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The BMW X3 has been the premium German auto model’s best-seller for years now, and because the all-new fourth-generation mannequin reiterated when it arrived in Australian showrooms late final yr, that’s for excellent causes.
Longer and wider however not as tall because the mid-size luxurious SUV it replaces, this new BMW X3 has been given a serious overhaul each in and out.
Inside, there’s now BMW’s Curved Show, which features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system working BMW’s Android-based Working System 9.0.
Following the native media launch of the new-generation X3 earlier this yr, we spent every week with the entry-level 20 xDrive on extra acquainted roads.
Is it the choose of the vary? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How a lot does the BMW X3 value?
The 20 xDrive is the entry level to the Mk4 X3 lineup in Australia, priced at greater than $86,000 earlier than on-road prices. Our tester was fitted with a smattering of choices, bringing the asking value to a cool $101,500 plus on-roads.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-roads |
|---|---|
| 2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive | $86,100 |
| 2025 BMW X3 30e xDrive | $102,500 |
| 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive | $128,900 |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
What’s the BMW X3 like on the within?
As with many crossover SUVs, it’s straightforward to get into the X3’s cabin, demonstrating why many individuals with poor mobility like all these automobiles since you don’t must climb up or bob down into the cabin. As a substitute you simply step throughout.
When you’re in, the driving force’s seat is fantastically snug. There’s a lot electrical adjustment obtainable, together with for under-thigh assist, an extendable seat cushion, lumbar assist and facet bolstering, amongst others. This implies folks of all totally different sizes and statures will be capable to discover their desired seating place.
There may be additionally a spread of various upholstery selections obtainable, together with Veganza leatherette, an Alcantara and Veganza mixture, and full Merino leather-based. Our tester was outfitted with the Espresso Brown Veganza faux-leather upholstery, which is a no-cost possibility. It seems to be correctly cool and is a superb different to boring black.
My private favorite remains to be the Amber/Atlas Gray Merino leather-based trim, which is a tan color that verges on orange, however the $4000 asking value for it hurts.
Forward of the driving force is a chunky, flat-bottomed M Sport steering wheel that verges on being nearly too thick. That is frequent to BMW steering wheels.
The bodily buttons and scroll wheels on the wheel are significantly appreciated, however as a result of they’re on panels completed in shiny piano black, they give the impression of being grotty rapidly. That is disappointing for a premium car since you ceaselessly work together with the steering wheel buttons.
Behind the steering wheel is the centrepiece of the brand new X3’s inside – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system melded collectively into one curved show. It runs BMW’s iDrive 9.0 working system, which is Android-based.
There’s additionally a head-up show on high of the dashboard that’s massive and has loads of configurability. Whereas it’s nice to have important info like your present pace obtainable at a look, it will possibly typically get a bit distracting with all the opposite parts. Fortunately, you possibly can go for a minimalist structure if this fits you extra.
And the digital instrument cluster seems to be fantastically clear and brilliant. It will also be customised in many various methods, starting from layouts and widgets. It could actually even show Apple Maps when related with Apple CarPlay, and Google Maps when related with Android Auto.
Transferring throughout, the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is correctly big. It’s a good attain from the driving force’s seat to work together with the far left-hand facet of the display, and typically I wanted to lean out my seat to take action.
Fortunately, there’s rotary iDrive controller on the centre console, offering an extra approach to work together with the infotainment system. It’s the primary time the BMW iDrive 9.0 working system has been paired with an iDrive controller.
It’s pretty straightforward to navigate across the infotainment system’s native person interface after you’ve had a poke and prod across the menus. It may be a bit overwhelming at first, nevertheless, particularly for those who’re not tech savvy.
You do want to make use of the display so much for key capabilities, together with for the local weather controls. And there’s no straightforward approach to alter the gap setting with the adaptive cruise management on the steering wheel. As a substitute it is advisable to click on a shortcut button on the centre console, then faucet by at the least two totally different menus on the touchscreen to vary the setting.
There are a couple of different shortcut buttons beneath the touchscreen or across the iDrive controller that take you to key sub-menus within the infotainment system, however that is nowhere close to as purposeful as a button on the wheel. Plainly minimalism has taken a step too far, because it impedes performance.
