Is the all-new BMW X3 the new king of the compact luxury SUV segment? We finally got our hands on the completely redesigned G45 BMW X3 for a full 2025 BMW X3 review and test drive, and the results might surprise you. This is the next generation BMW X3 everyone has been waiting for, and the 2025 BMW X3 changes are massive.
In this in-depth video, we give you a BMW X3 first look, covering everything from its bold exterior BMW X3 redesign to its stunning new 2025 BMW X3 interior featuring the latest BMW iDrive 9 system. We'll break down the official BMW X3 specs, the expected 2025 X3 MPG, and our honest driving impressions. We discuss the 2025 BMW X3 price and the official 2025 X3 release date so you know exactly when you can get one.
This review covers the entire new lineup, from the standard 2025 BMW X3 30 to the powerful BMW X3 M50.
IN THIS REVIEW, WE COVER:
A detailed look at the all-new design.
Full breakdown of the interior, tech, and cargo space.
Performance specs for the X3 30 and M50 models.
The complete list of 2025 X3 pros and cons.
How it stacks up in the classic BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC and BMW X3 vs Audi Q5 debate.
Our final verdict: Is the 2025 BMW X3 worth it?
This is the ultimate luxury SUV review for anyone considering the new BMW X3. If you're in the market for a new BMW SUV, you can't miss this video! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the BMW X3 2025 redesign!
#BMWX3 #2025BMWX3 #BMW #NewBMWX3 #CarReview #LuxurySUV #G45X3 #X3M50 #BMWiDrive9 #TestDrive
In this in-depth video, we give you a BMW X3 first look, covering everything from its bold exterior BMW X3 redesign to its stunning new 2025 BMW X3 interior featuring the latest BMW iDrive 9 system. We'll break down the official BMW X3 specs, the expected 2025 X3 MPG, and our honest driving impressions. We discuss the 2025 BMW X3 price and the official 2025 X3 release date so you know exactly when you can get one.
This review covers the entire new lineup, from the standard 2025 BMW X3 30 to the powerful BMW X3 M50.
IN THIS REVIEW, WE COVER:
A detailed look at the all-new design.
Full breakdown of the interior, tech, and cargo space.
Performance specs for the X3 30 and M50 models.
The complete list of 2025 X3 pros and cons.
How it stacks up in the classic BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLC and BMW X3 vs Audi Q5 debate.
Our final verdict: Is the 2025 BMW X3 worth it?
This is the ultimate luxury SUV review for anyone considering the new BMW X3. If you're in the market for a new BMW SUV, you can't miss this video! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the BMW X3 2025 redesign!
#BMWX3 #2025BMWX3 #BMW #NewBMWX3 #CarReview #LuxurySUV #G45X3 #X3M50 #BMWiDrive9 #TestDrive
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MotorTranscript
00:00We're talking BMW today and we're unpacking exactly that. Welcome to the deep dive. Today
00:04we're plunging into the completely redesigned 2025 BMW X3. This is the fourth generation now
00:09and it's not just some minor refresh. This is a pretty critical evolution for a vehicle
00:15that's really a cornerstone of BMW's SUV lineup. Sits right between the smaller X1, X2 and the
00:21bigger X5, X7. It's just how much this X3 represents a visual overhaul. The previous
00:28generations had a very distinct, almost muscular look, but this new one, it signals a clear
00:34shift in BMW's design language. It's moving towards something much more flowing.
00:40Okay, so it's not just a tweak. It's a significant departure from that classic X3 styling we know.
00:45What are the most prominent visual changes that jump out at you?
00:49Well, you'll notice a much smoother, almost sculpted aesthetic. And this isn't
00:55accidental. You can clearly see they're drawing inspiration from their all-electric iX models.
00:59Those introduced a bolder, maybe more futuristic look for the brand. Up front, while the overall
01:05styling might be a bit divisive for some, I think many will appreciate that BMW has shown some
01:10restraint with the grille size this time. Ah, restraint on the grille. That's interesting.
01:14Yeah, pulling back from some of the more, let's say, imposing designs we've seen recently.
01:18Right. So for many, dialing back the grille size is probably a welcome change. How does this new
01:23philosophy carry over to the side profile and the rear?
