2025 BMW X3 spotted testing

The 2025 BMW X3 luxury SUV has been photographed testing ahead of its expected launch in Australia and overseas next year.

The first new X3 since 2017 is set to be bigger than the model it replaces, with fresh bodywork on a revised version of its predecessor's underpinnings.

It is expected the new BMW X3 will adopt the latest iDrive multimedia system seen in BMW's latest models, including the new X5, combining a 12.3-inch driver screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

A choice of petrol, hybrid, and diesel engines are expected to be offered, alongside an electric iX3, which will be underpinned by a different architecture – BMW’s upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ electric-car platform – and will wear unique styling.

Earlier this year, BimmerPost forum user and BMW insider ‘ynguldyn’ – who has a proven track record of sharing future BMW model plans – claimed the new petrol and diesel X3 range, codenamed ‘G45’, is due to release with four models outside of the US.

Those are expected to be the four-cylinder petrol X3 20 xDrive, four-cylinder diesel X3 20d xDrive, plug-in hybrid X3 30e xDrive and inline six-cylinder performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive.

According to previous Drive reports, plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation BMW X3 will be manufactured in South Africa “for global export", with production beginning sometime next year.

Current petrol and diesel X3 models are made in South Africa for Australia, the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e and high-performance X3 M are built in the US while the electric iX3 is manufactured in China.

The 2024 BMW X3 is expected to be unveiled in mid-2024 – likely as a 2025 model-year vehicle based on previous BMW production and launch announcements.