2025 BMW X3 review | CarExpert

BMW has just launched three variants of the fourth-generation X3, its best-selling vehicle in Australia.

Longer between the bumpers, wider and shorter to the top of its roof than the car it replaces, this new BMW X3 has been given an overhaul inside and out.

Beyond its completely different exterior design, the fourth-generation X3 can be distinguished from its predecessors by its Iconic Glow illuminated double kidney grille. This is a standard feature across the entire range in Australia.

Inside, there’s now BMW’s Curved Display, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This runs BMW’s Android-based Operating System 9.0.

Deliveries of the new X3 began late last year, with the entry-level 20 xDrive and flagship M50 xDrive variants. These are both now offered with 48V mild-hybrid electrification as standard.

Joining the range now is the 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid (PHEV), bringing the total X3 lineup to three variants. It’s an updated version of the car that was initially launched in Europe last year, as it can now charge its 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery at up to 11kW (the pre-update was 7.4kW).

We got the opportunity to sample all three versions of the fourth-generation BMW X3 at a media launch drive, leaving from Melbourne down the Mornington Peninsula. Read on to find out more.

How much does the BMW X3 cost?

Pricing for the entry-level X3 20 xDrive and flagship X3 M50 xDrive went up $1500 and $2000, respectively, when the X3 30e xDrive PHEV was added to the range in November last year.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the BMW X3 like on the inside?

Like many crossover SUVs, it’s easy to get into the X3’s cabin. You can see why many people with poor mobility like these types of cars because you don’t need to climb up or down into the cabin, and can instead step across.

Once you’re in, the driver’s seat is fantastically comfortable. There’s so much electric adjustment available, including under-thigh support, an extendable seat cushion, and lumbar support, among others. This means people of all different sizes and statures will be able to find their desired seating position.

There is also a range of different upholstery choices available, including Veganza leatherette options, Alcantara and Veganza combination, and Merino leather options. The latter is a $4000 optional extra. Ouch…

My favourite is the BMW Individual Merino leather in Amber/Atlas Grey, which is a vibrant light brown that almost verges on orange, mixed with grey accents. There’s also an Espresso Brown Veganza option that’s a close second. They look properly cool and are great alternatives to boring black.

Ahead of the driver is a chunky, flat-bottomed M Sport steering wheel that verges on being almost too thick. This is common to BMW steering wheels.

The wheel design looks and feels sporty, plus the red 12 o’clock marker on the flagship M50 xDrive is a special touch.

I appreciate having physical buttons and scroll wheels on the wheel, but given they’re on panels finished in glossy piano black, they look grotty quickly. This is disappointing for a premium vehicle because you frequently interact with the steering wheel buttons.

Behind the steering wheel is the centrepiece of the new X3’s interior – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system melded together into one curved display. It runs BMW’s iDrive 9.0 operating system, which is Android-based.

There’s also a head-up display on top of the dashboard that’s big and has plenty of configuration. While it is great to have critical information, like your current speed, available at a glance, it can sometimes get a little distracting with all the other elements. Thankfully, you can opt for a minimal layout if this suits you more.

Going back to the digital instrument cluster, it looks fantastically clear and bright. It can also be customised in many different ways, ranging from layouts to widgets.

Moving across, the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is properly huge. It’s a fair reach from the driver’s seat to interact with the far left-hand side of the screen, and sometimes I needed to lean out of my seat to use it.

Thankfully, there’s a rotary iDrive controller on the centre console, which allows for an additional way to interact with the touchscreen. It’s the first time BMW iDrive 9.0 operating system has been paired with an iDrive controller.

It’s fairly easy to navigate around the infotainment system’s native user interface after you’ve had a poke and prod around the menus. It can be a little overwhelming at first, however, especially if you’re not tech savvy.

You do need to use the screen a lot for key functions, which is most frustrating in the X3 30e xDrive, as the PHEV-related functions are buried in a sub-menu within the Vehicle Settings menu.

Another frustrating part is that there is no easy button to adjust the distance setting with the adaptive cruise control on the steering wheel, which is where it is on virtually every rival. Sure, there’s a shortcut button that takes you to the Vehicle Settings menu, but you still need to tap on the screen at least twice to change the setting.

