Here it is. The next-gen, 2025 BMW X3. This is set to lay new standards for the premium mid-size SUV class, and it has been locked in for Australia for early next year.
The new model is 34mm longer, 29mm wider, yet 25mm lower for a sportier profile. And as you might be able to see, this is all wrapped up in a brand new design. It’s sleeker, with smoother panel contours, mild wheel arch highlights, and the bumper bars are more integrated than before.
Four powertrains will be available in various parts of the world, including the 20 xDrive, 30e xDrive, M50 xDrive, and 20d xDrive. There is no more 30d 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six. BMW Australia has confirmed the 20 xDrive and M50 so far.
The entry 20 features the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, producing 153kW and 330Nm. It can sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.8 seconds. The M50 continues with the famed B58 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-six, but output has been bumped up to 293kW and 580Nm. It does the sprint in 4.6 seconds. Both engines feature 48V mild-hybrid tech.
Fuel consumption ranges between 6.9-7.6L/100km for the 20 xDrive, and 7.7-8.3L/100km for the M50. Final Australian specs are yet to be confirmed.
Various changes have been made to the suspension setup, all bolted to the CLAR platform as before. Revisions include tuning for the double-joint struts at the front and five-link rear end to improve turn-in precision, with 19 per cent increased caster offset for the front to enhance stability.
In Australia, both the 20 and M50 will come standard with adaptive suspension, providing sharpened handling when needed but also improved comfort when you’re driving on ordinary roads. The body is also stiffer and lighter, with a wider track at the back to increase agility and control.
Inside, BMW presents its latest operating system 9.0, based on an Android Open Source Project for the first time. It includes a 14.9-inch curved display for the infotainment and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and there’s a new QuickSelect feature to reduce distraction when selecting menus.
Up at the back the boot grows from 550L to 570L, and from 1600L to 1700L with the rear seats folded.
BMW Australia confirms the new X3 will arrive locally in the first quarter of 2025, with prices and final specs to be announced in July.
