2025 BMW X3 Review: Bigger, Bolder, But Still Very BMW

• Fun-to-drive character and mild-hybrid torque make the X3 surprisingly quick for a compact SUV.

• The design overhaul adds size and tech, though not all styling choices will win fans over.

• Comfortable, refined and very well-equipped—if you can live with the price and patchy interior flair.

BMW figured out the SUV game early on. Put a roundel on something taller than a sedan, and boom—sales. The original X5 got the ball rolling, but the X3? That’s the volume-based cash cow. Not just popular—it’s BMW’s global bestseller. And in Canada, it led the brand’s charts in 2024. For 2025, BMW has rolled out an all-new, fourth-generation X3, and it’s a bigger, more tech-packed version of the compact SUV that premium SUV buyers clearly can’t get enough of.

Always opt for the M Sport Package

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s not small anymore. By modern standards, it’s pushing the dimensions of an early-2000s X5. It’s wider, longer, and looks chunkier—especially in base trim without the M Sport package. That package is a must-have. Without it, the new X3 ends up looking soft and meek. This odd stretch of metal between the top of the front wheel and the hood just looks… unfinished. And those 19-inch wheels don’t help.

The design at the back also feels like someone gave up halfway through sketching it. Some angles are flattering, sure, but the styling will divide opinions. Despite that, the X3 still turns heads in its own way—maybe just not for all the right reasons.

With a few options, this is now a $70,000 SUV

Now, pricing. In Canada, the X3 xDrive30 starts at $59,700. No more “i” badge—that’s now reserved for BMW’s EV lineup. Step up to the M50 xDrive, and you’re looking at $75,900 before options. My tester, painted in a lovely Arctic Race Blue and loaded with the Premium Package, cooled seats, Harman Kardon audio, and a few other treats, rang in at $67,500. Pricey? Maybe. But compared to its rivals, that’s not outrageous for what you get.

Inside, things get quirky. BMW went bold with materials, patterns, and textures. Some of it works—like the grippy, flat-bottom steering wheel and twin digital displays (12.3-inch cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen). But other elements, like the overstyled trim on the doors and centre stack, are far too over the top. This isn’t a minimalist’s cabin. It’s loud, visually, and while I appreciate the experimentation, I’m not sure it lands.

On the practical side, the cargo area offers 570 litres of space. That’s solid for the class, and you could easily fit a couple of golf bags. Rear-seat room is decent too. It is fine for two adults or a pair of booster seats, but squeezing in a third human might be pushing it.

4-Pot of Power

Under the hood, the xDrive30 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup. It generates 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Those torque numbers show up early and stick around, giving the X3 surprising hustle for its size. It can reach 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, which is no joke for a non-M vehicle weighing over 1,900 kg.

And it’s fun to drive. No, really. It’s a proper BMW in that sense. The steering is tight and well-weighted, especially in Sport mode, and the 8-speed automatic transmission is as smooth as ever. It makes you want to take the long way home, even in traffic. The M50 might be the fire-breather, but the base version still brings plenty of punch.

Fuel economy? I averaged around 9.2 L/100 km, a bit higher than NRCan’s estimate of 8.1, but I wasn’t exactly babying it. Drive more conservatively, and 8.5 is totally doable.

Tough Crowd But Still a Winner

In terms of competition, the Audi Q5 still delivers a more refined experience and arguably a classier interior, while the Lexus NX offers a reliable, efficient alternative with a more muted personality. The Volvo XC60 has charm but doesn’t quite match the BMW’s drive. And while the Mercedes-Benz GLC is also in the conversation, its price climbs quickly for the return on investment. Honestly, the X3’s greatest rival might just be itself—a previous-generation model with fewer visual quirks.

So, where does that leave the 2025 X3? It’s not the prettiest kid in the class anymore, but it’s still one of the most athletic. If you value strong performance, solid tech, and that familiar BMW driving edge, it’s hard to beat. Maybe tick that M Sport package box when you order yours.

Because no matter how good a car is to drive, we all like to enjoy the view, too.

2025 BMW X3

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