As customary, there are wired and wi-fi types of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly, I didn’t expertise any notable dropouts. Nevertheless, round half the best way by my mortgage the CarPlay projection flipped so the house button was on the passenger facet, like in left-hand drive automobiles. Bizarre…
There’s a wi-fi charger on the entrance of the centre console, which is ventilated and allowed my cellphone battery to cost up whereas utilizing smartphone mirroring. This isn’t at all times the case with non-ventilated wi-fi chargers as they usually make mine overheat and never cost.
There’s just one wi-fi charger, although, so for those who want extra charging factors, there are a wealth of USB-C retailers scattered all through the cabin.
Wanting across the cabin, it does look particular and very high-tech, although it’s let down by the odd exhausting plastic floor in areas you wouldn’t anticipate, akin to across the dashboard and on the door playing cards.
Our tester was outfitted with the non-obligatory knitted texture end, which is similar to what’s provided in present Mini fashions and does disguise a few of these more durable finishes. You have to pay $1200 for the privilege, although.
The knit texture has a refined blue tinge which doesn’t pair with each single upholstery possibility, and it additionally has a rough texture which mightn’t be to everybody’s tastes.
One other flashy factor of the X3’s inside is the ambient lighting setup. It spans throughout the dashboard, and in addition encompasses sure sections of the entrance door playing cards and centre console. If you change drive modes the panels change color, however you’re additionally in a position to manually choose totally different colors and mixtures. It’s a nifty function that’s cool to indicate off to your passengers.
One thing that does grate, nevertheless, is the air vent setup, which is analogous to those within the present 5 Collection and i5. Reasonably than with the ability to change the air vent route utilizing an adjuster on the vent itself, there are disconnected little knobs and in addition touch-sensitive sliders to manage the air vent circulate. It’s not probably the most intuitive setup and might typically be a bit fiddly.
If the ambient lighting doesn’t present sufficient mild, there’s a panoramic glass sunroof obtainable as an possibility on the bottom 20 xDrive. Our tester got here fitted with it and it does flood the cabin with much more mild, however sadly it’s a hard and fast glass panel and doesn’t have a tilt and slide perform to permit extra air circulate.
By way of storage up entrance, it’s ample. There are two cupholders, a centre console field with a good quantity of house, in addition to a small glove field that may solely actually match the proprietor’s handbook.
Transferring to the second row, there’s an apparent step down when it comes to wow issue. It’s an okay house to spend time in, however if you wish to get the total impact of the curved show and ambient lighting, it’s finest to sit down up entrance.
At a leggy 182cm, I had a good however not superb quantity of house behind my very own driving place. There are many different mid-size SUVs with extra second-row house, however within the premium value bracket it’s on par with the competitors.
Two adults would be capable to match within the second with ease and be snug, although pushing it to a few would make issues squishy. And the particular person within the center seat must cope with a sizeable driveline hump, which is disappointing but in addition frequent.
Second-row facilities are fewer and much between when in comparison with the primary row, however embrace a touchscreen on the again of the centre console for controlling the local weather management, air vents, USB-C ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. It’s fairly customary when it comes to customary match, although our tester got here outfitted with non-obligatory heated second-row seats and solar blinds as a part of the Consolation package deal.
Across the again, there’s an influence tailgate that opens swiftly and quietly, because it ought to. The boot house on provide is beneficiant, although the facilities in listed below are pretty customary. These embrace a lightweight, bag hooks, cargo blind and, in our tester, a baggage compartment internet as a part of the non-obligatory Consolation package deal.
Disappointingly, the X3 20 xDrive doesn’t include a correct spare wheel or perhaps a space-saver spare.
As customary, the automobile rides on run-flat tyres, however for those who go for the bigger 20-inch alloy wheels it will get common tyres as a substitute, and picks up a tyre restore package that lives beneath the boot flooring. It’s not ultimate for individuals who journey lengthy distances away from tyre restore outlets.
| Dimensions | BMW X3 20 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Size | 4755mm |
| Width | 1920mm |
| Peak | 1660mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865mm |
| Cargo capability | 570L (5 seats) 1700L (2 seats) |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
What’s beneath the bonnet?