There are a couple of other shortcut buttons either under the touchscreen or around the iDrive controller that take you to key sub-menus in the infotainment system, but this is nowhere near as functional as a button. It seems that minimalism has taken a step too far, as it impedes functionality.

As standard, there are wired and wireless forms of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Pro Max connected wirelessly to many X3s during the launch program, I didn’t experience any dropouts whatsoever.

There’s also a wireless charger at the front of the centre console, which is ventilated, and allowed my phone battery to charge up while using smartphone mirroring. This isn’t always the case with non-ventilated wireless chargers, and they typically make my phone overheat and not charge.

There’s only one wireless charger, though, so if you need more charging points, there are a wealth of USB-C outlets scattered around the cabin.

Looking around the cabin, it does look special and extremely high-tech, though it is let down by the odd hard plastic finish in areas you wouldn’t expect, such as the upper door card and dashboard. This is surprising given that this car is a premium offering that costs over six figures drive-away, even in entry-level guise.

That said you can opt for a knitted textile finish on the dashboard and door cards, which looks and feels very similar to what’s offered in current Mini vehicles. It’s a good option if you want to disguise some of the harder finishes, though you need to pay an extra $1200 for the privilege.

The knit has a subtle blue tinge which won’t pair with every single upholstery option, and it also has a coarse texture which mightn’t be to everyone’s tastes.

Another flashy element of the X3’s interior is the ambient lighting setup. It spans across the dashboard, and also encompasses certain sections of the front door cards and centre console. When you change drive modes the panels change colour, but you’re also able to manually select different colours and combinations. It’s a nifty feature that’s cool to show off to your passengers.

Something that does grate, however, is the air vent setup, which is similar to ones in the current 5 Series and i5. Rather than being able to change the air vent direction using an adjuster on the vent itself, there are disconnected little knobs instead. There are also touch-sensitive sliders to control the air vent flow. It’s not the most intuitive setup and it can sometimes be a little fiddly. What is wrong with physical air vent controllers?

If the ambient lighting doesn’t provide enough light, there’s a panoramic glass sunroof available as an option on the base 20 xDrive and standard across the rest of the range. It does flood the cabin with a lot more light, but unfortunately, it’s a fixed glass panel and doesn’t have a tilt and slide portion like a regular sunroof.

In terms of storage up front, it’s adequate. There are two cupholders, a centre console box with a decent amount of space, as well as a small glove box that can only really fit the owner’s manuals.

Moving to the second row, there’s an obvious step down in terms of wow factor. It’s an okay space to spend time, but if you want to get the full effect of the curved display and ambient lighting, it’s best to sit up front.

At a leggy 182cm, I had an okay but not amazing amount of space behind my own driving position. There are plenty of other mid-sized SUVs with more second-row space, but in the premium price bracket it’s on par with the competition.

Two adults would be able to fit in the second row with ease and be comfortable, though pushing it to three would make things squishy. The person in the middle seat would have to contend with a sizeable driveline hump, which is disappointing but also uncommon.

Second-row amenities are fewer and far between when compared to the first row, but include a touchscreen on the back of the centre console for controlling the climate control, air vents, USB-C ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. It’s pretty standard in terms of standard fit.

Around the back, there’s a power tailgate that opens swiftly and quietly, as it should. The boot space on offer depends on which trim level you opt for, but across the board, it’s generous.

Unfortunately, there is no X3 variant with a proper spare wheel or even a space-saver spare wheel. Instead, some have run-flat tyres and others have a tyre-inflator kit that lives under the boot floor.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

There are currently three electrified turbo-petrol powertrains available.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the BMW X3 drive?

The first X3 I hopped into was the flagship M50 xDrive, so it already felt like I was starting with dessert. Better yet, it was finished in Tanzanite Blue metallic paint and the optional Amber/Atlas Grey Merino leather. Yum, yum, and yum.

As soon as you press the start button on the centre console, you get an awesome inline-six petrol engine rev flare that can be heard both inside and outside of the car. It doesn’t seem like there is much artificial engine noise here.

It’s immediately noticeable how effortless the car is to drive. The inline-six engine has so much power and torque to lean on that it feels so unlaboured in everyday traffic. It’ll flick through the gears super quickly to keep the revs low and minimise fuel consumption.

