For the following generation, the 2025 BMW X3 will have an even bolder interior design.

 

For the following generation, the 2025 BMW X3 will have an even bolder interior design.

 

The next-generation BMW X3, the company's mainstay vehicle, is now formally available and turns heads. The new X3 was shown today in the X3 30xDrive and X3 M50 drive variants. It has a completely redesigned exterior, significantly modified engines, and an abundance of additional technology.

 

First off, the X3 has a more aggressive stance than the previous generation thanks to its longer (1.3 inches), broader (1.1 inches), and lower (1 inch) height. This is just another certain BMW design to spark controversy. To assist you distinguish between the two, the standard X3 30 (no longer a "I" for gas-powered BMWs) and X3 M50 feature unique kidney grille designs. It is identified as a 30 by the vertical and diagonal slats, whereas the M50 has a kidney grille with horizontal slats that are mostly covered in black trim and, of course, a M emblem. On the M50, a light-up surround is standard; on the 30, it is optional.

 

According to BMW, the slab-sided design attempts to simplify the design down to only "the essentials" and is intended to have a monolithic overall look. It seems even broader and livelier because to its flared wheel arches, and it has a really unique appearance thanks to its concave rear tailgate. The M-shaped quad exhaust pipes make it easy to identify an M50 from behind, whereas the 30 has a disguised exhaust outlet behind the rear apron. In the image below, you're viewing Dune Grey metallic, one of the new paint choices for the M50. And finally, the entire series will include wheel choices ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

Regarding drivetrains, the basic X3 30 drive is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been redesigned. This engine produces 295 pound-feet of torque and 255 horsepower, which is an increase of 7 and 37, respectively. According to BMW, the changes include new switchable rocker arms on the exhaust side of the Valvetrain variable valve timing system, revised intake ports, combustion chambers, a new ignition and injection system, and an enhanced turbocharger and intercooler. For even greater efficiency gains, it has 48-volt mild hybrid technology in addition to the Miller cycle. Although fuel economy numbers are unknown, BMW claims it will reach 60 mph in the same amount of time as before—6.0 seconds.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine of the X3 M50 drive (all X3s are now all-wheel drive) is an even more extensively upgraded engine that runs on a 48-volt mild hybrid system. In addition to updating the exhaust gas routing and camshaft timing, installing a stronger crankshaft drive, optimizing the oil supply with cooling channels, using new main bearing shells and caps, and improving the indirect charge air cooling, BMW revised every component mentioned above for the four-cylinder engine. The 0–60 time stays at 4.4 seconds, but the output rises to 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, increases of 9 and 59, respectively.

 

Although the starter-generator for the 48-volt mild hybrid system is positioned on the belt drive of the four-cylinder engine, it is incorporated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox of the M50. Increased stiffness and a wider rear track are said to help both X3 models, according to BMW, while improvements to the front and back axles also improve straight-line stability and turn-in accuracy. The 30 comes with an optional M Sport suspension that comes with sport steering and M Sport brakes. However, you can also choose to have the adaptive dampers calibrated less aggressively by opting for the separately available Dynamic Damper Control option. Naturally, the M50 boasts unique enhancements as well, such as the variable sport steering, adaptive M Sport suspension, and M Sport brakes.

Given that the inside features a completely new design language from BMW, it is even more visually stunning than the outside. The contrasting light features in the console and doors of the M50 make its interior stand out. The interior has a distinct personality due to the air vents' apparent concealment from view, sharp angles, and unusual forms. Of course, there are also a lot of features that are recognizable, including the drive knob with its surrounding buttons, the steering wheel (which resembles the new 5 and 7 Series), and the Curved Display running drive 9, which contains the infotainment and cluster.

With the X3 generation, driver assistance systems are even more advanced. BMW has unveiled a new Parking Assistant that is much more feature-rich than its earlier auto-parking systems, allowing the car to do a variety of moves from outside the vehicle. The Traffic Jam Assistant may take over with hands-free driving at speeds under 40 mph, while BMW claims to have upgraded its navigation system with more data and an augmented reality perspective for simpler assistance on longer excursions.


In terms of other technologies, the X3 can now play video games when stationary by using the Air Console technology. Moreover, you may stream live and on-demand content via the video app DTS Auto Stage Video Service. BMW's personal voice assistant has been enhanced, and in addition to the Personal, Sport, and Efficient modes that come standard, buyers will also be able to purchase additional "My Modes" such as the new Silent Mode, Digital Art Mode, Expressive Mode, and Relax Mode.