First Drive: 2025 BMW X3 Proves Sporty and Sophisticated

But the futuristic cabin may not be to all shoppers’ tastes

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Updated July 15, 2025

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in January, 2025, we finished testing the BMW X3. Read the complete BMW X3 road test.

Redesigned for 2025, the fourth-generation BMW X3 makes an evolutionary step forward, with incremental gains in stature, power, and equipment. The fresh appearance looks inspired by the automaker’s electric vehicles, as the X3’s styling moves closer to that of the iX both inside and out. The cabin transformation is the most dramatic aspect of the new X3, shifting to a high-tech, minimalist interior aesthetic.

The reimagined X3 launches in two trims: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive. As the names say there are two distinct powertrains, each configured with standard all-wheel drive. The base turbocharged four-cylinder gains 7 horsepower—offsetting weight gains. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine gains 11 horsepower. Each is fitted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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BMW X3: CR's Take What We Like What We Don’t Like What We’ll Keep an Eye On Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

The cabin looks crafted for use in a sci-fi movie, with its large, curved display and dramatic lighting. That screen houses the latest iteration of BMW’s infotainment system, dubbed iDrive 9. (Yes, they are keeping the “i” there.) It brings numerous enhancements and added connectivity, with features like the navigation system using augmented reality to show directions via a head-up display.

The base price creeps up, putting the latest version of BMW’s popular model over $50,000, with the destination charge raised to $1,175. (It was at $995 for all models for a long time.) In fairness, a look at the spec sheet reveals that the standard equipment list has grown far more than the price tag. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version is expected to join the ranks in the future.

Like the previous two generations, the new X3 is built in Spartanburg, S.C.

The base price for the X3 30 xDrive we purchased was $49,500, but options rapidly pushed the sticker to $56,860. The main culprit was the Premium Package, which cost $3,400 and included a panoramic roof, curved screen, head-up display, interior camera, Active Driving Assistant Pro, heated steering wheel, and remote engine start.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the BMW X3 is available to you below. We completed 2,000 break-in miles and have since put the X3 through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members now have access to the full road-test results.

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What we bought: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Powertrain: 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $49,500
Options: Premium Package ($3,400), Driving Assistance Pro Package ($1,700), Dark Graphite Metallic ($650), all-weather floor mats ($235), Parking Assistance Package ($200).
Destination fee: $1,175
Total cost: $56,860

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Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett