The X3 is a hugely important model for BMW. In production since 2003, the compact luxury crossover moved 63,172 units in the United States last year, which makes it the second best-selling Bimmer in this part of the world after the X5.
Later in 2024, the current generation will be replaced by the so-called G45. Recently spied by the carparazzi both inside and out, the fourth generation is understood to enter series production in August 2024 for the 2025 model year. Production will allegedly come to a halt in September 2033.
Similar to the G01, the G45 features the CLuster ARchitecture introduced by the G11/G12 BMW 7 Series in 2015. Although it's compatible with all-electric powertrains, the CLAR platform won't be used for the all-new iX3. Instead, the zero-emission brother of the X3 will feature the Neue Klasse.
Spied with Munich plates fore and aft, the heavily camouflaged X3 prototype caught by the spy photographers doesn't look dramatically different from the G01 in terms of exterior styling. That's because of the CLAR platform, whose hard points have barely changed from the current-gen X3.
Pictured with snow tires mounted on double-spoke alloy wheels, the G45 prototype appears to be a PHEV. If you zoom in on the driver-side front fender, you will notice the outline of a charging port door. On the other hand, bear in mind that the driver-side front fender camouflage wrap could feature the charging port door outline by default. In any case, you can look forward to at least one PHEV from the next X3.
Photo: SH Proshots
As far as the cabin is concerned, the biggest change would be the curved dual-screen dashboard layout. Lower down, you will notice that BMW got rid of the ZF 8HP torque-converter automatic transmission's gear shift knob in favor of a toggle switch. We've seen this design in the X1, as well as coupe-ish X2 and 2 Series Active Tourer MPV.
To be manufactured at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, the G45 will be rocking a plethora of 2.0- and 3.0-liter mills. The powerplants in question carry over from the G01, albeit revised to meet Euro 7 regulations. Euro 7 will be introduced in the EU on July 1, 2025.
The Munich-based manufacturer will make a slight adjustment to the X3's nomenclature by dropping the "i" suffix from gas-engined versions. Think 20 instead of 20i and 30 instead of 30i. The M line will comprise two specifications: the xDrive-only M50 and M xDrive-equipped M. The latter sports a different codename from its peers, namely G97.
As mentioned earlier, the 2025 BMW X3 will be joined by the Neue Klasse-based 2026 BMW iX3. To enter series production at BMW's Debrecen plant in Hungary in July 2025, the iX3 is codenamed NA5. Thus far, hearsay suggests four specifications: 40, 40 xDrive, 50 xDrive, and M60 xDrive. There's a chance that BMW M will sweeten the deal with a full-blooded M, but only time will tell if that's actually the case.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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