The notion that BMWs are some of the best driver’s cars out there isn’t made out of thin air. Ever since its arrival, BMW has offered cars that are fun to drive regardless of their shape or size. The trend continued with the arrival of BMW’s first SUV, the X5. Now, more than two decades later, in a hugely changed automotive scenario, can a BMW SUV still be offered without losing out on the ‘fun to drive’ edge that the brand has always been associated with? We sample the 2025 BMW X3 to see if the adage still holds.

Continuing the trend, the new X3 also looks bigger than its predecessor. It leaves a more lasting impression, but a closer look proves it hasn’t grown much in size. Rather than an actual increment in size, its overall look makes the X3 appear prominent. Having said that, it’s not just an obscenely aggro SUV design that makes everyone stop in their tracks. It is instead a selection of well-calculated design decisions that define the X3. Take the front grille, for instance. A signature BMW styling element, it’s now been reimagined to stay ahead of the curve. BMW has opted for a textured pattern instead of the conventional vertical slats. It doesn’t just look great; with its integrated LED, the grille also lights up when the car is unlocked. It’s a spectacle, no doubt, but it’s also a statement by BMW. Flanking the grille are the new headlights, which sport a more modern-looking angular design. The sharper-looking elements inside help elevate the BMW X3’s design quotient and complement the Black Sapphire Metallic paint the test car was finished in. As the name says, it’s black, but the paint somehow highlights the car’s contours quite well, heightening the X3’s premium appearance.

The profile is a typical BMW SUV: it’s muscular with clean lines. Unlike its coupe counterparts, the roof height doesn’t reduce at the rear, but despite that, it looks quite all right. The use of clean lines extends to the rear as well. From the back, the X3 looks good, too, a bit understated but can’t be mistaken for anything other than a BMW. The X3 20d badge gives away the relatively humble powerplant under the bonnet, but we’ll come to that later.

Mix of polished appearance & sportiness

Overall, the BMW X3 is a good-looking SUV with a superb mix of polished appearance and sportiness, made for someone who doesn’t want to get lost in the sea of characterless SUVs but doesn’t want it to be too loud either. It retains styling elements associated with BMW, but the carmaker has clearly reimagined some of them to keep up with the times. BMW is no stranger to offering polarising designs, but the strategy has definitely worked well for the brand, especially with how quickly these new designs tend to grow on you. The X3 is made using the same approach, and from where we see it, it’s bound to win not just the eyeballs but the hearts and a much-deserved space in customers’ garages, too.

The X3 offers optional vegan leather, adding eco-conscious appeal for those switching from leather.

Solidifying its position as the SUV of choice has to be the X3’s cabin. It’s fresh but also feels familiar and the dashboard’s fine-knit fabric finish is unique and a great alternative to the usual leather or plastic. If you’re looking to switch from leather, the X3 happens to be offered with optional vegan leather, too, adding a layer of eco-consciousness to the SUV’s appeal. There are three interior colour choices, namely Dune Grey, Alpine White, and Espresso Brown, so it’s safe to say there will be something that appeals to everyone.

The new bits on the X3, which up its modernity quotient, include the ‘Function Island’, which refers to a new haptic touchpad neatly integrated into the door handle. This includes controls for the blower vents, memory settings, and other functionality. While the app icons and overall menu design deserve a quick makeover, the 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system looks and feels great. Its theme changes depending on the driving mode, and the display quality just can’t be faulted. A 12.3-inch driver cluster also forms a part of this large curved setup and looks quite good. The iDrive system is easy to operate, and phone connectivity via the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto route is available. Plus, for those who don’t want to take their eyes off the road, the scroll wheel comes in handy, too.

Sounds exceptional

A 765-watt, 15-speaker Harman Kardon system is included and it sounds exceptional. The ambient lighting system ups the premium ante of the car, especially in the way it gives a crystal-like texture, creating a softly lit calm atmosphere inside the cabin. When you need more light, there’s always the panoramic sunroof, which not only fills the interior with natural light but makes the cabin appear more airy and spacious. There’s no dearth of space in the cabin, and the rear seats aren’t just supportive but comfortable too.

Now comes the bit you must’ve eagerly waited for: the driving experience. Because what’s a BMW story if it doesn’t talk about how the car — or SUV in this case — is from behind the wheel? The 2025 BMW X3 is powered by a 2-litre diesel engine. In this X3 20d guise, the engine produces 194 bhp and 40.78 kg-m. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and the SUV comes with all-wheel drive, too. It might be an SUV, but it drives exactly as how you would expect a BMW to. Its handling is precise, it feels nimble and quite agile, and it hides its size quite effectively. The steering is sharp, which ensures that driving the X3 around corners is an absolute joy.

Go-to choice

The added ground clearance means the X3 doesn’t fare badly on bad roads, and the Comfort mode is apt for everyday driving. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and the overall ride quality is plush. When it comes to pushing the car a little extra, the X3’s ‘Sport’ mode becomes the go-to choice. It further tightens the steering and makes the throttle more responsive. The best of both worlds at the push of a button!

To summarise, the 2025 BMW X3 will be a great purchase for those who want an SUV but don’t want to give up on the joy of driving. It’s multifaceted, this car: from navigating through urban traffic to going on an endless cruise on the highway, it’ll perform equally well regardless of the task at hand. Show it a corner, and it’ll more than willingly tackle that, bringing an instant smile to your face — something not many modern SUVs can do.

The BMW X3 20d is priced at ₹77.8 lakh, ex-showroom, but it faces heavy competition, especially from other well-engineered cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The X3’s exterior design might be polarising, but if you’re looking for something that drives well but doesn’t fare too badly elsewhere, it’s an easy choice.