01:27Well, on the side, that previously really prominent defining character line, you know,
01:32the one that ran the length of the vehicle, it's much more subtle now, creates a cleaner sort of
01:36uninterrupted flow. And from the rear three-quarter view, you really see that iX influence. It's in
01:42what designers call the tumble home effect, where the windows kind of wrap inward and gently pinch the
01:47back. Then they flow into these wider, more assertive fenders compared to the last gen. It's actually
01:52a pretty cohesive and, I'd say, quite successful design evolution overall.
01:56So a striking new skin, definitely. But how much of a departure is this X3 beneath the surface? Are
02:03we looking at a completely new mechanical foundation, or is it more of a refinement?
02:08Yeah, good question. Stepping back to look at the bigger picture, it's more evolution than
02:12revolution for the underlying mechanics. Despite the fresh exterior, the X3 still rides on BMW's
02:19familiar clear-lar modular platform. Okay, the clear-lar. Exactly. That's their flexible
02:23architecture, underpins a lot of their vehicles, allows for shared components, efficiencies,
02:28that sort of thing. The powertrain is largely carryover, but there are some crucial updates we
02:32should talk about. For this deep dive, Consumer Reports tested the 2025 BMW X330 X-Drive. And here's
02:40a little detail for those keeping track. BMW actually dropped the eye from the name.
02:44Oh, really? Just 30 X-Drive? Just 30 X-Drive now, yeah. That's a small change, but one car shoppers
02:49will definitely notice. So what was the sticker price on this specific test model? Right. So this
02:55test model, it had a few key options. The premium package was about $3,500, the active driving
03:01assistant pro package for $1,700, plus some other bits and destination fees. It landed just shy of
03:07$57,000, specifically $56,860. Wow. Okay. Yeah. So that pricing puts the X3 squarely in that premium
03:15compact SUV segment. And it really highlights how quickly BMW's optional extras can bump up the final
03:21cost. That's critical for luxury shoppers to consider. Oh, and it's worth noting, it's assembled
03:25down in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Right, right. Now, once you've admired the new look,
03:31digested the price, getting into the vehicle is the next step. I know BMW has been adopting a new
03:36style of door handle on many of its models. How are they here? Yeah, the new X3 features those
03:41flush door handles. They're not too bad, actually. They're still a small cutout, so you can get a
03:46decent grip. It might take a moment to get used to if you're coming from traditional handles,
03:50maybe a little bit more difficult than you're used to initially. But once the doors open,
03:54getting in is quite easy. The seats are at a comfortable hip height, makes it simple to just
03:58slide in, even with the somewhat aggressive side bolsters. That effortless entry is definitely a plus.
04:05Once you're settled, what's the front seat experience like? BMW usually nails seating
04:10comfort and adjustability. You're absolutely right. The seats in this car are really, really good.
04:15Just exceptional adjustability. BMW has long featured that thigh extender, right? Let's you
04:22fine-tune support under your legs, which is fantastic for longer trips. Yes, love that feature.
04:27And on these particular seats, you also get adjustable side bolsters. There's a simple switch,
04:32lets you customize how snuggly they hug your sides. You can get a truly personalized fit.
04:37That tailored fit sounds ideal for the driver. But what about passengers in the back? How easy is
04:43it to get back there? And is it a comfortable space once you're actually in?
