The exterior is fine and I'm sure it drives really well but the interior quality is inexcusable for a BMW and a car in general at this price point. The interior seems like a huge step down compared to the previous gen and too big of a gap between X3 and X5.
the next gen X5 is likely going the same direction. it's the overall simplifying the design approach BMW's doing now. similar to what Chris Bangle did during his time as design chief. We had a 2021 X3 xdrive30e, tbh the interior wasn't that great. It had a lot of element pulled from the F30 gen. The LCI faired better and incorporated more of the G20 elements, but still it wasn't as good. just my opinion.
@@Aneesh-b6q anything that going to be on sale in the next few years has already been designed. it isn't going to affect anything in the next 3-4 years minimum.
Got to timed one by Dragy. 0-60 from idle is 4.6, and from launch was 4.0s. That's really fast! It's not slower than the last one. I probably could have done a 3.8 on good gas.
We own a 2019 X3M40 and I was invited by BMW last weekend to drive the replacement. 👎 BMW went cost costing, glass roof does not open , ambient light is cheaper. No pops and gurgles from the exhaust. No thanks.
The only good thing going for this new generation of x3 (M50) is the B58 still there, everything else forget it. Imagine if BMW would’ve switched the engine out as well, total ruin for the great X3.
@@slen6293no, no… forget about everything else, Q5/SQ5 have the most aluminum usage for the suspension and chassis, X3 last gen used McPherson and steel everywhere… X5 and GLE use a lot of steel as well but Audi Q8 does not
@jackz4149 I agree. No idea why that person felt this is better made than Audi. Audi is a cut above in build and fittings but as ever, I'd prefer the BMW engine.
@@da_great_mogul me too I like bmw engine but not the design… I really like their V8 and B58 engine, but they kinda went cheap with the design and materials used. my dad just got an Audi A8 and the build quality fit and finish inside is way better than the gimmicky 7 series
I feel like the new X3 is a step backward instead of a step forward both inside and out. The interior has certainly been the topic of discussion and I think it's one of the most sterile-looking interiors I've ever seen in a modern car. It does not look like the interior of a car that costs $64,100 MSRP and that's just sad, especially for BMW.
In the video you can clearly hear all of the nooks and crannies on that road. I bet you can feel them through the tires too. I’m very surprised that BMW cheaped out with so much plastic while their competitors and other automakers are flowing in the opposite direction. That X3 definitely doesn’t present as a $70K vehicle. I bet the driving experience is still top notch. The main issues for me are the lack of a recline option in that tight rear seat, no ventilated seats for any leather except black and there close price proximity to a decent X5 which does still present as an upscale vehicle. I’d definitely want to cross shop a GLC43, GV70 & a SQ5.
100% on point. Completely agree. GV70 interior is MILES ahead of this car. This car interior feels like it belongs in 2012 (minus the technology which is current). Lack of vented seats on anything besides black leather is ridiculous. No rear seat recline. Disgusting design. This feels like a genuine cheap attempt at a money grab - I hope they pay for this mistake with abysmal sales and rectify this in subsequent model years.
I have the car and like it but there is some mis information going out. So far from owning the car, there is some lighting in the back that matches the set lighting you put on from the screen, the one on your feet and there is a led by the door handle. Second is the door handle, im pretty sure most, probably around 90 percent of door handles are plastic and just painted with the chrome finish, look a little cheaper sure but in the end its just the chrome finish people are crying about.
congrats on the car. spot on on the door handle. BMW hasn't used real metal handle in maybe 20 years. they're just plastic with plated metal finish. I think the main thing I would complain about is the lack of rear comfort access door handle.
