2025 BMW X3 review - Australia luxury SUV test (X3 20, M50)

The G45 BMW X3 is a way more convincing luxury SUV than its predecessor, and that's saying something.

The new version offers a couple of carryover powertrains but scores a host of new tech, better interior design and space, and it's better to drive, too.

Make sure you check out my review of the PHEV model (X3 30e xDrive) as I did a separate video for it -- this one tells you mostly about the X3 20 xDrive and the X3 M50 xDrive.

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ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER

Lexus NX - review coming soon.

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00:00 BMW X3
00:26 Is it the right price?
02:51 What are the best alternatives?
03:53 Is it the right size?
06:24 Interior
15:15 Under the bonnet
16:38 Driving - X3 20
19:26 Driving - X3 M50
22:11 Efficiency
23:50 Is it safe?
25:02 Ownership
25:41 Verdict

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[kjtdimlak]

I'd rather say this is not luxurious as it used to be. Everything has to be done through screens, which is an obvious cost cutting approach, and this has taken the things one step further in that direction with these flimsy touch sensitive buttons.

[andrewd]

No tactile buttons for heating, cooling, radio/entertainment. Just no. I wear glasses & I’m old okay? I’m not gonna faff around on a bloody touch screen with more apps than my laptop, whilst I’m supposed to be driving SAFELY! Paid subscriptionS? Wtf? This is where BMW takes the piss. As already said the plastics look a bit meh on the doors. Surprised you didn’t comment on that Matt? Aside from that I actually don’t mind it.🤪

[mervdavis]

Love this latest x3 version looks like the future of cars in Australia all cars are changing shape for the future I will have one please

[stutube]

Are you going to test the M50 Xdrive?? 😊. I would really love to see you review that one!!

Great channel by the way 👏

[bryantlan]

I am considering getting a BMW x1 with xdrive20i and M sports or the base trim x3, any suggestion is highly appreciated!

[ciybersal]

Zeekr 7X is the one I'm waiting for. Zeekr is the new BMW. The 009 destroyed Mansory Rolls in other review.

[DenzilBourne]

A nice car that I will look at..but I worry that it will not be a car to go the distance...I dont buy and flip at the end of the lease.... some of that tech isn't useful to me. Lexus NX ? as daily driver and save some dosh?...My neighbour had the earlier model and as a touring car not very impressive...for me uncomfortable ..as a sporty SUV ..very impressive.

[sheyone]

Seem like Cape Schanck - Flinder road near Mornington.

[Coastmac]

The 2.0d Xdrive joins the range later this yr. The 4.0d Xdrive will only be available for Police use

[보바-fg]

I can’t believe you didn’t talk about the amount of shitty plastics used all over the cabin, especially the door handles.

[stephengriffin]

How's the BMW's resale and huge problems with all models.

[GordonToohey]

the genesis makes this look like a refrigerator ...

[dkkli]

I Like the front design of the car. Hate the rear design cause it seems to me it's been hit from the back. It just doesn't look right to me.
The interior's material quality is a bit downgraded compared to the last Gen. It seems the build quality is still there (unlike Audi and Mercedes). So it's not too bad.
But anyway, you get most of the BWM when driving. As long as it's still the slick driving machine, there are still plenty of reasons to buy the new X3. I just really really dislike the rear of the car.
P.S. don't get the 20. You won't get the full BMW driving experience from it. Get at least the 30 (I know it's not out yet), or even better the V6 (M50).

[jackd]

The design of this car is horrible to me especially in this class of cars. BMW used to make nice cars. This car looks like some failed project from Asia.

[Greg-kj]

sophisticated ? can it be fixed by a regular mechanic?

[lym]

When ppl are showing a Luxury car and praising about the outdated tech spec. That makes me laugh. Money well spend indeed.

[EmergencyFocus]

Take the infotainment screen out then not much different from base X3 from 2003..hideous inside out !

[AD-ozzm]

this review is definitely paid by bmw, not a single honest word from the reviewer as he just repeats all words from bmw advertisement

[omidnamin]

no comments about the absolutely cheap plastic interior???? nice paid for fake review

[Mark-phnh]

oh, BTW, drive off the lot and you get instant 30% depreciation. BMW= Broke My Wallet!