All fourth-generation X3 variants have electrified powertrains, and the 20 xDrive comes with a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid help.
| Specs | X3 20 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol 48V MHEV |
| Engine outputs | 140kW/310Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 8kW/25Nm |
| System outputs | 140kW/310Nm |
| Battery | 0.9kW li-ion |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive sort | AWD |
| Weight (kerb) | 1855kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.5 seconds |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 7.5L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 6.9L/100km (350km combined driving) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 65L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 171g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2200kg |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
How does the BMW X3 drive?
Urgent the shiny black starter button on the centre console sees the four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine fireplace up with little fuss. Whereas the engine is warming up, its idle sound is noticeable however by no means gruff like some Mercedes-Benz fashions will be.
Setting off, this engine is blissfully quiet and refined. The truth is, you possibly can barely hear the engine working away in on a regular basis driving conditions. Mash the throttle or activate the Enhance mode by holding down the downshift paddle, and it’ll make its presence identified. Usually, nevertheless, it’s usually simply within the background working away.
Within the regular driving mode, the digital instrument cluster shows the proportion of energy being fed again into the system relatively than a typical tachometer. In the event you flick to Sport mode it then exhibits a rev gauge, which for me is much more intuitive. I don’t actually care how a lot energy I’m inputting. I simply wish to see how a lot the engine is or isn’t revving.
Doubtless one of many primary causes for the automobile not displaying a tacho as customary is as a result of it’s a mild-hybrid. The petrol engine is augmented by a small electrical motor which helps with brief bursts of acceleration and may take some load off the engine.
It additionally permits for extra seamless engine idle cease/begin performance, and might permit the engine to modify off when coasting. The truth is, you possibly can barely even inform when the engine switches on and off, which is uncommon, even for mild-hybrids.
As a package deal, this 48V mild-hybrid turbo-petrol powertrain is a gem. It’s not the quickest factor on the market, however you’ll simply be maintaining with visitors from the lights. That is seemingly all of the automobile and energy you’ll ever want, although the flagship M50 xDrive’s inline-six turbo-petrol engine is downright scrumptious.
Though the X3 20 xDrive isn’t a efficiency weapon, the platform it’s based mostly on is a confirmed recipe for achievement. Plus, having all-wheel drive as customary means you gained’t be struggling for grip, even when the street will get slippery.
One other profit of getting mild-hybrid help on this automobile is that gasoline consumption is incredible. Even with a heavy bias of city driving throughout my testing, I properly and really recorded lower than the 7.5L/100km declare for this automobile.
The steering on this automobile does lean on the lighter facet, but it surely nonetheless feels direct. It’s enjoyable to toss this medium SUV round on metropolis streets because the automobile is communicative and agile.
As customary, this automobile has adaptive suspension, which soaks up just about all the city street imperfections you possibly can throw at it. Even harsher bumps and pace bumps don’t faze it.
Regardless of this, it nonetheless has a sporty edge to its experience. It is because all X3s include the M Sport package deal in Australia, which suggests they’ve a sportier suspension tune.
Out on the open street, this automobile can stretch its legs and change into an excellent freeway tourer. It’s so quiet at freeway speeds that you simply’d nearly suppose you’re driving an EV. The draw back is that different noises, like a rattle over on the passenger facet in our take a look at automobile, are extra noticeable.
One other good thing about this automobile’s fuel-sipping talents is that you may theoretically journey over 1000km on a tank of petrol, based mostly on my as-tested gasoline consumption of 6.9L/100km. You’d usually see this sort of gasoline vary in a diesel-powered automobile.
On the security entrance, the X3 20 xDrive is absolutely loaded, appropriately at this value level.
The adaptive cruise management is good and, actually, a benchmark. The way in which it’s in a position to handle the gap between the automobile forward may be very pure. It additionally doesn’t drastically overreact when a automobile cuts in entrance of you.
It nonetheless grates, although, that it is advisable to alter the adaptive cruise distance settings deep in touchscreen sub-menus.