Hey Matt, another great review after my long absence from watching car reviews! Here are my takeaways and questions re the 2025 X3: 1) I actually like the blocky, slab-sided exterior design because it would not age too quickly; 2) Yes, it’s unfortunate that BMW is using a lot of bare plastics in their interior aesthetics. Hopefully, durability (wear & tear) is not an issue; 3) it’s also unfortunate that the electrified version that’s available in Europe and other markets is not welcomed here. 😢 4) regarding the rear seat, it seems adequate for what is considerate an SUV with compact exterior dimensions. For space reference, are you about 6’ - 6’1”? 5) I love red cars and that Vegas red is certainly shimmery! I also like a bright white because it looks clean longer. LOL. Would you know if the classic BMW solid Alpine White is brighter than their metallic Mineral White in person? 6) It was my first time to see you in a video without a baseball hat. You have hair! 😂😊 Cheers, Art
@@artdelac Art! Yeah I’m 6’1” - the alpine white is really bright stark white while mineral is more of a pearl white (my m340 is mineral white) Also….i finally shot a X5 PHEV for you literally earlier today! 😎
Very sad. I’ve been waiting for this model. Love my x3m40i and the B58 but this new generation looks like a Kia inside . No way am I replacing my current 18 with this
Yo! My guy. This is the second time you review a car that I’m in the market for 😁 Wife’s pregnant so it’s time to start looking at CUV/SUV. Planning on making a video with the X3 M50 vs X5 base? For some context, I have 2 dogs (1 large and 1 medium) that I plan to have in the back so looking to see which one would be best.
@@josemor3910 hah! Good timing on the content then I guess 👊 I reviewed a 25 X5 base earlier this year but literally today I was in the X5 PHEV (which was awesome) The X5 isn’t going to feel quite as dynamic as the X3. Of course heavier, bigger, etc. but the X5 is going to ride a little better, have a significantly bigger trunk and more legroom in the rear The idea of putting 2 dogs and an infant in the back seat of an X3 seems a bit cramped, but could be done. But of course X5 will be a bit more spacious. Plus the trunk on the X5 might be big enough for your larger dog to be back there?? Of course go take a look at each at the dealer to see what fits your needs best. Thanks for watching👌
@@dwnshft Nice! So would you recommend the X5 PHEV vs the Base? My bad, I worded it wrong. More so, I’m planning to put both dogs in the trunk. I have a labradoodle that’s about 36in tall (while sitting) though 😅 Definitely will go see it in person. So far, it’s down to BMW vs Lexus (RX and NX). What do you think about the reliability of the BMW?
@@josemor3910 personally I like the X5 PHEV a lot. We’ll probably get my wife an NX PHEV at the end of the year but that would be pretty small for your use case it sounds like (the RX is slightly bigger but still significantly smaller than the X5) From everything I’ve heard and read the X5 PHEV is actually really solid and reliable. Tbh it’s something I would consider on a very short list if I had a baby on the way 💯
While I do like the power and fuel economy bump, I think the styling inside and out is worse, the loss of buttons and a shifter is not as desirable. The interior looks and feels cheaper, the back seat no longer reclines, the moonroof no longer opens, and the bump in the cup holders is annoying. I’ll be keeping our 2023 X3 M40i for sure.
Thats a hard pass on !All these guys are cheaping out on almost everything...smh cant even buy a well made car even in the higher eschelons of " luxury" 😢
Good review, however despite the praise for the interior, I agree with the hate bandwagon. The only reason to get this car is for its gem of a powertrain. The m40i went from the perfect crossover in 2021 to a cheap feeling ugly duckling in 2025. Genesis GV70 interior for example is YEARS ahead, nappa quilted diamond stitched leather, massage driver's seat, gorgeous interior design design, beautiful front and rear ambient lighting, premium materials throughout the dash, metal speaker grills... and that car is 4 years old. Audi is long in the tooth but also has premium tactility to it. BMW dropped the ball no this one. Similar the a Civic a few years back, I hope they do an emergency refresh for next model year and add more premium touches such as aluminum door handles, rear ambient lighting, better switch gears, etc. Also I want to like the design but I can't get over what a fat ugly slob this car has become. I am so disappointed. BMW needs to see this shitty feedback and fix this.
