All Grown-Up! The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Our test car was provided by: Brian Jessel BMW; Vancouver
BMW X3 30 xDrive – A Review
Ever since its debut over two decades ago, BMW has called the X3 a cornerstone of the compact luxury SUV segment, blending performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Customers seem to agree, as the X3 has become BMW’s global bestseller, continually evolving to meet the dynamic demands of drivers worldwide. We must admit that we have not been its biggest fans—especially when it comes to its appearance—so when we recently had the opportunity to test-drive the fourth-generation 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive, we were curious to see if this time, we would agree with the Bavarian manufacturer.
We decided to combine the drive with an appointment on Vancouver Island, putting the X3’s comfort, performance, and technology through real-world conditions—from congested city driving to highway cruising and coastal roads—offering the perfect mix to evaluate BMW’s latest iteration of its best-selling SUV.
Design Evolution
Finally! The X3 got some personality! The 2025 BMW X3 introduces a sharper, more angular design, marking a significant departure from its predecessors, even taking some cues from the striking BMW XM. And although it definitely looks a lot bigger, it has grown only slightly in size—now measuring approximately 33 mm longer, 28 mm wider, and 25 mm lower than its predecessor. Just enough to allow designers to give it a sportier, more dynamic stance while maintaining its practicality and road presence. The front fascia features a reimagined illuminated kidney grille with a distinctive mix of vertical and diagonal bars, complemented by sleek, overlapping L-shaped headlights. These design elements collectively enhance the X3’s assertive presence.
Interior Enhancements
It didn’t stop with the exterior—BMW completely revamped the interior for the X3, which now boasts a modern cabin with a minimalist approach, seamlessly integrating advanced technology with refined aesthetics. The centrepiece is a curved display housing both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, powered by the latest BMW iDrive 9 software. This setup reduces physical controls, offering a cleaner, more streamlined, and intuitive user experience. The redesigned gear selector is now a compact toggle, freeing up space on the centre console. However, some materials—particularly the hard plastics on the door handles and seat controls—feel a step below the luxury standard expected from BMW. Sorry, BMW, you can do better! And why include an illuminated X3 logo in the door panel?
A striking new ambient lighting feature—boomerang-shaped LED accents—traces the door panels, wrapping around the handles and seat controls while extending across the dashboard and centre console, adding a sophisticated, high-tech feel. The colour changes depending on the drive mode chosen: a dark red for Sport, a light blue for Efficiency Mode, etc.
Thanks to the X3’s slightly larger dimensions, the interior feels more spacious than before. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, making long drives more comfortable, while an expanded cargo area offers increased practicality for road trips or daily errands. The large single-pane sunroof brings lots of light into the cabin—but it does not open.
New material options, including woven fabric made from recycled polyester for the dashboard and upper doors, underscore BMW’s commitment to sustainability.
Technological Advancements
The 2025 X3 is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing safety, convenience, and driving pleasure. Standard features include the Parking Assistant, which aids in manoeuvring the vehicle into tight spaces, and an upgraded voice assistant capable of executing a broader range of commands. Optional packages offer additional functionalities such as hands-free driving assistance in traffic jams and augmented navigation displays, further elevating the driving experience.
On the Road
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has been paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness. The X3 30 xDrive delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which proved more than adequate for merging onto the ferry-bound highways. The X3 never felt underpowered, and while it doesn’t deliver neck-snapping acceleration, it maintains BMW’s signature blend of efficiency and performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and intelligently, always finding the right gear without hesitation. The Sport Boost function, operated with the shift paddle, ramps up every setting to its sportiest for 10 seconds, useful for quick overtakes.
“My Modes” offers several options—Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Silent, Relax, and Digital Art. And while Personal, Efficient, and Sport affect the car’s functions, display content, and interior lighting, Expressive, Silent, Relax, and Digital Art only change display, ambient lighting, and comfort settings.
On more winding roads, the balanced chassis and precise steering stood out. It’s not as aggressively tuned as the M50 variant, but it handled corners with confidence, offering just the right amount of feedback. The adaptive dampers, part of the M Sport package, kept the ride composed over uneven pavement, soaking up bumps without feeling overly firm.
Finally—Fuel Efficiency
Our test drive covered approximately 450 km and, as mentioned, offered a good mix of city, highway, and country-road driving. We averaged 9.5 L/100 km on this trip, and thanks to the mild-hybrid system, we even saw a slight improvement in stop-and-go traffic.
For the Extra Punch—Enter the BMW X3 M50 xDrive
Boasting 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, the M50 transforms the X3 into a spirited SUV with a nice, raspy exhaust note (find the ‘Iconic Sounds’ tab in the settings menu and you’ll get some extra piped-in cabin noise). It delivers punchy, immediate power, with the transmission seamlessly downshifting on demand to keep the turbocharged six-cylinder at the ready. Compared to the 30 xDrive model, the M50 comes with more powerful brakes, variable sport steering, and a rear M Sport differential. The 0-100 sprint takes 4.6 seconds.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive offers a much-needed design refresh, improved technology, and enhanced driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV segment. While it’s still not perfect—some material choices feel subpar—the overall package is more refined and engaging to drive than ever before. And if you crave extra power, the X3 M50 xDrive takes performance to another level.
BMW has, indeed, made family ties stronger with this X3.
SPECS – OUR 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Colour: Arctic Race Blue
- Upholstery: Black Perforated and Quilted Veganza
- M Sport Pro Package:
- Adaptive LED Headlights; Black Exterior Contents; Illuminated Kidney Grille; Launch Control; Shadowline Headlights; M Sport Suspension; M Leather Steering Wheel; M Sport Interior Contents
- Rear Comfort Package:
- Automatic Climate Control; Heated Seats, Front and Rear; Side Sunshades
- Premium Package:
- Active Cruise Control; BMW Drive Recorder; Digital Cockpit with HUD & Video AR Navigation; Harman/Kardon Sound System;Travel and Comfort System
