Next-gen 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid: What we know [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section updated.

The all-new, fourth-generation X3 will replace the current model introduced back in June 2017, in about two years. The company is likely to offer multiple hybrid powertrains in the redesign, expecting a greater shift towards electrification in the next half of the decade. Here’s everything we know about the 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid so far.

Design

Front

Spy pictures indicate that the 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid will feature an evolutionary design. The next-generation model appears to have distinctive updates, such as sleeker, swept-back headlamps and a provision for a taller kidney grille. The DRLs look similar to those of the facelifted seventh-gen 5 Series (G30). Each headlamp has two L-shaped, nearly vertical light tubes positioned next to one another.

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Side

Spy media have also confirmed the fitment of flush-fitting door handles on the next-gen BMW X3 plug-in hybrid. Moreover, they suggest that the all-new plug-in hybrid SUV will have a charging port securely located under a flap on the front left side wall. It remains unclear whether the redesigned X3 will include DC fast-charging capability, a rarity in the world of PHEVs. Currently, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover are among the few PHEVs that offer this convenience.

Rear

At the rear, we expect the fully redesigned X3 to feature completely new combination lamps that create an X motif, a design cue inspired by the new X5. Overall, the revisions appear to be influenced by the third-generation BMW X1, although they will be adapted to complement the larger dimensions of the X3. Consequently, the redesigned SUV should exude a greater sense of confidence and expressiveness.

Video Source: YouTube/CarSpyMedia

As per the Auto Express report dated January 5, 2023, the next iteration of the X3 will be bigger than today’s model. The increase in size should present the SUV with more road presence.

The next-gen X3 is undergoing rigorous trials at the Nürburgring. The clip above shows a camouflaged test mule of the gas-powered M40i variant, which we expect to be a popular choice among individual customers in the U.S., being put through its paces on the famous German race track. Traditional halogen bulbs for the headlight and quad exhaust tailpipes adorn the prototype. That said, the production version should come with modern full-LED headlights and dual exhaust tailpipes.

Interior & Features

The interior of the 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid will likely have a visibly cleaner and more elegant design, with cues borrowed from the BMW iX. We’re confident that it would feature the BMW Curved Display with the BMW Operating System 9 (BMW OS 9)-based ninth-gen BMW iDrive control/operation system display and operating system. Consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display merged behind a glass surface that’s angled towards the driver in a signature BMW fashion, the BMW Curved Display is likely to be a standard feature in the next-gen X3.

Bimmerpost forum member ynguldyn suggests the next-gen X3 will be more premium than the current model. Standard Comfort Access (passive keyless entry), ‘Iconic Glow’ exterior, more sophisticated interior materials, ADAS functions matching the current X5, and iDrive 9 will make it a much more attractive model than the current X3. It seems like BMW will throw everything at the gas-powered X3’s final generation to make the most of its sales potential. A sporty X3 M50i variant will pack M Sport suspension, distinctive wheels, and M parts as standard. An adaptive suspension will be optional on this variant.

The increase in dimensions of the 2025 X3 will lend it a bigger boot as well, where the current capacity is at 28.7 cubic feet (813 liters).

Specifications

Platform & Body

The 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid will be based on an improved version of the current CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform. In an effort to reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain, BMW Group plans to source sustainably produced aluminum from Rio Tinto’s hydro-powered operations in Canada from 2024. Producing aluminum can lead to a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing. BMW plans to use this aluminum exclusively in body components of vehicles at its Spartanburg plant. Thus, the next-gen X3’s hood, for instance, could be made of sustainably produced aluminum.

Mild Hybrid

Expect the 2025 X3 range to start with the xDrive20i with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, while the xDrive20d with the same 48-volt mild-hybrid system would be on sale in some markets.

Higher up the range could be the M40i with its 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine and mild-hybrid technology making around 360 hp, with the M40d diesel mild-hybrid variant offered in select markets with around 340 hp, claimed the British report. Of course, these would be cleaner engines that can meet the stricter, Euro 7 emission norms that could come into effect mid-decade. Auto Express mentions that the 3.0-liter models will come under the ‘M Performance’ umbrella.

Plug-in Hybrid

Spy pictures have already revealed that the company is developing a 2025 BMW X3 plug-in hybrid alongside other variants. While the current X3 PHEV comes in an xDrive30e AWD variant, the next-gen model will reportedly have three different variants, probably one RWD and two AWD models. At least one could achieve a pure-electric range of 100 km (62 miles) on the WLTP cycle.

Electric

The new all-electric version of the X3 (2025 BMW iX3) will be an entirely different vehicle, riding on the Die Neue Klasse platform that is designed to underpin EVs.

Release Date

Global

BMW Group has confirmed that the next-gen BMW X3 plug-in hybrid will enter production in 2024. In an announcement on June 29, 2023, the company said that it will manufacture the next-gen X3 PHEV for global export in Rosslyn, South Africa. BMW Group started making the X3 at this plant, which is its first foreign facility worldwide, from the third generation in April 2018. On its South African website, BMW Group says it exports more than 90% of the X3s produced, predominantly to Europe.

U.S.

The U.S. launch of the next-gen 2025 BMW X3 could take place in the second half of 2024, while the new all-electric iX3 is projected to arrive in 2025. Do note that BMW Group hasn’t confirmed the plug-in hybrid variant for the U.S. The company discontinued the X3 plug-in hybrid at the end of the 2021 model year, creating uncertainty about its potential return in the future. If it does come back, expect U.S. prices to be in the USD 50,000-55,000 range.

The U.S. is the one of the biggest markets for the X3, where in the first half of this year, BMW sold 27,745 units. With the next-gen X3 launch unlocking an expanded variant range and new features, the local arm will aim to surpass the record-breaking 2021 figure of nearly 76,000 units at some point during its lifecycle.

Spotted in California

BMW is making progress in its global testing phase for the upcoming X3, and recently, a prototype was sighted in California, by reader Christopher of BMWBlog.com. The test mule was thickly camouflaged and featured dummy body panels, effectively masking the design specifics of the future mid-size SUV.

TopElectricSUV says

The next-gen BMW X3 would be a more refined and cleaner luxury mid-size SUV with an evolutionary design, more premium features, improved standard equipment, and enhanced engines. An important upgrade in the redesigned model would be the significantly better plug-in hybrid technology that makes it usable as an EV for long distances on a full charge.

2025 BMW X3 FAQs

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