BMW really cheapen the interior compared to the previous generation's. Now it is more akin to the X1 interior than X5. Is BMW intentionally cheapening the X3 and 3 in order to separate them from X5 and 5 since the dimensions and engine specs are getting similar? The cupholder and phone charging pad dimensions are absurdly small consider they got rid of the automatic shift handle. iDrive 6 infotainment screen is brighter and also causes less glare than new new one. The previous generation also has more interior color choices for seats and trims. Now the choices are dark or darker.
Thank you. I figured as much, but wasn’t sure. Really torn on this X3. Hated it in pics but liked it IRL. The non opening sunroof might be a deal breaker for me though.
@@misterdragzon I’ve got the quietly added (lol) mild hybrid in my 21 M340 and the system in the X3 M50 does feel a bit more robust. More intelligent regen, more immediate torque deployment, and more seamless gear changes This was a very early look at the car without engineering support from BMW, but as the car officially launches in the near future here I’ll try to revisit it with more detailed engineering data
BMW will be dead soon at this rate. Almost all of their new designs are horrendously ugly. They lost their way. We bought a G01 m40i last minute after seeing the initial pictures and video of this G45. I despise the interior and the exterior is a downgrade as well.
Yeah the new 5 series is hideous, but the interior designs of these new generations is just atrocious. The one in this new X3 looks very down market and then the roof no longer opens. Just terrible decisions for how much these cost.
This guy is trying to sell the interior that is obnoxiously cheap and plastic, no roof opening, back of the car that is more kia than bmw and overall the car that doesn’t look and feel like bmw anymore. They have worsened every aspect comparing to the previous generation, besides the engine. And even that, we really do not know that cause it’s still new. So, don’t reward them with bying them. Pass it and make BMW great again 😂 in the future
I bought my X3 new and had it serviced on schedule by the dealer. The back differential started leaking at 80,000 miles and the front differential failed at 85,000 miles. Worst car I ever owned.
Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! X3 M50 or GLC43?
GLC43 without a question
@@volvoxc9086get that inline 4 LOL
@@Rs8888-g4h so what its a turbo I4 lol. It has excellent power performance and more. I am not going to argue with you and boil my blood
The BMW engineers are killing it. The designers…not so much. That front-end and all the plastic…yikes.
The exterior is fine and I'm sure it drives really well but the interior quality is inexcusable for a BMW and a car in general at this price point. The interior seems like a huge step down compared to the previous gen and too big of a gap between X3 and X5.
the next gen X5 is likely going the same direction. it's the overall simplifying the design approach BMW's doing now. similar to what Chris Bangle did during his time as design chief. We had a 2021 X3 xdrive30e, tbh the interior wasn't that great. It had a lot of element pulled from the F30 gen. The LCI faired better and incorporated more of the G20 elements, but still it wasn't as good. just my opinion.
oh god you're right, some of those things are deal breakers for me
@@FrankW1029 BMW has decided to change their design team to the polestar design team so the design of the interior may be better
@@Aneesh-b6q anything that going to be on sale in the next few years has already been designed. it isn't going to affect anything in the next 3-4 years minimum.
Slower to 60 than the last one. Hideous exterior. Cheap interior. Sunroof that doesn't open. Why on earth would anyone buy this monstrosity...
Got to timed one by Dragy. 0-60 from idle is 4.6, and from launch was 4.0s. That's really fast! It's not slower than the last one. I probably could have done a 3.8 on good gas.
Absolutely a hard pass ..so sad used to be a solid looking and luxurious interior car.No onger!😢
We own a 2019 X3M40 and I was invited by BMW last weekend to drive the replacement. 👎 BMW went cost costing, glass roof does not open , ambient light is cheaper. No pops and gurgles from the exhaust. No thanks.
If your interested in purchasing a new car may I recommend the Genesis gv70… once you sit inside it you will love it!
