The fresh fourth generation of the compact luxury crossover SUV (although BMW claims it's a mid-size SAV now) is here, complete with a polarizing design, 48V mild hybrid tech, and the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9.
Once again, for the umpteenth time in recent years, BMW's soul has been searching for peace, and the Bavarian automaker is debuting a new design language for the fourth generation G45 BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Take it or leave it; this new styling is here to stay – at least on the X3. The crossover SUV is now 1.3 inches longer (187.2 inches), and the width has increased by 1.1 inches to 75.6 inches, but the height was lowered by one inch to 65.4 inches.
By the way, even more spectacular or horrendous (depending on your POV) design changes are coming next year when BMW is set to introduce the next all-electric iX3 based on the radical Vision Neue Klasse X concept boasting a completely new architecture. Until then, the 2025 BMW X3 is still available in America with ICE power under the hood. Inside the cabin, the new X3 has the BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, flat-bottom steering wheels, plus "light elements in a contrasting color in the center console and door trims."
Not forgetting this is a practical CUV, the Bavarian automaker boasts that trunk space can be increased from 31.5 to 67.1 cubic feet, all while the X3 can tow a trailer of up to 4,850 lbs. Another highlight of the interior is the all-new electrically adjustable and heated sports seats with a choice of three Perforated Veganza colors offered standard. The M Veganza/Alcantara combination in Black and two shades of Extended Merino leather upholstery are optional. Also, a first for the BMW brand is the new woven fabric instrument panel made from recycled polyester, which is offered as an option with "a premium knitted texture."
There are also new digital options for driver assistance systems, infotainment, and personalization, with the worldwide launch of the 2025 X3 set to begin during the year's fourth quarter. In America, BMW offers just two distinct models: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, both with standard all-wheel drive, from $49,500 and $64,100, respectively. The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder unit in the BMW X3 30 xDrive has adopted 48V mild hybrid tech and offers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for a brisk sprint to 60 mph (96 kph) in exactly six seconds.
Meanwhile, the M50 gets a more elegant inline-six with M TwinPower Turbo and also with 48V – the total system output is 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It's also supported with additional M goodies: Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, M Sport differential, or the fresh BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting and M kidney grille.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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