BMW Unveils Fourth-Generation X3 with Enhanced Performance and New BMW Design Language

BMW has unveiled the all-new 2025 X3, marking the fourth generation of its highly successful premium midsize Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Set for a worldwide launch in the fourth quarter of 2024, this latest iteration promises increased sporting appeal, a more commanding presence, and greater versatility.

2025 BMW X3 – Design and Interior Upgrades

The 2025 X3 boasts a new exterior design language that emphasizes its dynamic stance and powerful proportions. Key to this is the cleaner, more minimal design surfacing meant to strip away some of the busy details we’ve seen in years past.

Another change is BMW’s new strategy for using distinctly different grille designs on sedans and crossovers. Because of that, for the first time we see a larger, vertical grille on the X3. Also new here are the four L shaped light graphics in the front – the first time we’ve seen this look.

The SAV is now 1.3” longer, 1.1” wider while being 1” lower. This enhances its sporty look and helps with aero. Additionally the more prominent BMW kidney grille and modern LED headlights contribute to its bold front-end appearance. The rear design features flared wheel arches, a long roof spoiler, and integrated tailpipes.

Inside, the X3 offers a modern, high-tech ambiance with the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 9. Premium materials and a more generous standard specification enhance the cabin’s luxurious feel. The new design includes light elements in the center console and door trims, emphasizing the premium atmosphere.

2025 BMW X3 – Powertrain and Performance Enhancements

The new X3 introduces updated four- and six-cylinder engines with 48V mild hybrid technology, improving both efficiency and dynamic performance. The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine in the X3 30 xDrive produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. The high-performance X3 M50 xDrive features a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the Efficient Dynamics Next technology package.

The engine in the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive (designated B58B30M2) is one of the first to get the new BMW Efficient Dynamics Next technology. Included is a Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, and changes to the injection system, ignition system, exhaust gas routing, and camshaft timing. The package also comes with switchable exhaust-side rocker arms and eVANOS electrically controlled camshaft adjustment. Among the engine’s M-specific highlights are a new, robust crankshaft drive, an optimized system of oil supply for the pistons with cooling channels, and new main bearing shells and caps. The updated turbo technology allows for more performance of the turbocharging system and indirect charge air cooling at the same time as introducing dual injection for mixture preparation as a function of load point.

The B58B30M2 and the 48V hybrid system combine to achieve a total system output of 393 hp between 5,200 and 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 428 lb-ft between 1,800 and 4,800 rpm. The 48V mild hybrid technology in the form of a crankshaft-mounted starter generator helps to deliver instantaneous response to every movement of the accelerator and to optimize efficiency.

Both models benefit from advanced chassis technology, including an Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes. The new X3 offers improved agility, cornering stability, and long-distance comfort.

2025 BMW X3 – Advanced Technology and Driver Assistance

The 2025 X3 comes equipped with BMW Operating System 9, which powers the latest version of iDrive with QuickSelect. This system allows intuitive control of vehicle functions through the touchscreen, voice commands, and the iDrive Controller. The optional BMW Digital Premium package includes apps for video streaming, music, and in-car gaming, along with expanded capabilities for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Driver assistance systems have been upgraded as well. Standard features include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, and Speed Limit Info. The optional Driving Assistant Professional package adds advanced functions like Traffic Jam Assistant for hands-free driving at lower speeds.

Finally for the first time, a trailer hitch is optional, and allows a trailer load of up to 4,850 lbs depending on the model variant.

2025 BMW X3 – Pricing and Availability

The 2025 BMW X3 will be produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, with a focus on resource conservation and circularity. The X3 30 xDrive starts at $49,500, while the X3 M50 xDrive begins at $64,100, excluding destination and handling fees.

The new BMW X3 will be built for the US market at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina. Its market launch will get underway in the fourth quarter of 2024.

