BMW X3 (G45 — Model-Year 2025)
After more than 3.5 million units sold, the fourth-generation X3 arrives with a “monolithic” design language, “Shy Tech” minimalist interior and an updated CLAR platform featuring standard 48 V mild-hybrid technology. The body grows by 34 mm in length and 29 mm in width (now 4 755 × 1 920 × 1 669 mm; wheel-base 2 865 mm). A powered tail-gate, Adaptive LED headlights (Matrix standard on M Sport) and the iDrive 9 curved display (14.9 in) with Panoramic Vision HUD are standard highlights.
| Powertrain (EU 6e) | Output / Torque | 48 V M-HEV | Drive | Gearbox | 0–100 km/h | WLTP* |
|---|
| 20 xDrive 2.0 I4 | 208 hp • 330 Nm | yes | AWD | 8-Sp Steptronic | 7.8 s | 6.7 L/100 km |
| 20d xDrive 2.0 I4 | 197 hp • 400 Nm | yes (12 V) | AWD | 8-Sp Steptronic | 7.9 s | 5.3 L/100 km |
| 30e xDrive PHEV | 299 hp • 450 Nm | 19.7 kWh net | AWD | 8-Sp Steptronic | 6.2 s | 1.2 L/100 km · EV 90 km |
| 40d xDrive 3.0 I6 | 293 hp • 650 Nm | yes | AWD | 8-Sp Steptronic | 5.3 s | 6.4 L/100 km |
| M50 xDrive 3.0 I6 | 398 hp • 580 Nm | yes | AWD + sport diff | 8-Sp Steptronic | 4.6 s | 8.4 L/100 km |
*Combined WLTP averages.
Boot space: 570 L (seats up) / 1 700 L (folded); PHEV loses ~100 L due to the HV battery.
PRO
| PRO | Why it stands out |
|---|
| Top-class space & flexibility | 40/20/40 sliding rear bench, flat floor, 570 L boot; new rail system with hooks and 12 V socket. |
| Broad powertrain menu | Diesels for high-milers, balanced 20 xDrive mild-hybrid, 90 km-EV 30e plug-in, and the hot-hatch-quick M50. |
| Sharper dynamics | Standard adaptive suspension (M Adaptive Pro on M50), variable steering and +19 mm tracks cut roll by 8 %. |
| iDrive 9 infotainment | Curved Display + full-width AR HUD, “Hey BMW” voice and smartphone-style QuickSelect tiles. |
| Level 2+ driver aids | 210 km/h adaptive cruise, assisted lane change, remote parking; “Personal Pilot” L3 hardware on standby. |
| Real-world efficiency | 20d holds 5.3 L/100 km on motorway; 30e delivers 50–55 km EV even in winter. |
| Strong resale | X models are fleet favourites: 40d and 30e M Sport retain ~72 % of MSRP after three years. |
CON
| CON | Typical comment |
|---|
| High mass (30e 1 970 kg) | Battery raises centre of gravity; feels less agile than 20 xDrive. |
| Firm 21-inch M Sport wheels | 245/40-21 tyres transmit urban potholes; 20-inches ride better. |
| Pricey options | Crystal Iconic Glow, AR HUD, B&W Diamond add €9–10 k to a base 20 xDrive. |
| Touch-only climate | Awkward with gloves; iDrive rotary stays but no physical HVAC knobs. |
| I6 petrol oil use | M50 needs ~0.6 L top-up every 4 000 km under spirited driving. |
| DC >50 kW essential for PHEV | 30e charges at 7.4 kW AC or 50 kW DC—slow chargers hurt long trips. |
Estimated running costs
| Service | Parts (€) | Labour (€) | Interval |
|---|
| 0W-20 oil + filter | 190 | 110 | 30 000 km / 24 mo |
| 8-Sp Steptronic ATF | 280 | 200 | 80 000 km |
| Brake fluid + xDrive | 120 | 150 | every 3 yr |
| Cabin filters + sanitise | 95 | 80 | 30 000 km |
| Coolant & HV check (30e) | – | 150 | 30 000 km |
| Front discs + pads (40d) | 320 | 170 | ~65 000 km |
| AdBlue (diesel) | 9 L / 12 000 km | – | – |
Price guide (OTR)
| Model | Engine | Driveline / Gearbox | Price |
|---|
| X3 20 xDrive Business | 208 hp | AWD / 8-AT | €57 000 |
| X3 20d xDrive Business | 197 hp | AWD / 8-AT | €58 600 |
| X3 30e xDrive M Sport | 299 hp PHEV | AWD / 8-AT | €66 900 |
| X3 40d xDrive M Sport | 293 hp | AWD / 8-AT | €69 800 |
| X3 M50 xDrive | 398 hp | AWD / 8-AT | €78 400 |
(No Sportback; that role will be filled by the all-electric iX3 Neue Klasse in 2026.)
