Redesigned for 2025, the fourth-generation BMW X3 evolves with more presence, power, and tech. Inspired by BMW’s electric lineup, its bold new look echoes the iX. The biggest leap? A sleek, high-tech cabin with a modern edge—though it may not appeal to every shopper.
Join CR at to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
For more on the 2025 BMW X3 go to:
The thing is, all the “wish it hads” actually used to be standard equipment on the previous generation—reclining rear seats, seat release pulls in the cargo area, comfort access on all doors (now just front), gap adjustment button on the wheel, and many, many more were just cut to save costs. The cost cutting is unreal in the 2025, and sales are suffering.
Yet the margins spoiled into SUVs are also oversaturating the new and second hand market.
it’s odd too because the smaller 2025 X1 has a panoramic moonroof that opens and reclining rear seats.
Goodness they made that thing ugly. Last model was pretty good looking.
It’s an impressive cargo cover. It went from “piece of crap” to “actually pretty good” to “one of the better implementations” in about 20 seconds time. I wish I were as effective at winning people over as that cargo cover.
The seats and motor are excellent. The rest is largely worse and those door handles would be an embarrassment in a Kia Soul.
We traded in our 2021 X3 for a 2025 X3 M50. They are such completely different kinds of vehicles. So far, my wife enjoys the six cylinder engine’s peppiness on her daily commute. Thanks for a very fair review.
When I first saw the exterior / interior updates in the press release, I wasn’t thrilled, but I figured that the driving / daily user experience was more important than looks, so I went to check one out in person. The interior is completely unacceptable for any car, let alone one that costs this much.
The materials feel cheap, the large triangular nodule on the door that includes the door handle and vent control feels so loose that it could just pop off at any moment. The actual user experience of trying to complete any basic functions isn’t just a matter of “getting used to it” – simple inputs like changing following distance ( which I might update on the fly if it starts raining, for example ) now require 3 separate touch screen interactions.
I feel like they could have added these prismatic light bars to the spaces in between the physical controls to appease the customers who want “modern and flashy” design, but this is just disappointing. Especially when the Genesis managed to refresh the GV70 interior with all sorts of new tech and still maintain mostly physical controls ( the HVAC controls are on a touch panel but they are static so at least they’re reliable to use ).
BMW still knows how to make great powertrains. Unfortunately, they forgot how to do anything else. The lack of thought and effort put into this thing is insulting.
Holding to my 02 X5….build quality is ABSOLUTELY unmatched
Yep. Their interiors have really fallen off a cliff. The second generation and third generation X3 had nicer interiors.
How come BMW didnt give us the “China Specs??” Better interior materials, ambient lighting at the rear doors, illuminated glass moonroof, etc. this is unreal.
The 2025 model being exported to China is the exact same thing.
Was this car in an accident? Or is it supposed to look like that?
Lol @ the following distance menu. Who thought that was a good idea?!
I’m a BMW person. I own a non X3 2025 X model vehicle now & have owned 3 others in my life. I’m a BMW CCA member. I’ve driven a new gen X3 on the track at the BMW Performance Center outside Plant Spartanburg. With the aforementioned stuff said, the current X3 I find to be stylistically horrible, pretty much inside & out. The quality of the interior stuff isn’t up to their standards, a non-movable glass roof is a fail. I also don’t need a hybrid, would like an option for it or not. Driving dynamics wise the car is fine, but driving dynamics is one of many factors in the mix. I don’t find the current X3 to be a nice as place to be as it used to be or what it should be today. Again, I’m a believer in present day BMW in so many ways, but this is not one of them.
I had a 2020 X3 which I loved. When to buy a new vehicle and looked at the new X3. The outside design is not BMW style… its just ugly. And the interior is just cheap compared to my 2020 X3. It is obvious someone at BMW put cost controls on this design as the top priority. I was not impressed.
@@mm434va The cost-cutting is essentially biblical on it. That’s a fact that most car reviewing entities do not fully divulge.
Always appreciate the honest review. There was nothing there other than the drivetrain and adjustable seat that made me wanna spend $20,000 more than other higher end models of that size SUV.
“BMW has been doing the thigh bolster for a while.’ Yeah, my 1986 3-series, for example.
Rented an X3 back in 2012. Really enjoyed it. Never purchased one. Kinda looks like a Mazda. Not much of a door thunk, sounded tinny. Ash open pore wood is now sacrificed for cheap LED lighting and shiny plastic.
What makes a luxury car luxurious? Build quality and material choice…. Both of those are worse in this model year. Hm…. Just get a Mazda at this point it will be more luxurious.
I have seen two of these (I live in LA) one at dusk and one in the morning. The style is shockingly sharp to me!
Yeah……I’ll keep my 02 x5
This car looks fantastic!!
Great review. I purchased a similar model end November when they first came out and have been eagerly awaiting how CR would rank. The review is spot on: for both the good and the bad. I also purchased the optional Drivers Select, which I believe should be standard. I’ve been very happy with the car.
We bought a 2025 X3 30 4 weeks ago. It is incredibly awesome.