@MTH1 longer! Yeah am reading it's reliability is dismal?😢
The only good thing going for this new generation of x3 (M50) is the B58 still there, everything else forget it. Imagine if BMW would’ve switched the engine out as well, total ruin for the great X3.
BMW uses a lot of plastic, cutting corners for overpriced SUVs. The exterior designs no longer have that aggressive look as in 2024.
Less cost cutting than merc and VAG group
@@slen6293no, no… forget about everything else, Q5/SQ5 have the most aluminum usage for the suspension and chassis, X3 last gen used McPherson and steel everywhere… X5 and GLE use a lot of steel as well but Audi Q8 does not
Worry not, the X4 in 12 months will.
@jackz4149 I agree. No idea why that person felt this is better made than Audi. Audi is a cut above in build and fittings but as ever, I'd prefer the BMW engine.
@@da_great_mogul me too I like bmw engine but not the design… I really like their V8 and B58 engine, but they kinda went cheap with the design and materials used. my dad just got an Audi A8 and the build quality fit and finish inside is way better than the gimmicky 7 series
Just get a 2024.
I feel like the new X3 is a step backward instead of a step forward both inside and out. The interior has certainly been the topic of discussion and I think it's one of the most sterile-looking interiors I've ever seen in a modern car. It does not look like the interior of a car that costs $64,100 MSRP and that's just sad, especially for BMW.
Especially with all scratchy plastic everything you touch
In the video you can clearly hear all of the nooks and crannies on that road. I bet you can feel them through the tires too. I’m very surprised that BMW cheaped out with so much plastic while their competitors and other automakers are flowing in the opposite direction. That X3 definitely doesn’t present as a $70K vehicle. I bet the driving experience is still top notch. The main issues for me are the lack of a recline option in that tight rear seat, no ventilated seats for any leather except black and there close price proximity to a decent X5 which does still present as an upscale vehicle. I’d definitely want to cross shop a GLC43, GV70 & a SQ5.
100% on point. Completely agree. GV70 interior is MILES ahead of this car. This car interior feels like it belongs in 2012 (minus the technology which is current). Lack of vented seats on anything besides black leather is ridiculous. No rear seat recline. Disgusting design. This feels like a genuine cheap attempt at a money grab - I hope they pay for this mistake with abysmal sales and rectify this in subsequent model years.
The interior is a disaster. Incredibly cheap. Way too much cost saving.
All of that rear design space reminds me of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
I have the car and like it but there is some mis information going out. So far from owning the car, there is some lighting in the back that matches the set lighting you put on from the screen, the one on your feet and there is a led by the door handle. Second is the door handle, im pretty sure most, probably around 90 percent of door handles are plastic and just painted with the chrome finish, look a little cheaper sure but in the end its just the chrome finish people are crying about.
congrats on the car. spot on on the door handle. BMW hasn't used real metal handle in maybe 20 years. they're just plastic with plated metal finish. I think the main thing I would complain about is the lack of rear comfort access door handle.
I was going to say the same thing, the door handles are just a different colour now, exactly the same materials!
Thanks! Have a coffee on me 👍🏼
@@josemor3910 many thanks Jose! Good luck and best wishes to you and your wife (and of course the pups)! 💜
Hey Matt, another great review after my long absence from watching car reviews! Here are my takeaways and questions re the 2025 X3:
1) I actually like the blocky, slab-sided exterior design because it would not age too quickly;
2) Yes, it’s unfortunate that BMW is using a lot of bare plastics in their interior aesthetics. Hopefully, durability (wear & tear) is not an issue;
3) it’s also unfortunate that the electrified version that’s available in Europe and other markets is not welcomed here. 😢
4) regarding the rear seat, it seems adequate for what is considerate an SUV with compact exterior dimensions. For space reference, are you about 6’ - 6’1”?
5) I love red cars and that Vegas red is certainly shimmery! I also like a bright white because it looks clean longer. LOL. Would you know if the classic BMW solid Alpine White is brighter than their metallic Mineral White in person?
