2025 BMW X3: Here's Everything We Know About Munich's Premium Compact SUV

We've seen prototypes of the company's fighter to the likes of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC for quite some time, and even if making out most design traits was tricky due to the thick layer of camouflage, several rendering artists have successfully peeled its skin away. However, this story is not about another digital illustration of the all-new BMW X3, as we are about to dissect it using more or less official data.

Familiar Styling on the Outside

The outgoing BMW X3 is one of the prettiest crossovers in the premium compact class, sharing many design traits with its larger sibling, the X5. It's safe to assume that the automaker did not want to mess around with a winning recipe, as the multiple testers we've seen recently have revealed an evolutionary approach regarding exterior styling.

Are not a fan of the bucktooth grille? Fret not, fellow petrolhead, as neither are we, and BMW seems to have understood that this design trait does not do justice to the brand. As a result, the future X3 will still feature a normal-sized kidney grille, even if it might be a tad taller. The headlamps are also new and they feature a fresh daytime running light signature.

The latest trend in lower bumper design comprises a generous air intake separated by a vertical slat in the middle. BMW's design team chose this approach for the upcoming X3. The BMW rounder will still sit on the hood above the grille. The back end design is evolutionary, and while it may look similar, rest assured, as everything is new, from the shape and pattern of the taillamps to the styling of the tailgate with its new recess for the license plate holder, rear windscreen, bumper, diffuser, and roof-mounted spoiler.

What about the front and rear overhangs? Well, they're about the same size as before, and BMW hasn't arched the roofline behind the central pillars, a move that would've eaten into the headroom of backseat occupants and into the cargo area, too, making it smaller. However, that's what the X4 is for, yet recent reports suggest that it might be replaced with a battery-electric model.

A New and Techier Cockpit

Our spies managed to get close enough to a prototype recently to snap a few interior shots. To no one's surprise, this has revealed the curved widescreen, which occupies a good chunk of the new dashboard panel. Sitting behind a single pane of glass are the fresh digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Fans will also be glad to know that the rotary iDrive selector is still a thing.

The cockpit boasts the brand's OS9 iDrive system and makes do without a traditional gear shifter, as this component has morphed into a toggle switch. The steering wheel looks like an evolution of the current one, albeit with reshaped spokes and different buttons. We can also expect new ambient lighting, more technology gear, and improved comfort and safety systems. The leather upholstery and most high-end features will be reserved for the upper specs, as usual.

Five will still be a crowd inside the upcoming BMW X3 on longer journeys, but its future users will be glad to learn that the trunk capacity is said to have increased. Certain outlets speak of 0.71 cubic feet more, which comes out to 20 liters, enough to throw in an extra bag of groceries during the occasional run to the local supermarket.

Familiar Platform and the Usual Powertrain Assortment

Beneath the fresh skin lies an updated version of the CLAR architecture. BMW's engineers have taken care of the chassis and brakes. A new steering rack and a wider front track are also part of the novelties. In essence, we expect the all-new X3 to be a bit more comfortable and handle slightly better on twisty roads than its predecessor, but that's just our two cents.

BMW still keeps the powertrain details a secret. However, it has been reported that gasoline and diesel engines with a 2.0-liter displacement will launch in the Old Continent, sporting mild-hybrid tech and the standard xDrive all-wheel drive. At least one plug-in hybrid will join them, and it is believed that the M40i's replacement will be known as the M50 xDrive.

What powertrains should we expect on the next-gen BMW X3 in America? We cannot say for sure, yet the logical approach would be the 30 xDrive and the M50 xDrive. Later on, the lineup will certainly expand to include the all-new iX3, a battery-electric crossover that should launch in 2026.

When Is It Due?

Again, there's no official unveiling date on the horizon yet, as BMW hasn't said anything about it so far. Nevertheless, while some expect the all-new X3 to premiere before the end of the year, others think it will be presented in August. We lean towards the latter, given that the outgoing X3 will celebrate its seventh anniversary in August since production kicked off back in 2017.

Overall, we are excited about the next-generation BMW X3 and we think it should be one of the best crossovers in the premium compact class. The model will most likely come with a small price bump compared to the current one.

Speaking of which, the automaker is asking at least $46,900 for the 2024 X3 sDrive30i and $48,900 for the X3 xDrive30i. The X3 M40i has an MSRP of $61,900, and the range-topping version of the series, the X3 M, currently kicks off at $75,500, boasting 473 horsepower (480 ps/353 kW) and 457 pound-foot of torque from its 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-six, or 503 horsepower (510 ps/375 kW) should you opt for the Competition Package. The latter drops the 0-60 mph (97 kph) sprint time from 3.9 to 3.7 seconds.