04:48Hmm. The rear entryway and the door itself are actually a bit on the smaller side. The space
04:54between the pillars feels somewhat narrow, so taller passengers might need to, you know,
04:59watch their knees when climbing in. Okay. However, once you are inside, it's actually a surprisingly
05:05pleasant space. The seat is elevated well off the floor, which gives good under-thigh support,
05:10and there's ample space beneath the front seats for your feet. That's a detail often overlooked in
05:15modern designs, I find. Good leg and foot room are always appreciated, definitely. Are there any
05:19compromises once you're settled in back there? There are a couple of things to consider. The
05:23seat back doesn't recline. No recline. No recline. And it sits a little bit upright. Now,
05:29it's not uncomfortable for shorter trips, but on a longer journey, you might find yourself wishing
05:32for that extra bit of adjustability. The cushions themselves are firm but supportive, and there's
05:38plenty of headroom. But this brings up an interesting point about material choices. BMW tends to use
05:44plastic seat backs, so your kneecaps might literally hit a hard surface. Ah, okay. And maybe a slightly
05:50surprising detail. For a vehicle nudging $60,000, are these kind of chintzy nets on the back of those
05:57plastic seats? Chintzy nets. Yeah, the review noted one was even sagging a bit already, which, you know,
06:03definitely doesn't scream premium feel. Hmm. That lack of recline plus the plastic seat backs and these
06:08chintzy nets, does that kind of compromise the luxury vibe for rear passengers? Or is it just a
06:14trade-off for other features? It certainly raises questions about, you know, value perception at this
06:18price point. And this actually brings us nicely to another pretty significant departure for the X3,
06:24this time focusing on the interior's fit, finish, style, and materials. The subtlety that once defined
06:30BMW interiors, it feels like it's really gone. I think they've embraced a much more trendy
06:35aesthetic, which for some, myself included perhaps, might feel like a step away from
06:40traditional luxury. It's not really my favorite thing. You see elements like a very prominent
06:45plastic ambient light strip surrounding the cup holders. It's visually striking, sure, but the material
06:51quality, it doesn't quite match the premium wood and leathers we've maybe come to expect. Here, it feels
06:58largely replaced by shiny plastics and hard plastics. So, a definite shift from classic, understated
07:04luxury to something more modern and maybe overtly stylistic. Is this trendiness reflected in any
07:12quirky design choices, too? Oh, absolutely. There's a really interesting design with the air vents on
07:17the door. When they're closed, they appear to sort of nest into this cavity. It looks interesting,
07:22visually striking, but the reviewer noted it's not very intuitive for actually adjusting the airflow.
07:27Huh. It feels like an example of design perhaps prioritizing form over ease of use. It might just cause a
07:32small moment of confusion for new passengers trying to figure it out or even trying to exit the car,
07:37confusing it for a door handle, maybe. That is a fascinating, maybe slightly awkward design choice. Okay,
07:42let's talk interior storage. In an SUV, practical storage is always top of mind. How does the X3 stack up
07:49there? The storage solutions are, well, a mix of clever and conventional, I'd say. Up front, you have
07:58two decent-sized cup holders. Right in front of those, there's a wireless phone charger tray.
08:05And here's a remarkably practical detail I liked. It includes a cooling fan. A cooling fan for the
08:11phone charger? No kidding. Yeah. Helps prevent your device from overheating, which is, you know,
08:15a common frustration with wireless charging. Totally. That's actually really thoughtful. Precisely.
08:19Behind that, the center console itself is actually kind of small. However, I particularly like the door
08:24storage. BMW designed a really nice cup holder there that can actually accommodate those tall
08:29Stanley-style water bottles without getting in the way. Oh, nice. That's practical. Very practical.
08:33The glove box is on the smaller side, but hey, at least they have one. Its presence is appreciated,
08:38as some newer vehicles are omitting them entirely, believe it or not. True. And what about the back,
08:42the cargo area? In the back, the cargo area is pretty traditional. The load floor is a bit taller.
08:48If you lift the floor, there's clear space designated for a spare tire. Although our test model didn't
08:53actually have one fitted. Right. Often an option these days. Exactly. The rear seats feature a
08:58standard 60-40 split, but as I mentioned, that upright seat angle. It means they don't fold
09:04completely flat. And when they're folded, the latches they lock into do protrude a bit. That
09:10could limit the width of what you're carrying, or maybe even be a hazard for items sliding around.
09:15On a positive note, though, the cargo cover is one of the better implementations I've seen
09:19recently. Oh, yeah. It has these really intuitive latches and tracks. Makes it genuinely easy to
09:24remove and reinstall. Yeah. And it's not too wide or awkward to handle, just well-designed. Okay,
09:30we've covered a lot on comfort and practicality, but in a modern luxury vehicle, technology is huge,
09:36right? Often takes center stage. How does the X3's new iDrive 9 system fare in that nerve center role?
09:42Yeah. Looking at how this fits into the broader automotive tech landscape, BMW's latest iDrive 9 is,
09:48on paper, an amazing piece of software. It's incredibly smooth, responsive. And when you're
09:53stationary, sitting here, the way everything is laid out, it's logical, visually appealing,
09:58really nice. But I sense a butt coming. That phrase, when you're stationary, suggests there's
10:04a significant caveat here. What happens when the car is actually, you know, moving? That's precisely
10:10where the system hits a major challenge. It just doesn't really work effectively when you're driving.
