BMW X3 (2025) Review
Like its predecessor, the G45-series BMW X3 is proudly built in South Africa. The packaging of this rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and other models isn’t as universally appealing as before, but will that bother the Bimmer’s target market?
We like: Excellent powertrain, value for money
We don’t like: Polarising styling, complex infotainment system, mostly good interior quality.
FAST FACTS
- Model: BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport
- Price: R1 186 417 (March 2025)
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with mild hybrid
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Power/Torque: 145 kW/400 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 7.7 sec (claimed)
- Claimed fuel consumption: 6.2 L/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 570-1 700 litres
Serious about buying/selling?
Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!
Looking to sell your car? Sell it on Cars.co.za for free
Where does the BMW X3 fit in?

The BMW X3 has been a massive sales success for the Munich-based brand. It was BMW’s best-selling SUV – and model – in 2023, although its 3- and 4 Series siblings took top honours last year, while the G01-series Executive SUV was being run out in anticipation of the new G45-series model’s arrival.
With such an enviable legacy, the (G45) X3 has to be a “banker” model for BMW – it can’t be perceived as a radical departure from the (G01) X3. Well, under its sheetmetal, the newcomer certainly isn’t that different – it retains its CLAR platform, but sits wider, lower and is a little longer than its predecessor.
Its exterior design is another story. As the follow-up to the handsome G01-series X3, this model doesn’t hold quite the same visual appeal. Granted, the matte paint and larger wheels do help to a degree, and design is subjective, but our test team feels that elements such as the headlights and grille look fussy.

If you have R1 million to spend on a new executive SUV, most of the models offered in this segment are good – and some are excellent. Therefore, separating the good from great is the major challenge…
The main rivals to the X3 are the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5, but it’s important to note that the latter will be replaced by an all-new model in late 2025. The Lexus NX was a 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards finalist and well worth looking into if you favour luxuriousness over dynamism. You can also consider the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Volvo XC60, but bear in mind that those products are now past their prime.
Compare the BMW X3 20d’s price & specs with those of its Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 rivals
How the BMW X3 fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
Our testers have always maintained that despite the excellent diversity offered by the range of BMW X3 powertrains, a 20d derivative is likely all the Executive SUV that you’d ever need. The G45-series X3 sees the addition of 48V mild-hybrid tech to its internal-combustion engines.

The 20d’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel produces 145 kW400 Nm, and the motor drives all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are various drive modes to choose from; they adapt the powertrain’s responses, as well as the cabin’s colour themes, but more about that a bit later.
On our test strip, things did not go as expected. Despite various attempts, the 20d xDrive M Sport test unit refused to activate its launch-start function – the best 0-100 kph time we recorded (8.57 sec) did not reflect the SUV’s performance potential (the manufacturer claims 7.7 sec). But, for what it’s worth, another publication set a time of 7.2 sec with the same vehicle. We don’t know what caused the glitch.

Fortunately, the Bimmer did not feel underpowered or lacking in urge at any point during its tenure in our test fleet. In its sportiest drive mode, the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s in-gear acceleration felt muscular and virtually instantaneous thanks to the hybrid system, which plugged any gaps in the torque delivery.
You can see an “e-boost” icon light up on the right of the instrument cluster when you accelerate hard. Also, if you need to summon all the power, simply hold the left shift paddle down for more BOOST: it will make the BMW engage its sportiest setting temporarily and bring up a red graphic on the digital cluster.

If you want a 1-word description for the X3’s driving experience, it’s effortless. With plenty of shove available from low revs, there’s no need to mash the accelerator pedal – the 20d xDrive M Sport keeps pace with traffic with very little effort. There are nice-feeling paddle shifters on the back of the BMW’s multifunction ‘wheel, but the ZF ‘box is so well calibrated, they may gather dust from lack of use!
While keeping its revs as low as possible and leaning on its hybrid system in traffic, the 20d xDrive M Sport should be very fuel-efficient – and it is! BMW says this variant ought to consume an average of 6.2 L/100 km (but carmakers’ claims tend to be too optimistic), yet after covering just over 700 km (during which we conducted performance testing and sat in a lot of traffic), the test unit indicated 6.6 L/100 km!

With its 60-litre tank, the turbodiesel variant has a theoretical range of 968 km, but on its 1st day in our fleet, the fully-fuelled BMW (in its most efficient setting) indicated a distance to empty of over 1 000 km.
Ride and Handling
Given its versatile luxury family car role, the G45-series X3 is expected to handle competently on and off-road, but without sacrificing much in the way of ride (or cabin) refinement. The X3 nameplate has an admirable reputation in that regard; even the base variants of previous models have been engaging to drive briskly, yet retained notable composure on urban trips (such as the school run) and long journeys.

With just over 200 mm of ground clearance, the X3 is useful on gravel. However, if you’re going to be travelling extensively off-tar, we’d suggest opting for smaller rims with higher-profile run-flat tyres.
The optional aero-optimised 21-inch alloys wrapped in 255/40 Goodyears look great, but the low-profile tyres will be vulnerable, given the poor condition of some SA roads. Remember, there’s no spare tyre.

