2025 BMW X3 buyer’s guide and specs

When the BMW X3 was first launched in 2003, it was the brand's second crossover, a rugged runabout based on the bestselling 3 Series. More than twenty years later, it has become the Bavarian automaker's breadwinner.

As a result, the changes made to the fourth-generation X3 are relatively minor once you look past the wild new bodywork. BMW is never one to shy away from wild style, but applying it to its volume seller always risks losing customers.

Familiar powertrains, yet radical internals

The 2025 BMW X3 will be offered in two guises, the 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive. As before, this means two different engines, a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. The 2.0 is good for 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0 produces 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque and is only available in performance-oriented M50 xDrive trim. Both powertrains pair to an eight-speed automatic through a standard all-wheel-drive system.

While size displacement is unchanged from 2024, the two powertrain options have gotten a major makeover. Both engines now feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system to go with redesigned intake ports, new combustion chambers, and an updated coil injection system. The biggest change, however, lies with the combustion cycle.

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Both engines have ditched the Otto-cycle setup in favor of a Miller-cycle, which keeps intake valves beyond bottom dead center. This means that when the piston reaches the bottom of its stroke, the air-fuel mixture flows into the cylinder without delay, resulting in a shorter compression stroke. This kind of cycle would normally be hampered by turbo lag, but BMW’s TwinPower twin-scroll technology comes in to fix that.

This mixture results in big fuel economy gains for 2025. The EPA reports 27 MPG city/33 MPG highway/29 MPG combined for the X3 30 xDrive. The M50 xDrive sees an EPA rating of 25 MPG city/30 MPG highway/27 MPG combined.

The interior harnesses BMW's sporty side

The 2025 BMW X3 joins the lineup with a minimalist cabin and a 14.9-inch curved display with native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The rotary dial setup remains present here, despite it having vanished in BMW’s smaller offerings.

Either trim offers several interior colors, which pair with customizable 15-color ambient lighting to elevate the cabin experience. These colors also adorn the various trim details in the X3.

As always, BMW offers a number of packages and options to make the X3 more luxurious, sporty, or both, depending on your tastes. Hop on to BMW's official configurator and let your dreams run wild.

The X3's safety features are as futuristic as its design

The standard safety features available on the 2025 BMW X3 include blindspot monitoring, forward collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, automatic park assist, 360-degree camera, and an active cruise control that works even in stop-and-go traffic.

An optional Driving Assistance Professional Package adds steering assist, lane-change assist, and distance control to mimic a semi-autonomous experience.

The customization options extend to the exterior as well

The base Sport trim, which sports what BMW calls ‘Bold Exterior,’ features black cladding and standard 19-inch two-tone wheels. The M Sport trim, or ’Motorsport Form,’ is more monochromatic, with black Shadowline exterior trim and a unique steering wheel inside. 

You can also choose from up to 12 paint colors, along with 20-inch and 21-inch wheel options.

A starting MSRP of just over $50,000 makes the X3 a premium choice

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive starts at $50,675, and ticking the box for the M Sport trim adds $2,200 to the bottom line.

At the other end, the 2025 X3 M50 xDrive starts at $65,275 and comes standard with more M Sport goodies, including M Sport brakes with blue calipers, adaptive M suspension, and an M Sport differential.

Final thoughts

The new BMW X3 features some rather unusual powertrain choices that, along with its polarizing exterior and futuristic-looking interior, give the SUV a unique place in its segment.

How do you feel about the 2025 X3? Do the new lines and designs appeal to you, or is BMW heading in the wrong direction? Let us know in the comments!