Speaking of fuel consumption, the X3 M50 xDrive, as well as the 20 xDrive, have a 48V mild-hybrid system. It’s a fantastic system that allows the small electric motor to take some of the load off the petrol engine.

It also allows for more seamless engine idle stop-start, and also allows the engine to switch off when coasting. In fact, you can barely even tell when the engine switches off and on, which is rare, even for mild-hybrids.

As a driving package, the X3 M50 xDrive is an absolute performance weapon. The mild-hybrid inline-six engine as a package is a charismatic powerhouse that just pulls and pulls. Given it’s paired with an all-wheel drive system, if you partake in the traffic light grand prix, this is for you.

When you get higher in the rev range, the engine sound is phenomenal and so addictive. I found myself holding down the left paddle shifter often so the car would enter ‘Boost’ mode. When you activate this, the car not only enters its sportiest mode, but the gear shifts get a shuntier, almost whiplash feel.

While this car may be a weapon in a straight line, it’s also so dynamic and characterful in the bends. Its steering is so direct, if a little firm, and it rides superbly even though it comes standard with 21-inch alloy wheels. One of the few downsides of this, however, is there’s a fair bit of road and tyre noise.

There’s also so much grip available once again, thanks to the all-wheel drive system and the rear locking differential. The speed with which you can carry through tight turns is breathtaking. There’s no scurrying for traction here.

Hopping out of the X3 M50 xDrive, next was the entry-level X3 20 xDrive, which felt like a completely different kettle of fish.

What stood out to me immediately is how quiet and refined the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is, even when pushed a little harder. You can barely hear the engine working away.

If you activate ‘Boost’ mode in this car, however, the engine certainly makes its presence known. The noise it makes isn’t the most pleasing or satisfying, which is a stark contrast to the inline-six in the M50 xDrive. I actually felt bad for the poor 20 xDrive on a few occasions as you can tell it much prefers docile throttle inputs.

Despite this, the four-cylinder petrol still has enough power. You likely don’t need any more in everyday driving.

The X3 20 xDrive still feels nimble and agile to drive. In fact, compared to the M50 xDrive, it still feels lighter at the front end, which is fun to play around with in the twisties.

The steering feels lighter, and the adaptive suspension isn’t so harsh over singular bumps. This is largely thanks to the smaller alloy wheels.

The last X3 variant I got to sample at the launch event was the 30e xDrive PHEV, which is a new addition to the range. Out of the three variants, it felt like the ugly duckling, but this could also be put down to how I experienced it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to drive the car with much battery charge left, so it largely defaulted to hybrid mode. There were moments where the car would go into EV mode, however, and it would be so quiet. This typically happened at low speeds, or when travelling down hills.

If you do have a full battery charge, BMW claims the X3 30e xDrive will travel up to 91km on electric power alone, according to ADR testing, which is based on lenient NEDC protocols. According to BMW execs, however, a real-world figure is closer to 80km, though we’re yet to verify this.

You can’t feel the petrol engine switch on in this car, but you can hear it. Compared to the 20 xDrive, which has the same base petrol engine, it sounds and feels like it has to work hard at points. This is especially prevalent if you’re accelerating up hills with a minimal battery charge.

Despite this, the 30e xDrive certainly isn’t slow. If you push the accelerator hard, the electric motor helps aid progress. There’s also a ‘Boost’ mode like all the other X3s.

Although the X3’s platform is so fun to chuck around in the bends, the extra compenentry and added weight as a result in the 30e xDrive is noticeable. It’s still a fun car to drive, but the mild-hybrids are even more enjoyable from a dynamics standpoint.

Lastly, on the safety front, all the BMW X3 variants are fully loaded, as they should be for this price point.

The adaptive cruise control is fantastic and, honestly, a benchmark. The way it’s able to manage the distance between the car in front is very natural. It also doesn’t drastically overreact when a car cuts in front of you.

It still grates, though, that you need to adjust the adaptive cruise distance settings deep in touchscreen sub-menus.

The car’s lane-keep system isn’t intrusive and only intervenes when it absolutely needs to, and its lane-centring function, which works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control, is top-notch and reduces driver fatigue on long journeys.

With the latter, there’s also an assisted lane change function, which is a little aggressive for my liking, but it’s also a helpful aid to make boring freeway journeys easier.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

There are three variants of the 2025 BMW X3 on offer.