10:15There's just so many layers, so many sub-menus to wade through. Even in the main app menu,
10:19you're faced with all these little icons and colored squares. And they're incredibly difficult
10:24to distinguish and select safely while your attention really should be on the road. It just
10:30demands too much driver focus, frankly. That sounds like a critical safety concern,
10:33actually. What about the balance then between those digital interfaces and the physical controls
10:38we kind of expect in a car? Has BMW abandoned traditional buttons and dials entirely?
10:42Thankfully, no. Not completely. They've retained conventional turn signal and wiper stocks,
10:48which is good. And critically, that familiar iDrive control knob, it remains down there in the center
10:55console. Okay. That's a relief for some. Huge plus, yeah. Especially for those who prefer tactile
11:00feedback or are just transitioning from an older BMW. However, some of the newer interfaces are
11:05definitely less intuitive. The air vents, for instance, they now use these touch capacitive
11:11sliders for airflow with tiny little indicators. And then there's a small rubber dial for positioning
11:15the vent itself. It looks sleek, sure, but it's certainly not the easiest thing to adjust accurately
11:21when the car is actually in motion. So a mix of the familiar, which is good, and some new digital
11:26controls that might be a bit fiddly. But where does BMW excel in tech integration, particularly with
11:33driving aids and information display? Right. This is an area where BMW really does shine. They do an
11:39exceptional job displaying essential phone and media information right within the gauge cluster
11:42and also via the head-up display, the HUD. And crucially, you can interact with these using the
11:48steering wheel controls. No. This integration is fantastic because it really allows you to keep
11:52your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Significantly enhances safety in that respect.
11:57That sounds like a really well-executed system, keeping info where you need it. Is there anything,
12:02though, that stands out as maybe a glaring oversight or a functional misstep in that area?
12:08Well, this raises a really important question about control prioritization, I think.
12:12There's one glaring omission from the steering wheel itself.
12:16Okay.
12:17And that's the gap adjustment for the adaptive cruise control.
12:20Yeah.
12:20There's clearly available space on the wheel for a dedicated button right there.
12:25Yeah. You'd expect it there.
12:26Exactly. Instead, BMW has buried this crucial setting multiple steps deep into the center
12:31screen system. You have to navigate through menus like, I think it's driving settings,
12:36then driver assistance, then driving again, and then distance control just to adjust your
12:42following distance on the fly.
12:43Wow.
12:44It's just not safe to do while driving. It forces you to divert way too much attention from
12:48the road for far too long.
12:50That does sound like a significant functional flaw, especially for a system designed to aid driving
12:55and not distract from it.
12:56Okay. Let's shift gears now. Let's talk about what many consider the absolute poor of any BMW,
13:03the driving dynamics and ride quality. How does this new X3 perform out on the road?
13:09Well, what's truly impressive here is that despite its SUV size and shape, this X3 handles
13:15better than you might expect. Much better. BMW has done some pretty clever engineering,
13:20some pretty cool stuff with the differential in the back and the all-wheel drive system.
13:23It really lets you carve through turns with surprising agility and confidence.
13:27So sporty handling is still a BMW hallmark then, even in their SUVs. Is there any aspect of its
13:33handling that falls a bit short?
13:35Unfortunately, yes. The one area that kind of disappoints is the steering feel. It's noticeably
13:39light, really, really high. And it just doesn't transmit much feedback from the road. This is a
13:44critique, you know, that's been leveled at modern BMWs for some time now. And it persists here. It
13:49sort of diminishes that engaging connection driver's one's really prized.
13:53Yeah. That's a common point of contention among enthusiasts, that lighter steering feel.
13:57But let's talk power. The test model came with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder,
14:03the 30X drive. How does that powertrain perform?
14:06Right. Well, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is, you know, pretty typical across the
14:11industry these days. BMW's version really stands above a lot of the competition. It's exceptionally
14:16smooth, and it delivers quite powerful performance at 255 horsepower. What's particularly impressive,
14:22though, is its mild hybrid system.
14:24Ah, the mild hybrid. How does that help?
14:26It genuinely refines the auto start-stop function. So many drivers dislike start-stop,
14:31right?
14:31Oh, yeah. Can be really annoying.
14:34But in this X3, it's barely perceptible. Honestly, you'd be hard-pressed to even notice
14:39when the engine shuts off and restarts in typical driving. It's one of the best implementations
14:43out there. It can even shut off as you're just coasting gently to a stop. Really smooth.
14:48That sounds remarkably seamless. That's a big win for an often-maligned feature.
14:53And what about the transmission paired with it?
14:55The X3 also features a truly excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF.
