item storage and cubbies, a large compartment under the armrest, and deep door pockets large enough to fit water bottles.
Comfort: 9/10
All seats offer long-distance comfort and support, and back-seat passengers also get a surprising amount of head- and legroom, even with taller passengers in front. The rear seats come heated as part of a $1,000 package that also includes rear sunshades and a third zone for the climate control system. The steering wheel and front seats are heated as standard, but ventilated seats cost an extra $900.
User-Friendliness: 8/10
The new X3 has done away with most physical buttons in favour of centralizing climate and media controls in the touchscreen and using touch-capacitive buttons. I prefer physical controls, but the new infotainment system is easy enough to use. Drivers can operate the system using a rotary dial, which is easier to use while driving, or with the touchscreen, which is better when parked.
Useful shortcuts are always visible on the touchscreen and also around the rotary dial, which makes navigating the Google-based system quite intuitive, even while driving. The system’s logical menu structure makes it very user-friendly and easy to get used to, and you never need too many taps to find what you’re looking for.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and integrated well, so you can see Google Maps navigation instructions in the head-up or instrument displays, which reduces the need to flip back and forth between screens on the infotainment system while driving. The vehicle will also remind you if you left your phone in the upright wireless charging tray when exiting. It locks the doors as you walk away with the key in your pocket and unlocks as you approach, but you can also use an app, your phone, or smartwatch to lock and unlock the doors, access the camera feeds, or even check the vehicle’s system statuses.
The gear selector is now a low-profile toggle, which is easy to get used to and saves space. There’s no “park” function, however, which might be confusing at first. Drivers can simply turn off the X3 from drive or reverse, and it will apply the parking brake automatically, but there’s also an electronic parking brake toggle for those who would feel more comfortable manually engaging it.
Safety: 9/10
Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlights, and more. The $5,000 Premium package adds BMW’s integrated dashcam system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and more, while another $500 adds automated parking assistants.
A new hands-free driving assistant is also available for an additional $1,000 that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel at speeds as fast as 60 km/h, which helps ease the strain in stop-and-go traffic. An interior camera monitors the driver to ensure they’re still paying attention and are ready to intervene.
While it’s kind of unnerving to have an interior camera, the system works smoothly and feels natural. It communicates with the driver well to ensure they’re aware of what’s happening around the vehicle and feel comfortable taking their hands off the wheel. Other automakers like General Motors (GM) and Ford have hands-free driving assistants that can be used at highway speeds, so it would have been nice to see BMW increase the capabilities of its system to be used beyond 60 km/h.
Features: 8/10
A new curved screen connects the driver display and the central infotainment screen. This setup looks great and is highly functional and customizable, so you can prioritize displaying the information that matters most to you. The X3 is also connected to the internet and is capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates. It requires a paid subscription, but it opens up some useful features like the ability to use your phone or smartwatch as a key, augmented reality navigation, and more.
Tons of light comes through the enormous panoramic sunroof, there are enough USB ports for everyone to keep their devices charged, and the voice-activated assistant now recognizes more natural language commands. The X3 is available with nearly every feature you want in a vehicle like this, but BMW isn’t shy about charging extra for them.
Value: 8/10
The 2025 BMW X3 30 starts at $58,900 plus the non-negotiable $2,480 destination fee. The M50 version tested here starts at $74,900, but with $10,900 in options added, the price of this one ballooned to $88,280 including destination but before taxes. More standard features should be included in the X3 M50’s starting price, such as the head-up display, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats. It’s always painful when luxury automakers charge extra for features that are standard in more affordable vehicles. Prices have increased for this new generation model, as can be expected, but BMW is offering a much better product this year with more standard features, which helps justify the increase.
The Verdict
The 2025 BMW X3 is a versatile and well-rounded luxury SUV that checks a lot of boxes for someone who might be shopping in this segment. It’s a huge improvement over the previous X3 and it’s so good that it helps set a new benchmark for its class. The fact that this practical SUV offers surprisingly good fuel economy alongside incredible performance and tons of power on tap means it offers the best of both worlds and doesn’t make any compromises.
| Engine Displacement | 3.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 393 hp @ 5,200 to 6,250 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 428 lb-ft @ 1,900 to 4,800 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 9.3 / 7.7 / 8.6 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 570 / 1,700 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive |
| Base Price | $74,990 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,480 |
| Price as Tested | $88,280 |
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Optional Equipment
$10,900 — Premium package, $5,000; Driving Assistant Professional, $1,000; Parking Assistant Professional, $500; Rear Comfort package, $1,000; M Sport Pro package, $1,100; Dune Grey Metallic paint, $900; 21-inch black wheels, $500; Ventilated front seats, $900
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