2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Run-flat tyres
• M Sport package
• Adaptive suspension
• Adaptive LED headlights
• BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille
• Acoustic glazing
• Power tailgate
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Operating System 9
• BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
• BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial)
• Remote software updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Six-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Tri-zone climate control
• Anti-dazzle exterior and interior mirrors
• Comfort Access and Digital Key Plus
• M Sport leather steering wheel
• Anthracite M headliner
• Veganza upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats

X3 30e xDrive adds:

• Fixed panoramic glass sunroof
• Roller blinds for rear side windows
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats

X3 M50 xDrive adds:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Metallic paint
• M-specific kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic elements
• Quad exhaust outlets
• M Sport Pro package
• M braking system with red calipers
• Privacy glass
• M Shadowline headlights and extended contents
• 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
• M seatbelts

Optional Equipment

There is a wide range of optional packages available for the X3 range.

The $6000 ($4800 w/ Alpine White paint) Enhancement package for the X3 20 xDrive adds:

• Metallic paint
• Alarm system
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system

This same package is also available on the X3 30e xDrive, sans the panoramic glass roof already standard on that model, for $4000.

The $4000 Comfort package for the X3 20 xDrive adds:

• Heated outboard rear seats
• Roller blinds for rear side windows
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Privacy glass
• Luggage compartment separating net

The M Sport Pro package for the ($3000 for X3 20 xDrive; $2000 for X3 30e xDrive) adds:

• High-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
  • Radiator grille frame and struts
  • Tail light trim detailing
  • Tailpipe trims
• M Lights Shadow Line
• M Sport brakes with red calipers (blue also available)
• M seatbelts

A trailer tow hitch is available as a single option for the X3 range at $2200. Regardless of the variant, it has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2200kg (2000kg for 30e xDrive).

There are also optional alloy wheels, upholstery finishes, and interior trims. A new knitted texture on the instrument panel can be optioned for $1200, while Merino leather upholstery is $4000.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the BMW X3 safe?

The 2025 BMW X3 hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP yet.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Surround-view camera
• Parking assistant
• Reverse Assistant
• Drive recorder
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the BMW X3 cost to run?

The 2025 BMW X3 is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty like the wider BMW range.

To see how the BMW X3 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the BMW X3

BMW certainly has a compelling package on its hands with the fourth-generation X3.

This mid-sized SUV has been the brand’s best-seller for a number of years now, and in order to continue its sales success, the new-generation model needs to be good. Thankfully, BMW has fulfilled this brief.

Although the M Sport package is now standard across the X3 range, all three variants offer a distinct character. The 20 xDrive is quiet, refined, and likely all the car that you’d ever need. Then there’s the 30e xDrive PHEV, which offers up to 91km of claimed EV range if you’re eco-conscious and have the capacity and means to charge its battery up.

Lastly, there’s the M50 xDrive, which is an outright performance beast. I love that BMW has stuck with an inline-six petrol engine in this car because it has so much character. It feels so effortless to drive in everyday traffic, yet also so capable out in the twisties, which is such a fun duality to play with.

The common denominator across the X3 range is stellar driving dynamics. BMW knows how to engineer a platform that is engaging and fun to drive, and the new-generation model continues this sentiment.

Inside, it’s a showstopper, yet not as overtly intuitive as the model it replaces. BMW’s Curved Display is far from brand new now, but it still feels high-end and technologically advanced. Plus, the interior ambient lighting treatment is stunning and not as chintzy as some other luxury car brands’ attempts.

It’s not perfect, though, as a lot of features are now buried in the infotainment system’s menu structure. In this regard, I miss how many physical buttons there were in the previous-generation X3, as they were all so intuitive. Bring back the physical climate control cluster, at least. Please!

Plus, there are a surprising number of harder finishes if you look beyond the flashy screen and lights. Sure, you can cover a lot of them up with a Mini-esque knitted textile finish on the dashboard, but this is a $1200 optional extra across the range, and it doesn’t pair perfectly with all the upholstery options.

Last of all is the pricing. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which is arguably its biggest rival, it’s similarly priced. With others like the Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60, however, the X3’s pricing isn’t quite as sharp. There are also desirable option packages offered down lower in the range that inflate the asking price further.

Interested in buying a BMW X3? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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