We’ve spotted BMW testing the upcoming 2025 BMW X3, codenamed G45, out on the Nurburgring in Germany, giving us some clues as to what to expect from new model.
As far as we know, the G45 X3 will continue on BMW’s CLAR platform which means it will continue with a longitudinal engine configuration with rear-wheel drive characteristics. Petrol, diesel and hybrid options are expected to continue.
In saying that, the G45 generation could be the last to feature internal combustion engine options. Just like the latest 7 Series and its i7 electric sibling, as well as the more recent 2024 5 Series and the i5, the 2025 X3 will be presented in iX3 form as well (codenamed NA5).
The new iX3 is set to adopt the Neue Klasse platform, meaning both the X3 and iX3 could run on different layouts. This is quite unusual for the brand; running the same model series on two different platforms.
Despite featuring two platforms, similar technology is set to be presented inside. It’s understood BMW will introduce its new Android Auto-based 9.0 operating system with twin digital screens on the dash, and a new toggle switch for the gear selector down below.
BMW is also working on introducing its iDrive 10, or iDrive X system and it will be released on Neue Klasse vehicles. It features some cool new aspects such as a Panoramic Vision head-up display system that runs across the entire lower edge of the windscreen. Only the new iX3 will apparently receive the 10.0 system and not the regular X3..
As for the powertrains, a report by BMWBlog suggests BMW will drop the ‘i’ from its model names. So, that means variants such as the xDrive30i will simply be called X3 30. The diesel version is likely to keep the ‘d’, such as the 20d.
At the top of the G45 X3 range will be the M Performance M40i. However, reports suggest it will switch to a new name called X3 M50. Power is expected to come from a tweaked version of the existing 3.0-litre turbo inline-six ‘B58’ engine, producing around 295kW instead of 285kW.
In some sad news for M fans, the X3 M and X3 M Competition could be dropped completely. It’s believed BMW M will instead focus on the iX3 and introduce an ‘iX3 M’ of sorts. With electric motors, power and acceleration are likely to be the most impressive yet for any X3 model ever.
Speaking of the electric system, BMW is introducing its new Gen6 battery tech and 800V electrical system with the Neue Klasse platform. BMW has promised 30 per cent more range with Gen6, as well as quicker charging times.
Specific figures are yet to be officially confirmed but BMW has previously mentioned range possibilities of up to 1000km using the Gen6 tech. In a statement, BMW said:
“For the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology used in the NEUE KLASSE, the company has fundamentally refined the cell format and cell chemistry. With the new BMW round cell specially designed for the electric architecture of the NEUE KLASSE models, it will be possible to significantly increase the range of the highest-range model by up to 30 percent (according to WLTP).”
Production of the new X3 is set to commence at BMW’s Spartanburg facility during the middle of 2024, followed about a year later by the iX3.