All G45-series X3s have all-wheel drive; previously, some (sDrive-badged) variants had rear-wheel drive only. The xDrive system splits propulsion 40% to the front axle, with 60% to the rear, but when the BMW loses traction, torque can be redistributed to the axle that has the most grip. This is useful when driving on loose surfaces, like dirt roads, but will also help keep the SUV surefooted when tar roads get slippery.
The M Sport trim grade includes a sportier (relatively stiffer) suspension setup, which does enhance this variant’s handling ability, but it’s something to be mindful of if you value on-road comfort. You see, with larger wheels and sporty damping, the X3’s ride quality can get a touch uncomfortable on coarser road surfaces. When the suspension absorbs road-surface impacts, they will thud through to the cabin.

As for the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s steering setup, it feels responsive, direct and confidence-inspiring (for a less-than-compact family car) – it’s easy to place the X3 on the road accurately. Because it offers such a hands-on driving experience, the X3 is likely to appeal to buyers who appreciate driver engagement.
Practicality and Features
The G45-series BMW X3’s cabin design represents a visual overload, with a plethora of illuminated surfaces and angular cutouts and panels; it seems several elements were lifted from the flagship BMW iX electric SUV. No, we’re not in the G01 anymore, but general ergonomics are sound. The cabin’s layout favours a minimalist approach, but all critical functions are located right where you’d expect them to be.

As in most contemporary BMWs, the build quality is suitably premium. Areas that are likely to be touched often feel plush and substantial, and recycled materials are cleverly applied to cover up swathes of black plastic: the dashboard, for example, is wrapped in a textured fabric made from recycled fishing nets.
However, some elements, such as the door-mounted ventilation controls, feel marginal. We appreciate BMW’s novel execution of a mundane function, but it’s not user-friendly. Granted, the trim’s supposed to move, but it feels flimsy and out of place. We’ve been in a few G45-series X3s – they all have this quirk.

We’d also like to discuss the G45-series X3’s elaborate in-car ambient lighting. Yes, a futuristic cabin lighting setup will always be a talking point, but at what point does a brilliant lightscape go too far?
Every drive mode (or -mood) has a distinct theme. When Sport mode is active, the infotainment and instrument screens assume a red theme, which extends to the doors, centre console, and the wireless charging cradle! If you activate the hazard lights, most of these panels also flash in time. It’s a bit much.

Fortunately, beyond the, um, flashy light show, the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s cabin retains all the practicality that has endeared the model to our team and owners of previous generations of BMW’s executive SUV.
The X3’s wheelbase length and load capacity (570 litres) are on par with other models in the segment (top honours go to the GLC), but the BMW has the edge when the rear seats are folded. The claimed utility space is 1 700 litres, which is useful for loading up mountain bikes, golf clubs and push chairs.

The rear passengers are well catered for with a dual climate-control console, a pair of adjustable vents and a couple of USB-C ports (for recharging devices). While headroom is generous, the legroom is good, with indentations in the backs of the front seats freeing up a valuable few extra millimetres of knee room.

When it comes to tech and features, the X3 comes comprehensively equipped, but its digital interface is not that intuitive. The layouts of its infotainment- and instrument screens (powered by BMW Operating System 9) mimic smartphone or tablet menu systems. It all looks slick but isn’t the most user-friendly, and it’s frustrating to dive into a menu to perform as simple a task as adjusting the climate control.

Over-the-air updates help to keep it all working efficiently. The update we installed during the BMW X3’s tenure in our test fleet, for example, implemented software enhancements that improved the stability of wireless Apple CarPlay integration and made the digital assistant more responsive (the system said).

Although the infotainment system requires some familiarisation, we appreciated the ultra-crisp resolution of the screens and the display quality of the feed from the high-res parking cameras. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, too, and the wireless charger cradle is neatly designed.

Our test unit came specced with a matte paint finish, 21-inch wheels (R30 000) and the Deluxe package (R45 000), which includes a tow bar, pano roof, Harman Kardon audio, and rear window blinds.
Price and After-sales support
The BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport retails for R1 186 417 (before options, in April 2025), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
See also: BMW X3 prices and specs
Verdict

“Evolution rather than revolution” may be a motoring journalism cliche, BUT it’s particularly relevant in the case of the G45-series BMW X3. Apart from a slightly firm ride, shouty interior lighting and a few minor trim issues, the 20d xDrive M Sport emulates its predecessor and improves on it in a few ways.
Should you buy one? Perhaps the biggest plus is the variant’s price compared with that of its G01-series predecessor. In October 2024, the X3 20d M Sport cost R1 137 731 before options, and 6 months later, it’s refreshing to see only a nominal price difference between variants of successive model generations.
Finally, as an additional vote of confidence, the G45-series BMW X3 (in 30e xDrive M Sport guise) won the Executive SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards. The Bimmer’s rivals have work to do.
Further Reading
All the latest BMW news and reviews
Want to purchase a new or used BMW X3? Browse vehicles for sale