2025 BMW X3 Review: Balancing Luxury and Sportiness in a Compact SUV

“Imagine how desirable this would be if it didn’t look like that,” might echo in your mind when first encountering the current BMW lineup. While the 2025 BMW X3 doesn’t push design boundaries to the extreme of some stablemates, it evokes a similar sentiment. Beneath the sheet metal, Bavarian engineering prowess shines. The new X3, especially in M50 guise, delivers impressive sporty performance without sacrificing comfort, making it a truly versatile and luxurious family vehicle. However, when it comes to pure aesthetics, the engineering might be doing more of the heavy lifting.

Design: Exterior and Interior Aesthetics

Design is undeniably subjective. To be fair, the new X3 is far from the most visually challenging BMW design of recent times. But is it objectively attractive? That’s for you to decide. The Dune Grey Metallic paint and fully painted fenders on this test model contribute to a somewhat “naked” appearance, which may not be universally appealing. In terms of dimensions, the X3 has grown, now 1.3 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider, while sitting an inch lower, aiming for a sportier stance.

Inside, BMW has decluttered the X3’s cabin, eliminating many buttons from the previous generation. While arguably not the most stunning luxury car interior available, it presents a clean and modern aesthetic. The prominent multi-color light bars are a defining feature, although the soft brown interior theme in person is less jarring than the bolder red and blue examples in press photos, which might feel more at home in an emergency vehicle.

However, a notable disappointment is the new interior door handles. They feature a prominent, somewhat tacky “X3” logo and are constructed from cheap-feeling black plastic. This is a significant departure from the more premium metallic handles found in other BMW models, and even the previous X3, diminishing the luxury feel.

Door handles might seem like a minor detail, but they are a tactile point of interaction every time you drive. For buyers seeking a luxury experience – a reasonable expectation when considering a BMW – the X3’s economy-grade door handles can feel surprisingly out of place.

The rest of the X3 interior largely aligns with contemporary BMW design. The center console offers ample storage, including dedicated phone space. BMW’s iDrive 9 is displayed on a large, curved screen that is sharp, vibrant, and responsive. The software may require a learning curve for BMW newcomers, and climate controls are now integrated into the touchscreen. However, owners will likely adapt over time, finding it adequately functional.

Driving Experience: Performance and Handling

The standard 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, this review focuses on the M50 model, equipped with BMW’s renowned B58 straight-six engine. Thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, it now delivers 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.

The M Performance X3 is undeniably quick, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds – matching the time of a manual 2016 BMW M2 – and reaching a top speed of 155 mph with performance tires. Yet, in everyday driving, it feels remarkably relaxed. Compared to the previous X3 M40i, this new version offers a softer ride and lighter steering. The driving “texture” is smoother and more forgiving, a welcome change from the slightly firm M40i, which could be a bit too stiff for a daily-driven family crossover. Naturally, the new X3 remains composed and stable at high speeds and is easy to maneuver in urban environments. It’s a refined and comfortable daily driver overall.

However, don’t mistake the M50’s more relaxed demeanor for diminished capability. When pushed on a short autocross course, the M-lite X3 demonstrated surprising agility. Nimble body control and likely torque-vectoring technology enable it to navigate tight corners with impressive speed, rivaling even dedicated hot hatchbacks. A lighter and more rigid body structure, wider rear track, and revised suspension tuning appear to allow for a softer setup without compromising sporty handling.

The steering, while not exceptionally communicative, is well-weighted and responsive in all driving situations, offering sufficient feedback and enjoyment for spirited backroad driving.

The inline-six engine remains remarkably smooth and powerful. In line with the more mature character of this X3, it’s quieter than before, although artificial engine noise can be amplified via settings. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a standout feature, delivering incredibly rapid manual shifts via paddles – nearly instantaneous, reminiscent of high-performance sports cars like Porsches. It’s rare to find an SUV in this class with such responsive gear changes. M Sport brakes (four-piston front, single-piston rear) provide ample stopping power without feeling overly aggressive.

BMW X3 Features, Options, and Packages

The 2025 BMW X3 starts at $50,675, while the six-cylinder M50 model begins at $65,275.

Standard features on the base 30 xDrive include 19-inch wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, parking assist, and navigation. The $1,400 Convenience package adds remote start, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and rear seat coat hangers. The $3,400 Premium package includes Convenience features plus a head-up display, interior camera, Parking Assist Plus, and BMW’s semi-automated driving assistance for stop-and-go traffic. The M50 includes many of these features as standard, but the head-up display, interior camera, Park Assist Plus, driving assistance, and Harman Kardon audio are bundled into a $2,700 Premium package.

Competition

The BMW X3 faces a crowded field of competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Volvo XC60, among others. The Audi Q5 is a more mature design (which some may appreciate for its user-friendliness), and the Porsche Macan is significantly more expensive. However, the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC is arguably the X3’s most direct and formidable rival.

Fuel Economy

One area where the BMW X3 excels against its competitors is fuel economy. BMW’s engine technology seems to provide a distinct advantage in efficiency compared to other German compact luxury crossovers. The X3 achieves 27 mpg combined with the six-cylinder engine and 29 mpg with the four-cylinder. The following table compares the EPA fuel economy figures for the X3 M50 and X3 30 against comparable models from Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche.

The fuel efficiency of the GLC43, even with its recent downsizing to a four-cylinder engine, is particularly noteworthy in its thirstiness compared to the BMW.

The Early Verdict

Overall, the 2025 BMW X3 M50 is a refined and comfortable luxury SUV that also offers impressive speed and agility when desired. It’s a more pleasant daily driver than its predecessor and, aside from the somewhat overly reliant touchscreen interface, a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle for everyday use.

While the design may not be universally considered an improvement over the more elegant outgoing X3 – and the interior door handles are a definite step back – familiarity will likely normalize its appearance as it becomes more common on roads. If you are in the market for a compact luxury SUV and can accept the new design direction, the BMW X3 retains ample capability and refinement to warrant a serious test drive.