We’re spending per week with the 2025 BMW X3, and there’s rather a lot to absorb. It’s the primary 12 months of the nameplate’s fourth era, which implies large adjustments inside and outside. It additionally means expectations are excessive; in any case, there wasn’t a lot dangerous you possibly can say concerning the earlier era, significantly the range-topping and very dynamic X3 M mannequin. They are saying change is sweet, and we’re pleased to report that one way or the other, BMW discovered methods to enhance. There’s a lot to like concerning 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 the moment, the G45 BMW X3 is barely accessible with xDrive. However that’s simply tremendous; it’s one of the dynamic and pleasing all-wheel drive techniques in the marketplace. Whereas it could’ve been good to check out the faster X3 M50 xDrive mannequin, we are able to’t say we’ve got any complaints concerning 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 adjustments 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 techniques — nevertheless it feels as stable as ever.
A superb engine is nothing with out an equally competent gearbox, and the X3 equally shines right here. The ZF eight-speed computerized is way from new at this level, popping up in all the pieces from BMW M Collection automobiles to Ram vehicles and nearly all the pieces in between. And as common, BMW implements it completely right here. It’s faster than it was within the final X3, and redesigned paddle shifters really feel a bit of sportier whereas nonetheless providing a well-recognized and satisfying “click on” upon shifts. Once 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 glorious gasoline financial system. The 17.2-gallon gasoline tank is sweet for properly rattling close to 500 miles even in combined driving circumstances.
iDrive 9 is Eminently Usable
Screens are by no means my favourite characteristic a few automotive, however contemplating the brand-wide push in direction of the bigger curved display screen is right here to remain, the 2025 BMW X3 does a stable 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, at the very least with the usual sound system) easy and fast. That mentioned, it is going to undoubtedly take a while to be taught when you’re unfamiliar with BMW. Even I wanted a full day with the automotive to essentially really feel snug discovering all the pieces. Older iDrive techniques have been maybe extra instantly intuitive.
New Panoramic Glass Roof
Let’s get the dangerous information out of the way in which: 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 mild and openness that the panoramic glass roof provides. It’s a brand new addition to the BMW X3 for 2025. In our tester it comes bundled with the $3400 Premium Bundle, nevertheless 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 automotive, 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 might nonetheless be value it — at the very least within the winter.
Comfy and Lux-Feeling Seats
The G45 X3 additionally marks the primary time BMW has supplied the mannequin with Veganza upholstery. It’s a fairly noticeable enchancment from the final X3 we drove with Sensatec, and feels tender 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 ample for much less discerning patrons. Paired with the heated and ventilated seat capabilities, the game seats are up for just about something and do an excellent job of feeling sporty with out compromising ease of ingress/egress.
Loads of House
The X3 has all the time 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 12 months’s truck. Passenger area feels kind of 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 a bit of bit extra spacious. Fortunately, that’s the case.
General, the G45 BMW X3 does rather a lot good. In fact, no automotive is ideal, and there are countless nits to choose — we’ll cowl them individually. The takeaway? The X3 stays a wonderful SUV for drivers prioritizing dynamism. And it nonetheless does a variety of different issues properly, too.
