Our test vehicle, assembled in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, started at $58,900.00 but ballooned to $66,450 as tested. We tested it in Montreal's icy conditions, where temperatures oscillated between -5°C and -15°C. Does this "mature" X3 strike a balance between luxury and practicality in sub-zero conditions? Let's dig in.

The 2025 BMW X3 30i arrives with a mission: to grow up. Gone are the sharp edges and brash styling of its predecessors, replaced by a softer, more restrained silhouette. But with rivals doubling down on electrification and cabin opulence, does this mild-hybrid SUV justify its premium price tag?

Fun Factor: 7

The X3 30i's 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-4, now aided by a 48V mild hybrid, delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In Montreal's icy chaos, the all-wheel-drive system felt reassuring, though the mild-hybrid's low-speed throttle response was occasionally laggy in stop-and-go slush. However, it provides a serene experience when the engine is completely turned off and coasting along. Steering is precise but numb, prioritizing comfort over engagement. BMW's classic "Ultimate Driving Machine" verve is muted here—this is more "sensible crossover" than "rural renegade." The M50 variant (or even the 2018 X3) remains our inner enthusiast's pick for adrenaline.

Can It Family: 7

The X3 30i nails the basics: rear doors open wide for car seats, the trunk fits a week's groceries (or a stroller), and the panoramic skyroof distracts kids during traffic snarls. But the sloping roofline eats into rear headroom, and the optional grey knit dashboard—while funky—collects crumbs like a lint roller and gives it a MINI Cooper déjà vu. The $5,000 Premium Package adds perks like a surround-view camera and ventilated seats, but heated rear seats should be standard in Canada at this price.

Fuel-Friendly: 5

The mild hybrid's contributions are modest. In -15°C weather, fuel economy dipped to 9.5L/100km in the city (blame the cold and frequent HVAC use). Highway efficiency fared better at 8.1L/100km, but rivals like the Volvo XC60 Recharge humiliate it here. BMW's refusal to offer the PHEV or electric X3 in North America feels tone-deaf. BMW announces the following fuel economy City 8.8L/100km, Hwy 7.1L/100km and combined 8.1L/100km.

HWY-Warrior: 8

Where the X3 30i shines: highways. The suspension soaks up frost-heaved pavement, and the cabin stays library-quiet even at 120 km/h. The augmented reality nav (part of the Premium Package) projects directions onto the head-up display like a frost-free GPS—a godsend in snow squalls. Torque-rich acceleration makes passing sluggish plows effortless.

Karaoke-Friendly: 6

The 14.9-inch touchscreen runs BMW OS 9 smoothly, and the Harman/Kardon audio delivers crisp mids and highs, though bass lovers might crave more depth. Road noise stays surprisingly muted below 80 km/h, keeping the cabin serene for belting out power ballads. Physical HVAC buttons? Buried in menus. At least the "Interaction Bar" ambient lighting (15 colours!) sets a vibe, and at night, when you charge your phone wirelessly, it confirms that your phone is charging by giving you a light show around it. No more guessing if your phone is charging.

Baby-Friendly: 8

ISOFIX anchors are easily accessible, and the rear doors open wide enough to avoid bumping baby seats against frozen door frames. The hands-free tailgate worked flawlessly even at -15°C, though the optional quilted Veganza seats (BMW's vegan leather) felt stiff in the cold. Pro tip: Skip the $500 grey knit dashboard—it's a magnet for dust, and it's questionable if it will be easy to clean down the line.

City Cruising: 5

Montreal's pothole-riddled streets highlighted the X3's stiff, low-speed ride. The mild hybrid's stop-start system worked seamlessly in the extreme cold, where other cars would have struggled or been unable to function, and the 19-inch wheels (shod with Pirelli tires) struggled for traction on unplowed side streets. At least the Parking Assistant Plus made parallel parking less harrowing.

Design: MINI Meets BMW

The Arctic Race Blue Metallic paint pops against snowy backdrops, but the X3's exterior styling leans towards anonymity—a far cry from the polarizing grilles of BMW's recent lineup. Inside, the clash continues: the Calm Beige Veganza seats feel premium, but the plasticky vent sliders and trim scream MINI Cooper, not $66k luxury. However, the open-pored wood in the central console increases some of those letdowns.

The Missing Electrification

While Europe gets PHEVs and electric X3s, North America remains stuck with the mild hybrid. In a market clamouring for efficiency, this omission is glaring. And it's not like BMW isn't capable of making good PHEVs or EVs; on the contrary, they're some of the most enjoyable ones to drive. 

Final Thoughts

If you're a family looking for a comfortable, safe ride with a touch of luxury for those long road trips, the 2025 BMW X3 30i might catch your eye. It's roomy, reliable, and carries that BMW badge everyone recognizes—a solid choice for cruising highways in style. But here's the catch: the updated X3 feels lost in the crowd. It's trying to be everything at once—a plush luxury SUV, it attempts to look sporty, and the 30i presents itself as a budget-friendly option—all while not fully committing to any of those roles. This "jack-of-all-trades" approach leaves it feeling spread too thin. Compared to some competitors in the premium SUV market, which drew inspiration from earlier X3 models, the X3 appears to lag behind in areas such as sharp performance, cohesive design, and standout value.

Pros:

• Serene highway manners

• Customizable tech suite

• Cold-weather-ready AWD and cabin

Cons:

• Cheap cabin materials

• No PHEV/electric option

• Stiff urban ride

Technical Specs & Pricing

• Engine: 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-4 + 48V mild hybrid (255 hp / 295 lb-ft)

• Exterior: Arctic Race Blue Metallic ($900)

• Interior: Calm Beige Veganza + Grey Knit Dashboard ($500)

• As-Tested price: $66,450

Should You Buy It?

If you want a comfortable, tech-laden family hauler with winter-ready AWD and care more about the badge than driving thrills, yes. But if electrification, cabin quality, or curb appeal matter, test drive a Genesis GV70 or Volvo XC60 and recharge first.

Stay tuned; hopefully, we will get to test the hotter X3 M50—because sometimes maturity is overrated. Disclaimer: BMW has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with BMW Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.