The 2025 BMW X3 has been unveiled, with the popular mid-sized luxury SUV boasting new looks, more equipment, and more grunt.
Australian arrivals of the new-generation BMW X3 are due to begin in the first quarter of 2025 (January to March inclusive), with local specifications and pricing to be confirmed in July.
BMW Australia has confirmed the X3 will launch in two variants: the base X3 20 xDrive (succeeding the sDrive20i) and the flagship M50 xDrive (replacing the M40i xDrive), both of which now feature 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
Gone are the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e (now 30e xDrive) and turbo-diesel xDrive20d (now 20d xDrive) from the local lineup, though both will continue to be sold in overseas markets.
There appears to be no replacement globally for the six-cylinder turbo-diesel xDrive30d.
X3 M50 xDrive
The BMW X3’s fourth generation brings a major visual and technical overhaul, with its exterior design adopting elements from the brand’s wider lineup.
This includes an even larger kidney grille, revised headlights, flush door handles, thinner tail lights and a more angular tailgate.
Despite being longer and wider than its predecessor, the new X3 sits lower and has a wider track at the front and rear, giving it a more aggressive stance and theoretically better road holding ability.
Inside the cabin is BMW’s Curved Display, housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen in a single panel.
X3 20 xDrive
The new X3 features BMW Operating System 9 software, which now includes QuickSelect – reducing the number of submenus.
Climate controls have also moved to the touchscreen, with the number of physical buttons in the cabin reduced.
There’s no longer a gear shifter on the centre console, replaced by a lever behind the steering wheel.
For the first time in any BMW, there’s also a “luxury textile’ instrument panel which has been made from recycled polyester.
Watch our walkaround video for the 2025 BMW X3 here
Standard equipment
BMW Australia has confirmed the X3 20 xDrive will be fitted with:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive suspension
- BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille contour lighting
- Adaptive matrix LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Power-adjustable and heated sports seats
- Veganza upholstery
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 5G mobile reception
- Satellite navigation
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Speed sign assist
- Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant
- Surround-view camera
The X3 M50 xDrive will add:
- 21-inch M light alloy wheels
- M Sport Package Pro
- M lights Shadowline
- M seat belts
- M sport brakes with high-gloss red calipers
- M exterior mirror caps
- Twin-dual exhaust tips
More Australian details are due to be confirmed next month, along with local pricing ahead of the X3’s arrival in the first quarter of 2025.
For reference, the BMW X3 lineup currently opens at $81,700 before on-road costs for the sDrive20i, and tops out at $126,800 before on-road costs in M40i guise.
Drivetrains
As mentioned, there’s no turbo-diesel or plug-in hybrid X3 coming to Australia. Instead, there’s a petrol-only lineup.
Both the X3 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive benefit from power and torque increases, thanks in part to the inclusion of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system across the range.
In the case of the X3 M50 xDrive, it’s BMW’s most powerful M Performance model with a six-cylinder petrol engine to date, though this doesn’t include the full-fat M cars.
Here’s what we know about the two variants from both local and global specifications.
| X3 20 xDrive | M50 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid | Turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid |
| Power | 140kW (+5kW over sDrive20i) | 293kW (+8kW over M40i xDrive) |
| Torque | 310Nm (+10Nm over sDrive20i) | 580Nm (+80Nm over M40i xDrive) |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Eight-speed torque-converter automatic | Eight-speed torque-converter automatic |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 8.5 seconds | 4.6 seconds (-0.2 seconds) |
| Fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.9-7.6L/100km | 7.7-8.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 litres | 65 litres |
Dimensions
The BMW X3 has continued to grow, retaining the same wheelbase as before but now with greater front and rear overhangs and wider hips, allowing significant interior space improvements despite a lower height.
BMW claims it’s made modifications to the double-joint spring strut front suspension and five-link rear end to increase turn-in precision, while also increasing caster offset by 19 per cent to better enhance straight-line stability.
Compared to the models they replace, Australia’s two new X3s are heavier than before but boast greater towing capacity, at least in Europe.
| 2025 BMW X3 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4755mm (+34mm) |
| Width | 1920mm (+29mm) |
| Height | 1660mm (-25mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2865mm |
| Track width (front, rear) | 1636mm (+16mm), 1681mm (+45mm) |
| Boot capacity (rear seats up) | 570L (+20L) |
| Boot capacity (rear seats folded) | 1700L (+100L) |
| Kerb weight (German DIN standard) | 1855kg (20 xDrive, +55kg over sDrive20i) 1980kg (M50 xDrive, +70kg over M40i xDrive) |
| Braked towing capacity | 2400kg (20 xDrive, +400kg over sDrive20i) 2500kg (M50 xDrive, +500kg over M40i xDrive) |
MORE: Everything BMW X3