Known issues & fixes (early deliveries)
| Issue | Remedy |
|---|
| Steering vibration 110–130 km/h | Wheel balance + front control-arm bush inspection. |
| Passenger-side dash creak | Felt-kit SIB 51 34 25; reinforced clips. |
| QuickSelect glitches after OTA | iDrive hard reset + patch 23-11-80; head-unit replacement if unresolved. |
| HD-Matrix head-lamp condensation | New vent channels; lamp swap if moisture >24 h. |
Verdict — BMW X3 (G45 MY 2025)
The fourth-generation X3 grows in size, adds standard mild-hybrid powertrains and a “tech-lounge” cabin with iDrive 9, yet keeps its well-rounded BMW DNA. In the crowded mid-size premium field (Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio) no single model rules every category; the X3’s strength is its balance of space, driving feel and power-train choice. Here’s a critical rundown across ten key areas.
| Area | Where it leads | Where it matches | Where it trails |
|---|
| Design & image | “Monolithic” lines, Iconic Glow grille, sharper M Sport kit than GLC. | Standard Veganza trims are respectable. | Cabin less flamboyant than GLC Hyperscreen or Volvo XC60’s portrait display. |
| Dynamics | +19 mm tracks, variable steering, standard adaptive chassis: 8 % less roll; M50 does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 s. | Stable braking, though long pedal travel on 20i/20d. | At 1 970 kg the M50 feels less agile than Stelvio Veloce in tight bends. |
| Real-world efficiency | 20d at 5.3 L/100 km motorway; 30e ≈ 19 kWh/100 km in city EV mode. | 20 xDrive equals Q5 45 TFSI. | 40d drinks 0.5 L/100 km more than GLC 300d MHEV. |
| Charging experience | 30e battery pre-conditioning, HPC route planner via iDrive 9. | 50 kW DC: 27 min 10→80 %. | Rivals with 60 kW+ (Stelvio REplug-in) or faster AC aren’t far behind. |
| Comfort & NVH | 67 dB at 130 km/h (acoustic glass); engine vibrations well suppressed. | M Adaptive Pro on M50 excels. | 21-inch run-flats ride harsher than Q5 on air springs. |
| HMI / Infotainment | iDrive 9 boots < 3 s, QuickSelect tiles intuitive, panoramic AR HUD optional. | iController remains. | GLC Hyperscreen & Google-based XC60 look more “wow”. |
| Practicality | 570 L boot, bench slides 135 mm: class-leading. | Big doors, low load lip. | 30e loses 100 L; no frunk. |
| Running costs | Service Inclusive 5 yr/60 k km at €990; 20d enjoys lower road tax. | Standard 20-inch tyres €250 each. | M50: 21-inch rubber €320 each + oil top-ups → TCO +11 % vs 40d. |
| Depreciation | 40d & 30e M Sport predicted ≥ 72 % after 36 mo. | M50 projected 68 %. | GLC diesels hold slightly better due to lower entry price. |
| Range & incentives | Petrol, diesel, PHEV in one body style; eco-bonuses on 30e in some regions. | — | No full-electric yet (future Neue-Klasse iX3). |
Who it suits
Active families needing space, AWD and low running costs (20d/20 xDrive).
Commuters with home charging: 30e delivers up to 90 km EV and tax perks.
High-mileage business users: motorway comfort, full ADAS, strong resale.
Light-M enthusiasts: M50 offers hot-hatch pace with SUV versatility.
Who should look elsewhere
Fast-charge EV travellers requiring >150 kW DC – consider Audi Q6 e-tron, Tesla Model Y LR.
Display fanatics – opt for Mercedes GLC Hyperscreen or Volvo XC60 Google cockpit.
Air-suspension seekers for towing or plush ride – Audi Q5 on air, Range Rover Velar.
Recommended spec
X3 30e xDrive M Sport + Innovation Pack + 20-inch wheels: sweet balance of punch, nightly charging, incentives and ride comfort; skip the noisier 21-inch run-flats.
The 2025 X3 isn’t the lightest or the flashiest, yet it blends top-tier cabin space, engaging dynamics and power-trains for every need. For buyers wanting a well-rounded premium SUV with genuine AWD, modern tech and sensible running costs, the X3 remains one of the segment’s most complete propositions.
BMW X3: pros, cons, costs and common fixes 
