The new 2025 BMW X3 has been unveiled with two mild-hybrid petrol engines for Australia, missing out on Europe’s PHEV – and there’s no iX3 EV to be seen anywhere
In brief
- Fourth-gen 2025 BMW X3 set to launch in Australia early next year
- No iX3 EV variant this time; just petrol & diesel
- 48-volt mild hybrid system onboard for efficiency boost
- Two variants at launch: X3 20 xDrive & X3 M50 xDrive, AWD standard
- It’s bigger: Length up by 34mm, width by 29mm. Also 25mm lower “for added presence”
- 2025 BMW X3 has a bigger boot at 570-1700 litres
- Specs & pricing to be announced in July
The new fourth-generation 2025 BMW X3 has been unveiled today, ahead of an Australian sales debut set for the first quarter of 2025.
When it arrives, the new 2025 BMW X3 will be offered in two main forms: the entry-level X3 20 and the muscly X3 M50 flagship, both with xDrive all-wheel-drive equipped as standard.
Both will also have a 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ system onboard to improve fuel efficiency, although this technology comes in lieu of the X3 30e plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) model announced for Europe. BMW’s local arm hasn’t ruled the PHEV model out, but it has so far offered no word on its intentions for a later introduction.
Also conspicuous in its absence is the iX3 badge, which lived on a popular all-electric variant of the outgoing third-generation range. That model has been left out of the new line-up globally, and while BMW isn’t commenting on the omission just yet, it’s likely been decided to make room for next year’s ‘Neue Klasse’ (new class) electric SUV – which may or may not be named iX3.
In its new fourth-generation form, the 2025 BMW X3 is longer and wider than its predecessor, growing 34mm to 4755mm and 29mm to 1920mm respectively.
Its wheelbase is unchanged, and while the brand hasn’t said, it’s likely riding on a version of the CLAR platform that underpins most other current BMW models. The new X3 does however sit 25mm lower for – in BMW’s words – “added presence”.
Despite whatever architectural elements it may share with the outgoing model, the 2025 BMW X3 boasts an overall lighter and stiffer structure, along with new double-joint strut front-axle suspension and a wider rear axle with a five-link design.
In Europe, all models have coil springs and passive dampers, but Australian variants will have adaptive suspension as standard.
Powertrains in the local 2025 BMW X3 line-up include a 140kW/310Nm turbo petrol four-cylinder engine for the X3 20 xDrive, while the hero X3 M50 xDrive gets a 3.0-litre petrol turbo in-line six producing 293kW and 580Nm.
Performance figures see a 0-100km/h claim of 8.5 seconds for the X3 20 – a figure just about halved at the other end, with the X3 M50 claiming a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds.
No full-bottle X3 M model has been announced, and it’s likely one won’t be offered except in Neue Klasse iX3 form.
Interior highlights include a huge curved display and ‘Interaction Bar’, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new gear selector, along with sports seats and an instrument panel made from recycled materials.
The latest latest BMW iDrive is featured, loaded with ‘Operating System 9’ and the QuickSelect interface. Expect Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to be featured, both with a wireless connection. CarPlay could also appear in its second-generation form, outlined this week by The Verge.
Boot space for the 2025 BMW X3 is listed at 570-1700 litres, up from 550-1600L in the previous model.
When will the 2025 BMW X3 go on sale in Australia?
The new 2025 BMW X3 will be built in the USA and South Africa, and Australian deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Watch for pricing and more details to come in July.
Below: Four generations of BMW X3
