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

Spy pictures indicate that the 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid will feature an evolutionary design. Early prototypes of the next-gen model wear new, swept-back headlamps and have a provision for a taller kidney grille. Expect more aggressively-sculpted bumpers as well. These changes seem inspired by the third-gen BMW X1 U11, but will obviously be adapted to suit the larger size of the X3, and will likely make the redesigned SUV appear more confident and expressive.

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 will also bless the SUV with more road presence.

Spy shots of a next-gen X3 undergoing rigorous trials at the Nürburgring surfaced in early 2023. The photos, shared by automotive photographer Wilco Blok (Instagram link), reveal a camouflaged test mule being piloted around the famous race track in Germany, equipped with strategically-placed breathers near the grille (possibly for the combustion engine) and traditional halogen bulbs for the headlights. That said, the production version will come with modern full-LED units.

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 8 (BMW OS 8)-based eighth-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 8 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

The 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid will be based on an improved version of the current CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform. Expect the 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.

Spy pictures have already revealed that the company is developing a 2025 BMW X3 plug-in hybrid. 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.

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

Release Date

The U.S. launch of the 2025 BMW X3 Hybrid could take place in the second half of 2024, while the new all-electric iX3 is projected to arrive in 2025. Expect the plug-in hybrid variant’s prices to be in the USD 50,000-55,000 range.

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 cleaner engines. The most important upgrade in the redesigned model would be its significantly enhanced plug-in hybrid technology that makes it usable as an EV for long distances on a full charge.

2025 BMW X3 FAQs

Featured Image Source: BMW