We’re spending per week with the 2025 BMW X3, and there’s so much to soak up. It’s the primary yr of the nameplate’s fourth era, which suggests massive modifications inside and outside. It additionally means expectations are excessive; in any case, there wasn’t a lot unhealthy you would say in regards to the earlier era, significantly the range-topping and very dynamic X3 M mannequin. They are saying change is sweet, and we’re completely satisfied to report that in some way, 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 Glorious Powertrain
At present, the G45 BMW X3 is simply accessible with xDrive. However that’s simply high-quality; it’s some of the dynamic and fulfilling all-wheel drive programs in the marketplace. Whereas it will’ve been good to check out the faster X3 M50 xDrive mannequin, we are able to’t say we’ve got 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 below the hood — primarily redesigned consumption ports and combustion chambers and new ignition and injection programs — however it feels as strong as ever.
A great engine is nothing with out an equally competent gearbox, and the X3 equally shines right here. The ZF eight-speed automated is much from new at this level, popping up in every little thing from BMW M Sequence autos to Ram vehicles and nearly every little thing in between. And as regular, BMW implements it completely right here. It’s faster than it was within the final X3, and redesigned paddle shifters really feel just a little sportier whereas nonetheless providing a well-known and satisfying “click on” upon shifts. Whenever 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 wonderful gasoline financial system. The 17.2-gallon gasoline tank is sweet for effectively rattling close to 500 miles even in blended driving circumstances.
iDrive 9 is Eminently Usable
Screens are by no means my favourite function a couple of automobile, however contemplating the brand-wide push in the direction of the bigger curved display screen is right here to remain, the 2025 BMW X3 does a strong job. After pairing up my telephone and reacquainting myself with the varied on-screen buttons, iDrive 9 and QuickSelect made navigation, media choice, switching drive modes, and even discovering and adjusting stereo settings (a should, not less than with the usual sound system) easy and fast. That mentioned, it’s going to positively take a while to study if you happen to’re unfamiliar with BMW. Even I wanted a full day with the automobile to essentially really feel snug discovering every little thing. Older iDrive programs had been maybe extra instantly intuitive.
New Panoramic Glass Roof
Let’s get the unhealthy information out of the best way: 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 presents. 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 buyers within the Southwest and southern California. Regardless of common temperatures within the US Northeast the place we examined the automobile, 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 could nonetheless be price it — not less than within the winter.
Snug and Lux-Feeling Seats
The G45 X3 additionally marks the primary time BMW has provided the mannequin with Veganza upholstery. It’s a fairly noticeable enchancment from the final X3 we drove with Sensatec, and feels gentle however supportive regardless of being the usual providing. Whereas there’s actually no complicated it for leather-based, it is going to be greater than satisfactory for much less discerning consumers. Paired with the heated and ventilated seat capabilities, the game seats are up for just about something and do an awesome job of feeling sporty with out compromising ease of ingress/egress.
Loads of House
The X3 has at all times 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 toes of cargo area with all of the seats folded down, which is 5 extra cubic toes than final yr’s truck. Passenger area feels roughly the identical within the again, and we had no complaints from our few (grownup) backseat riders. In fact, contemplating the 2025 BMW X3 is greater than its predecessor, it had higher be just a little bit extra spacious. Fortunately, that’s the case.
General, the G45 BMW X3 does so much good. In fact, no automobile is ideal, and there are infinite nits to select — we’ll cowl them individually. The takeaway? The X3 stays a superb SUV for drivers prioritizing dynamism. And it nonetheless does a variety of different issues effectively, too.