The automobile’s lane-keep system isn’t instrusive and solely intervenes when it completely must, and its lane-centring perform, which works along side the adaptive cruise management, is top-notch and reduces driver fatigue on lengthy journeys. With the latter, there’s additionally an assisted lane change perform, which is a bit aggressive for my liking, but it surely’s additionally a useful support to make boring freeway journeys simpler.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
What do you get?
On take a look at right here is the entry-level X3 20 xDrive.
2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Run-flat tyres
- M Sport package deal
- Adaptive suspension
- Adaptive LED headlights
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille
- Acoustic glazing
- Energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Working System 9
- BMW Clever Private Assistant
- BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial)
- Distant software program updates
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Head-up show
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Anti-dazzle exterior and inside mirrors
- Consolation Entry and Digital Key Plus
- M Sport leather-based steering wheel
- Anthracite M headliner
- Veganza upholstery
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Heated entrance seats
Elective Gear
There may be a variety of non-obligatory packages obtainable for the X3 vary.
The $6000 ($4800 w/ Alpine White paint) Enhancement package deal for the X3 20 xDrive provides:
- Metallic paint
- Alarm system
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
This similar package deal can also be obtainable on the X3 30e xDrive, sans the panoramic glass roof already customary on that mannequin, for $4000.
The $4000 Consolation package deal for the X3 20 xDrive provides:
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Curler blinds for rear facet home windows
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Privateness glass
- Baggage compartment separating internet
The M Sport Professional package deal for the ($3000 for X3 20 xDrive; $2000 for X3 30e xDrive) provides:
- Excessive-gloss Shadowline with prolonged contents
- Radiator grille body and struts
- Tail mild trim detailing
- Tailpipe trims
- M Lights Shadow Line
- M Sport brakes with purple calipers (blue additionally obtainable)
- M seatbelts
A trailer tow hitch is accessible as a single possibility for the X3 vary for $2200. Whatever the variant, it has a most braked towing capability of 2200kg (2000kg for 30e xDrive).
There are additionally non-obligatory alloy wheels, upholstery finishes, and inside trims. A brand new knitted texture on the instrument panel will be optioned for $1200, whereas Merino leather-based upholstery prices an additional $4000.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
Is the BMW X3 secure?
The 2025 BMW X3 hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP but.
Customary security tools consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Steering and Lane Management Assistant
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Parking assistant
- Reverse Assistant
- Drive recorder
- Tyre stress monitoring system
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
How a lot does the BMW X3 value to run?
The 2025 BMW X3 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee like the broader BMW vary.
| Servicing and Guarantee | BMW X3 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Pre-paid service package deal | 5 years, 80,000km – $2475 (Service Inclusive Primary) |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW X3
The fourth-generation BMW X3 is a superb automobile, and it’s at present my choose of the posh mid-size SUVs on sale.
It presents loads of glitz and glam, each in and out, and it’s a pleasure to drive each round city and out within the twisties. The stellar driving dynamics, specifically, are one thing that stand out on this new-generation mannequin.
The entry-level 20 xDrive, as examined right here, is arguably all of the X3 you’d ever want. Certain, the high-performance M50 xDrive with its silky clean and deliciously highly effective inline-six is a tremendous automobile, however for on a regular basis functions you barely scratch the floor of what it’s able to.
That is the place the X3 20 xDrive shines, nevertheless. Its whisper-quiet electrified petrol 4 makes it a breeze to drive, no matter whether or not you spend the vast majority of your time within the metropolis or out on nation roads. It’s additionally a serious profit that this engine is so environment friendly.
Lastly, there’s the worth. As a base, this entry-level X3 is fairly good worth for the premium SUV phase, however as with a lot of its rivals there are oodles of interesting extras that van drastically inflate the worth.
Though this automobile begins at $86,100 earlier than on-roads, for those who tick a couple of packing containers, it will possibly in a short time cross the six-figure threshold. That is removed from unusual, but it surely weakens the worth proposition of this car considerably.
Regardless of this, the new-generation X3 reinforces its place as Australia’s benchmark mid-size luxurious SUV.
Thinking about shopping for a BMW X3? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers here
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MORE: Everything BMW X3