6) It was my first time to see you in a video without a baseball hat. You have hair! 😂😊
Cheers, Art
@@artdelac Art! Yeah I’m 6’1” - the alpine white is really bright stark white while mineral is more of a pearl white (my m340 is mineral white)
Also….i finally shot a X5 PHEV for you literally earlier today! 😎
@@dwnshft Say what?! You remember me, let alone my request from a long time ago???!! Awesome! You’re awesome! 🤩
@@artdelac oh yeah, I couldn’t forget! Spoiler alert; it’s very good 😅 hoping to have the video live by the end of the month
Very sad. I’ve been waiting for this model. Love my x3m40i and the B58 but this new generation looks like a Kia inside . No way am I replacing my current 18 with this
That plastic door handle is unforgivable!!!
Yo! My guy. This is the second time you review a car that I’m in the market for 😁
Wife’s pregnant so it’s time to start looking at CUV/SUV. Planning on making a video with the X3 M50 vs X5 base? For some context, I have 2 dogs (1 large and 1 medium) that I plan to have in the back so looking to see which one would be best.
@@josemor3910 hah! Good timing on the content then I guess 👊
I reviewed a 25 X5 base earlier this year but literally today I was in the X5 PHEV (which was awesome)
The X5 isn’t going to feel quite as dynamic as the X3. Of course heavier, bigger, etc. but the X5 is going to ride a little better, have a significantly bigger trunk and more legroom in the rear
The idea of putting 2 dogs and an infant in the back seat of an X3 seems a bit cramped, but could be done. But of course X5 will be a bit more spacious. Plus the trunk on the X5 might be big enough for your larger dog to be back there?? Of course go take a look at each at the dealer to see what fits your needs best. Thanks for watching👌
@@dwnshft Nice! So would you recommend the X5 PHEV vs the Base?
My bad, I worded it wrong. More so, I’m planning to put both dogs in the trunk. I have a labradoodle that’s about 36in tall (while sitting) though 😅
Definitely will go see it in person. So far, it’s down to BMW vs Lexus (RX and NX). What do you think about the reliability of the BMW?
@@josemor3910 personally I like the X5 PHEV a lot. We’ll probably get my wife an NX PHEV at the end of the year but that would be pretty small for your use case it sounds like (the RX is slightly bigger but still significantly smaller than the X5)
From everything I’ve heard and read the X5 PHEV is actually really solid and reliable. Tbh it’s something I would consider on a very short list if I had a baby on the way 💯
While I do like the power and fuel economy bump, I think the styling inside and out is worse, the loss of buttons and a shifter is not as desirable. The interior looks and feels cheaper, the back seat no longer reclines, the moonroof no longer opens, and the bump in the cup holders is annoying. I’ll be keeping our 2023 X3 M40i for sure.
Thats a hard pass on !All these guys are cheaping out on almost everything...smh cant even buy a well made car even in the higher eschelons of " luxury" 😢
Good review, however despite the praise for the interior, I agree with the hate bandwagon. The only reason to get this car is for its gem of a powertrain. The m40i went from the perfect crossover in 2021 to a cheap feeling ugly duckling in 2025. Genesis GV70 interior for example is YEARS ahead, nappa quilted diamond stitched leather, massage driver's seat, gorgeous interior design design, beautiful front and rear ambient lighting, premium materials throughout the dash, metal speaker grills... and that car is 4 years old. Audi is long in the tooth but also has premium tactility to it. BMW dropped the ball no this one. Similar the a Civic a few years back, I hope they do an emergency refresh for next model year and add more premium touches such as aluminum door handles, rear ambient lighting, better switch gears, etc. Also I want to like the design but I can't get over what a fat ugly slob this car has become. I am so disappointed. BMW needs to see this shitty feedback and fix this.
Nah. Ugly new design, cheapened interior and synthetic false exhaust sounds. B58 not as efficient. Hard pass..
