2025 BWM X3 review
BMW’s latest offering isn’t just another family-hauling or school-run warrior, this is an SUV that has nailed design, performance and technology.
My fiance has been on my case for years about us buying a BMW, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve said no.
I’ve always gravitated towards German brands like Mercedes or Volkswagen. But as with many things, he was right.
This isn’t just another family-hauling or school-run warrior, this is an SUV that has nailed design, performance and technology.
It’s an SUV that quickly became natural to me. There was no awkward adjustment period, no fumbling around trying to get comfortable, this is a car that immediately felt like home. That’s rare.
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The 2025 line-up includes the X3 20 xDrive ($86,100 plus on road costs), which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit capable of producing 140kW and 310Nm. The mid-tier option is the 30e xDrive ($104,100) which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and high-voltage battery, delivering 220kW and 450Nm.
This model also features a 19.7kWh battery offering an electric driving range of 91km.
The top spec, the X3 M50 xDrive ($128,900) which replaces the outgoing M40i and is powered by an updated 3.0-litre twin turbocharged straight six, producing 298kW and 580Nm thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
That’s enough to rock this 1980kg SUV from 0-100km/g in just 4.6 seconds, seriously quick for something of this size.
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MORE AGGRESSIVE
This generation is longer, wider and lower, giving it more of an aggressive stance on the road. It has a different look to the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, it’s more commanding.
The 14.9-inch curved digital display and 12.3-inch digital drivers display is crisp, high tech and most importantly so easy to use!
The X3 M50 was a dream to drive, the adaptive M Suspension strikes an excellent balance between control and handling, even on some of the patchy roads of Mornington Peninsula.
You can feel a real difference in sports mode, which stiffens the steering and suspension. I opted for the softer settings for a more composed drive. The other driving modes like “Expressive” and “Art” seem a little useless, albeit nice and not something I think drivers will use consistently.
Thanks to well placed shortcuts, there’s no deep menu diving while driving. The storage and functionality is a big tick, there are countless storage compartments.
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Two wireless charging pads, two USB-C ports, four cupholders and even a jewellery box (an extra storage space in the middle console). Brilliant. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium 15 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, heads up display, smartphone key access and adaptive LED headlights.
The M50’s cabin feels premium, with tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof as standard.
THE REAL DEAL
The upholstery is synthetic leather. If you want real leather you’ll need to fork out an extra $4,000 but the synthetic is perfectly comfortable and feels premium.
BMW has delivered on the upholstery and colour choices with all the options feeling sophisticated and on trend for 2025.
Rear space is generous, with heated outer seats and plenty of legroom.
Luggage space is terrific with 570 litres, expanding to 1700 litres with the seats folded – more than enough for school runs or weekend getaways.
There’s plenty of safety features including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist and a 360 degree camera system. The Driving Assistant Professional suite even offers auto lane changes, simply requiring a flick of the indicator to execute smoothly.
So to cut to the chase, does the BMW X3 M50 xDrive live up to the $128,900 asking price? Yes.
VERDICT
At $128,900 plus on-road costs, the X3 M50 is priced on the higher side, going head to head with Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and the Audi SQ5.
But you’re paying for what you get, a premium SUV, an engaging drive, a bold new design and plenty of everyday practicality.
If you’re looking for a luxurious SUV then the X3 should be at the top of your list.
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