2025 BMW X3 Gallery

2025 BMW X3 Specifications

2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Body
No. of doors/seats4 / 5
Length / Width / Height (in)187.2 / 75.6 / 65.4
Wheelbase (in)112.8
Track, front / rear (in)63.5 / 65.3
Ground clearance (in)8.5
Turning circle (ft)40.0
Fuel tank capacity (gal)17.2
Curb weight (lbs)4,176
GVWR (lbs)5,512
Luggage capacity (cu ft)31.5 – 67.1
Engine
Config. / no. cylinders / valvesInline / 4 / 16
Engine technologyBMW TwinPower Turbo technology, TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity (cc)1,998
Stroke / bore (mm)94.6 / 82.0
Compression ratio (:1)11.6
Max sys. output (hp @ rpm)255 @ 4,700-6,500
Max sys. torque (lb-ft @ rpm)295 @ 1,600-4,500
Driving Dynamics and Safety
Suspension, frontDouble-joint spring strut axle in lightweight aluminum construction
Suspension, rearFive-link axle in lightweight aluminum / steel construction, dual elastic bearing
Brakes, frontVented disc with single-piston floating calipers
Brakes, rearVented disc with single-piston floating calipers
Driving stability systemsDSC including ABS, DTC, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Performance Control, Dry Braking function, Fading Compensation, xDrive all-wheel-drive networked with DSC, Start-Off Assistant
Safety equipmentAirbags for driver and passenger, side airbags for driver and passenger, interaction airbag between driver and front passenger, head airbags front and rear, three-point inertia reel seatbelts, belt tensioners in the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiter in the front, crash sensors, tire pressure indicator
SteeringElectric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic function optional: sport steering
Steering ratio overall (:1)15.7
Tires front / rear245/50 R19 / 245/50 R19
Rims, front / rear (in)8.5J x 19 / 8.5J x 20
Transmission
Type8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission
Gear ratiosI:15.25
 II:13.36
 III:12.17
 IV:11.72
 V:11.32
 VI:11.00
 VII:10.82
 VIII:10.64
 R:13.71
Final Drive :13.39
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec)6.0
Top Speed (mph)130
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive
Body
No. of doors/seats4 / 5
Length / Width / Height (in)187.2 / 75.6 / 65.4
Wheelbase (in)112.8
Track, front / rear (in)63.9 / 63.9
Ground clearance (in)8.3
Turning circle (ft)40.0
Fuel tank capacity (gal)17.2
Curb weight (lbs)4,535
GVWR (lbs)5,776
Luggage capacity (cu ft)31.5 – 67.1 
Engine
Config. / no. cylinders / valvesInline / 6 / 24
Engine technologyBMW TwinPower Turbo technology, TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, 48V mild hybrid technology using an electric motor integrated into the transmission
Capacity (cc)2,998
Stroke / bore (mm)94.6 / 82.0
Compression ratio (:1)11.0
Max sys. output (hp @ rpm)393 @ 5,200-6,250
Max sys. torque (lb-ft @ rpm)428 @ 1,900-4,800
Driving Dynamics and Safety
Suspension, frontDouble-joint spring strut axle in lightweight aluminum construction, M-specific elastokinematics
Suspension, rearFive-link axle in lightweight aluminum / steel construction, dual elastic bearing, M-specific elastokinematics
Brakes, frontVented disc with four-piston fixed calipers
Brakes, rearVented disc with single-piston floating calipers
Driving stability systemsDSC incl. ABS and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Performance Control, Dry Braking function, Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, xDrive all-wheel-drive system networked with DSC
Safety equipmentAirbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, interaction airbag between driver and front passenger, head airbags front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats, belt force limiters in the front, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, crash sensors, tyre pressure indicator
SteeringElectric Power Steering (EPS) sport steering with Servotronic function 
Steering ratio overall (:1)15.8
Tires front / rear255/45 R20 / 285/40 R20
Rims, front / rear (in)9.0J x 20 / 10.5J x 20
Transmission
Type8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission
Gear ratiosI:15.25
 II:13.36
 III:12.17
 IV:11.72
 V:11.32
 VI:11.00
 VII:10.82
 VIII:10.64
 R:13.71
Final Drive :13.39
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec)4.4
Top Speed (mph) (perf. tires)130 (155)