2024 5 BMW X3 (G45) M50 xDrive 8AT AWD (398 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW unveiled online the fourth generation of the X3 compact luxury SUV in the summer of 2024 for the 2025 model year, boasting larger dimensions in almost all areas.

The fourth generation of the X3, known as the G45 in factory coding, grew in length and width compared to its predecessor, but it was lowered by one inch (2.5 cm). It continued the successful story of the well-known compact luxury Sports Activity Vehicle, as BMW likes to name its SUVs. There were significant changes in the design language and technology, which the 2025 BMW X3 shared with other vehicles from the carmaker’s lineup. Surprisingly, though, it didn’t come with an all-electric version, as some expected, but with hybrid-powered drivetrains. Furthermore, there was even a turbodiesel model aimed mainly at European customers.

At the front, the 2025 BMW X3 had a dramatically restyled look, with triangular-shaped, swept-back headlights. Adaptive LED Headlights with matrix high beam, urban light, and cornering light functions, plus blue design details available as an option. These sported L-shaped daytime running lights confirmed the complete departure from the corona-lights design language introduced by the automaker in its lineup during the ‘90s. Between them was a large kidney grille that sported angular corners. At the same time, on the lower side of the bumper, the automaker offered two design options, depending on the grade and packages. Standard versions were fitted with a broad air intake in the apron flanked by vertical slits that created air curtains to lower the vehicle’s drag resistance. On the other hand, customers who opted for the M Sport package received their SAVs fitted with restyled lower sides of the bumpers featuring taller center air intakes and wider vents on the flanks.

From its profile, the cab-rearward overall design with an ascending waistline and a slightly descending roofline contributed to the car’s dynamic look. The automaker also tried to emphasize the vehicle’s offroad abilities by enlarging the front and rear fenders and adorning the wheel arches with black trims. In addition, the 2025 BMW X3 sported black side sills that made the ground clearance look higher. A chromed trim decorated the lower side of the window line and ascended towards the back in the famous Hofmeister kick element on the D-pillars. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate was adorned by a roof spoiler at its front and by the side aerodynamic elements that flanked the rear window. The LED taillights were large and emerged on the tailgate’s metallic area from the quarter panels.

Inside, the most striking news was the curved display on the dashboard. While it wasn’t the first X3 to have that, it was the first to feature the iDrive 9 touchscreen infotainment system that was based on the Android Open Source Project, which could integrate third-party apps besides the already known BMW ConnectedDrive system. At the front, the 2025 BMW X3 came with high-bolstered seats, which would look just as appropriate for sporty vehicles as for a sporty SUV. The automaker installed a wide center console between them that housed the round dial of the iDrive controller and the transmission knobs. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers, albeit the transmission tunnel that crossed the SAV front to back limited legroom for the middle-seated occupant.

Under the hood, the 2025 BMW X3 came with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines, all electrified. The standard transmission across the range was via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sent its power in all corners via an electronically-controlled AWD system. Those looking for a more thrilling version of the X3 could opt for the M50 version that sent almost 400 ponies to the wheels thanks to a turbocharged inline-six and an 18 PS (18 hp) electric motor.