15:00BMW has used this gearbox for years now, and it consistently delivers quick,
15:04smooth shifts, both up and down. Just really enhances the driving experience. And of course,
15:09if you're craving even more power, there's also the X3 M50 variant. That one comes with BMW's
15:14renowned B58 inline six-cylinder engine.
15:16Ah, the B58. Legendary engine.
15:20Absolutely. A power plant widely praised for its smooth power delivery and robustness.
15:26Okay, so it sounds like a highly capable and refined powertrain package overall. How refined
15:32is the ride itself then? And what's the driving position like in this Nier X3?
15:36Well, in terms of refinement, it's super, super quiet inside. You can almost hold a whisper
15:39level conversation at highway speeds. It really underscores its premium feel. It feels just as
15:43solid and hushed at, say, 50 mile bar rows as it does at 80 all per hour. The driver position
15:48itself is really, really good too. Well-placed armrests. And even for taller drivers, the manually
15:53adjusted telescoping steering wheel offers a huge range of adjustment, which is fantastic for finding
15:58that perfect, ideal setup. That level of adjustability is definitely a plus. Are there
16:04any minor downsides to the driving position or maybe visibility that you encountered?
16:08Just one minor point, maybe, is the lack of anchor adjustment for the seatbelt. It's kind
16:14of a consistent BMW characteristic. It just means on longer drives, if you shift your position
16:19a bit, the seatbelt can sometimes slip off your shoulder. Not a huge deal, but noticeable.
16:23Right. Regarding visibility, BMW's A-pillars are quite wide. And with the mirrors mounted directly
16:30on them, along with other trim pieces there, it does create a bit of visual heft, a bit of
16:35obstruction in that area. The windshield itself isn't the tallest either. And while the side windows
16:39are generous and tall, taller drivers sitting further back might find the B-pillar feels a
16:44little close. So a serenely quiet cabin, mostly excellent driving position, but maybe a few trade-offs
16:50in terms of visibility and that minor seatbelt comfort point. Okay. Finally, the ride quality
16:56itself. Is it a plush wafting luxury ride or something firmer? The ride quality in this X3 is
17:01actually pretty good, but it definitely leans towards the firmer side as you generally expect
17:06from a BMW, right? Okay. Firmer. Yeah. So you are going to feel those bumps and imperfections on the
17:10road more than in some competitors. However, the body control is very good, meaning those impacts
17:15don't translate into excessive pitching or tossing within the cabin. It stays quite composed.
17:20This firmness is really a conscious trade-off, I think, for achieving some of those sporty
17:24handling characteristics the vehicle offers. Oh, and we also experienced the optional Driving
17:29Assist Pro feature. That's BMW's more advanced, hands-free version of lane centering and adaptive
17:34cruise. Works on certain divided highways going less than 40 mile an hour.
17:37Okay. So there you have it. Our deep dive into the 2025 BMW X3. Overall, it really stands out as a
17:45genuinely well-driving and highly refined vehicle. It's a clear evolution of the nameplate,
17:51absolutely maintaining much of that driving prowess BMW is known for.
17:54Absolutely. I mean, this X3 is definitely a testament to BMW's continued engineering excellence when it
18:00comes to dynamic performance. That part feels really strong. However, as we've explored,
18:05it does seem to take, well, a few steps back in other crucial areas. The interior design embraces
18:10that much trendier aesthetic that might not appeal to all traditional luxury buyers.
18:15Some material choices, like those chintzy nets, they do raise questions about premium quality at this
18:20price point. And the usability of certain controls, especially with iDrive 9 while driving,
18:25that presents a definite downgrade in intuitiveness and arguably safety compared to the previous
18:29generation. Right. Despite these interesting trade-offs, maybe some controversial choices,
18:33if I were betting, I'd probably still say this vehicle is poised to be one of BMW's best-selling
18:38models. It'll likely continue its strong presence in this really competitive segment.
18:43So as car manufacturers increasingly push design boundaries and integrate ever more advanced tech,
18:48this X3 deep dive really reveals a fascinating tension, doesn't it? How do you weigh striking,
18:54trend-setting aesthetics and cutting-edge software against the proven comfort of traditional materials
18:59and, maybe more importantly, the vital safety of intuitive physical controls? What does the X3's
19:05journey tell us about the future of luxury and usability in the automotive world? Definitely
19:09something to ponder on your next drive.
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