We’re spending every week with the 2025 BMW X3, and there’s lots to soak up. It’s the primary yr of the nameplate’s fourth era, which implies huge modifications inside and outside. It additionally means expectations are excessive; in any case, there wasn’t a lot dangerous you might say in regards to the earlier era, notably the range-topping and intensely dynamic X3 M mannequin. They are saying change is nice, and we’re comfortable to report that someway, 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 wonderful G01 mannequin that got here earlier than it.
Acquainted and Glorious Powertrain
Presently, the G45 BMW X3 is simply accessible with xDrive. However that’s simply nice; it’s some of the dynamic and pleasant all-wheel drive methods 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 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 underneath the hood — primarily redesigned consumption ports and combustion chambers and new ignition and injection methods — nevertheless it feels as strong as ever.
A very good 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 the whole lot from BMW M Sequence automobiles to Ram vans and virtually the whole lot in between. And as ordinary, BMW implements it completely right here. It’s faster than it was within the final X3, and redesigned paddle shifters really feel a bit sportier whereas nonetheless providing a well-known 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 nice for effectively rattling close to 500 miles even in blended driving situations.
iDrive 9 is Eminently Usable
Screens are by no means my favourite function a few automotive, however contemplating the brand-wide push in the direction of the bigger curved display is right here to remain, the 2025 BMW X3 does a strong job. After pairing up my cellphone and reacquainting myself with the assorted on-screen buttons, iDrive 9 and QuickSelect made navigation, media choice, switching drive modes, and even discovering and adjusting stereo settings (a should, no less than with the usual sound system) easy and fast. That stated, it is going to positively take a while to study should you’re unfamiliar with BMW. Even I wanted a full day with the automotive to actually really feel comfy discovering the whole lot. Older iDrive methods had 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 gentle and openness that the panoramic glass roof gives. 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 customers 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 might discover the AC working time beyond regulation in the event that they go for the glass roof. It could nonetheless be price it — no less than within the winter.
Comfy 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 will likely be greater than sufficient for much less discerning patrons. Paired with the heated and ventilated seat features, the game seats are up for just about something and do an important 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 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 bit extra spacious. Fortunately, that’s the case.
Total, the G45 BMW X3 does lots good. In fact, no automotive is ideal, and there are limitless nits to select — we’ll cowl them individually. The takeaway? The X3 stays a superb SUV for drivers prioritizing dynamism. And it nonetheless does quite a lot of different issues effectively, too.
