The new BMW X3 is more substantial than ever before, even the base 30 xDrive feels lively while equipped with advanced driver assistance systems that enabled hands-free driving on our road trip around BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
Step up to the M50 xDrive for 393 horsepower and an SUV that can effortlessly navigate mountain roads, yet maintain daily usability. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and daily usability.
Exterior
BMW’s press materials promise a notable improvement in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort over the previous X3, which we can confirm. The ride quality on its 21-inch wheels is far more enjoyable while turning in sharply while gripping harder while maintaining more subdued civility during long highway drives.
BMW has also improved the steering, providing more refined combinations of light and precise inputs for everyday driving with stiffer, more direct feedback when sportier modes are selected. A pair of quad exhausts typically reserved for M models add an athletic flourish.
The BMW X3 features reliable driver-assistance systems that make everyday urban commuting and long highway road trips much less burdensome. Our test car came equipped with Drive Assistance Pro package features such as emergency braking enhancement and hands-free piloted driving under 40 mph (but not 80). BMW’s Spartanburg plant produces this X3 for sale in the US market; pricing for its more powerful M50 version starts at $50,675 MSRP starts at $65,275
Interior
The BMW X3’s cabin is strikingly elegant, boasting an attractive unified display screen combining driver information and navigation functions. While rear legroom may be shorter than other vehicles, cargo capacity behind folded seats reaches 67.1 cubic feet – more than most competitors!
Both the X3 30 and M50 come equipped with ample standard equipment, with the latter featuring heated steering wheels, panoramic sunroofs and power adjustable front seats as standard features. A $1,400 Convenience package adds remote start and power-opening moonroof capability while an upgraded $3,400 Premium pack adds head-up displays, interior cameras with parking assist as well as Harman Kardon audio.
The BMW M50 is designed for enthusiast-level drivers. Powered by its B58 straight-six engine paired with its 48-volt mild hybrid system, which produces 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque respectively – creating a lively yet responsive and capable SUV that rides more comfortably on 19″ wheels while cornering more keenly and cruising more smoothly than its predecessor model.
Technology
The new BMW X3 builds upon its solid reputation as one of the industry’s best-selling models, while expanding to be larger than before and revamping both exterior design and chassis components as well as adding mild hybrid technology on its four-cylinder 30xDrive and six-cylinder M50 versions (BMW has reserved this technology only for electric vehicles), and updating infotainment and driver assistance features.
All-wheel drive comes standard and both engines utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW’s current 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine, known as B58 turbo, powers up four of these cars while six cylinders utilize its potent B58 3.0-liter inline six.
Both drivetrains benefit from a 48-volt mild hybrid system that enhances torque when under low load conditions and makes engine operation more efficient. Furthermore, the steering of the X3 has been tailored for daily driving with light inputs while offering stiffer feedback when entering Sport Mode.
Safety
The 2025 X3 offers advanced safety features that make it competitive within its segment. Standard features include front, side and rear airbags as well as head restraints designed to reduce whiplash injuries. In addition, BMW’s Driving Assistance Pro package adds features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist and more for optimal driving experiences.
BMW upgrades their B58 turbocharged inline-six engine in the M50 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to unlock 11 more horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, closing the gap between its performance and rival cars like Porsche Macan S and Audi Q5.