Disgusting redesign to the most beautiful compact SUV I’ve ever seen
BMW really cheapen the interior compared to the previous generation's. Now it is more akin to the X1 interior than X5. Is BMW intentionally cheapening the X3 and 3 in order to separate them from X5 and 5 since the dimensions and engine specs are getting similar? The cupholder and phone charging pad dimensions are absurdly small consider they got rid of the automatic shift handle. iDrive 6 infotainment screen is brighter and also causes less glare than new new one. The previous generation also has more interior color choices for seats and trims. Now the choices are dark or darker.
Couldn't agree more with you. Feels much closer to being like a larger X1 than an X5, minus the power train. Such a shame.
No sunroof is a deal breaker
Truly is. Some people, like myself, open the roof all the time when it’s nice enough to do so.
Great review! Can you tell me if the mirrors fold in when locked?
@@drewinbc they do yes
Thank you. I figured as much, but wasn’t sure. Really torn on this X3. Hated it in pics but liked it IRL. The non opening sunroof might be a deal breaker for me though.
Plastic interior and no buttons is pure cost cutting and a back door way to make heated seats and other functions subscription.
Old one was better
Can you tell the difference to a M340i (with 374 HP) in terms of speed (on paper similar 0-60 times), cornering, ride and noise quality?
Heavier and less aerodynamic so you'll feel the difference and will feel less confident in using all of its power.
The fri by end looks much better than before imo but the rear is a let down
I’m curious, is the M50 just a Stage 1 M40i? Is the mild hybrid that different from the system quietly added to some M40s in 2021?
@@misterdragzon I’ve got the quietly added (lol) mild hybrid in my 21 M340 and the system in the X3 M50 does feel a bit more robust. More intelligent regen, more immediate torque deployment, and more seamless gear changes
This was a very early look at the car without engineering support from BMW, but as the car officially launches in the near future here I’ll try to revisit it with more detailed engineering data
BMW will be dead soon at this rate. Almost all of their new designs are horrendously ugly. They lost their way. We bought a G01 m40i last minute after seeing the initial pictures and video of this G45. I despise the interior and the exterior is a downgrade as well.
Yeah the new 5 series is hideous, but the interior designs of these new generations is just atrocious. The one in this new X3 looks very down market and then the roof no longer opens. Just terrible decisions for how much these cost.
Interior is disaster! Looked at it at our dealership and it’s a clear NO for me.
Nobody ever discloses or has answered; is the 396 HP number include the mild hybrid? If, so the B58 output actually is higher from previous models. c
i see no one reviews the x3 30 is there a reason why
30 review coming soon - the car hasn’t technically officially launched yet so more videos will be going live soon
How ridiculous to cry about Hybrids....they are awful for the most part
matt, it's been a while since i commented. how are you doing?
@@Chubobo2010 life is good 😎 hope it’s the same for you 👊
@@dwnshft it is
Sand Dune Grey, pick it up tomorrow
What a junk interior. Without the screen, it looks like a $20k Kia.
How many M logos can you put on a car that isn't really a "M"
The design of the new X3 doesn't cut it for me.
the ambient lighting is juvenile, the door plastic unfortunate
This guy is trying to sell the interior that is obnoxiously cheap and plastic, no roof opening, back of the car that is more kia than bmw and overall the car that doesn’t look and feel like bmw anymore. They have worsened every aspect comparing to the previous generation, besides the engine. And even that, we really do not know that cause it’s still new. So, don’t reward them with bying them. Pass it and make BMW great again 😂 in the future
Mini XM
The black plastic interior door handles are mind boggling
Gladyce Mission
I bought my X3 new and had it serviced on schedule by the dealer. The back differential started leaking at 80,000 miles and the front differential failed at 85,000 miles. Worst car I ever owned.
🤢🤢🤮🤮
Saw the real car days ago. Feels really small and cheap. Much less room compared to the previous generation. And UGLY.