BMW X3 2025 First Drive Review: What's Included In The Indian Variant?

Get ready for an exciting first look at the BMW X3 2025, now in its 4th generation! This new model brings with it some eye-catching design changes, improved driving dynamics, and a range of tech upgrades, but there’s so much more under the hood. From its robust ICE engine options to the upgraded suspension and steering setup, BMW enthusiasts and car lovers alike will find something to love. Let us dive into the highlights!

Bold New Design
The X3 sports a fresh design with noticeable changes. The massive grille is back but with a twist, vertical elements are paired with diagonal lines, giving it a unique look. The Tanzanite Blue colour pops beautifully in sunlight, adding a metallic shimmer, though it looks almost black in low light. BMW's famous twin-ring DRLs are now reimagined as L-shaped LEDs, and the matrix LED headlights add even more sophistication.
The car has a monolithic design, meaning fewer contours and more straight, block-like surfaces that exude strength and simplicity. Its overall look is clean, modern, and strong, but the design won’t necessarily leave you weak in the knees, it’s all about functionality and robustness.

Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics
BMW hasn’t forgotten what made the X3 great in the first place: handling. The X3 20 comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which gives it a 18 BHP boost. While the new X3 might not be radically different from the previous generation, since it’s built on the same CLAR platform, the tweaks to its suspension and steering system are significant. You’ll feel more precise handling, especially on sharp turns, and the car remains steady even at high speeds.
With the five-link rear axle and double-joint spring strut axle in the front, the new X3 offers a composed ride across city streets, highways, and even uneven surfaces. BMW has managed to reduce body roll further, making the X3 a sharper and more responsive car to drive.

Tech & Interior
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a sleek, minimalist cabin that takes BMW's monolithic design ethos inside. With fewer buttons, everything is now integrated into the curved display, giving the cabin a modern and futuristic look.
The car features OS9 and iDrive systems with additional third-party app integration, enhancing its tech-forward experience. The interior lighting also stands out, with BMW’s new interactive light bar adding a dynamic element that changes according to the car’s driving modes.
However, the simplified design may not appeal to everyone, some elements can feel plasticky or bare, especially around the control panel. Still, with plenty of ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a focus on driver comfort, it’s a tech lover’s dream.

Safety & Features
As expected from BMW, the X3 is packed with safety features, including 9 airbags, a level 2 ADAS suite, and enhanced crash protection. With disc brakes and advanced driver assistance technologies, the X3 is fully equipped to keep you safe on the road.

What’s Next?
The 2025 BMW X3 is expected to debut in India at the Auto Expo 2025 Mobility Show, with availability in the first quarter of 2025. Will the Indian variant get the same level of tech, or possibly a long-wheelbase version? Only time will tell.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more first-drive reviews and updates!

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[channel_dis]

I donno why I like this car so much, especially the M50 version. It’s a beauty in and out! Forget about the plastics everyone complaining about. It looks well built and robust.

[vivekgopinathan]

Zf calibration is just brilliant. As a current owner of x3 30i, bmw engineers have mastered the drivetrain calibration

[milindshinde]

I hope you told them, once it comes to India, it has the switches oriented towards RHD vehicles, especially the central console switches and the gear knob accordingly.

[karthikJ-]

You forgot to tell one crucial thing . This is is ultimate plastic machine. 😢 it’s disgusting how much cost cutting bmw done to this car . Everything you touch is plastic. Huge downgrade from previous version. They cannot demand luxury car price for plastic bucket

[mohitm]

Germans are making Chinese lookalike cars nowadays. Ugly inside outside with TWO TABLETS on dash and cartoonish looking exterior

[Pauli]

Hello sir. Please advise can you provide discount for Indian buyers?

[stevelouie]

Pretty sure the engine sounds are piped in. Not sure if i want that in a luxury car.

[stevelouie]

I think this looks better than the Msport body package. There's way too much gloss black trim. It definitely looks better with 20 inch rims. The color is a 1k additional cost. I have a 2017 in mediterranean blue but i forgot if it cost extra or not.

[spoiler]

The only good thing about this new version is the ride, engine, and transmission which remain essentially the same. Bulbous bland exterior, weak interior design. Loss of material quality and certain features are gone. (Sunroof doesn't open, no rear ambient lighting, no rear door comfort access) More black gloss plastic to scratch and fingerprint.
Easy decision: 2024 X3 M40i, loaded. Having a blast.

[anoop]

What happened to bmw design team, what the hell are they doing with front design. Damn shit ugly dump look.