BMW X3 or X4? For 2025 the comparison changed: the X3 moved to a new generation (G45) with new engines and a new interior, while the X4 carries on with the previous platform. That means the cheaper car is now also the newer one. Here are the specs, prices, and practical differences side by side.
Specs compared
| Spec | 2025 X3 30 xDrive | 2025 X4 xDrive30i |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | new G45 | previous G02 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4, 48V mild hybrid | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Output | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft | 248 hp / 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive | |
| Starting price | about $51,000 | about $55,300 |
The six-cylinder versions follow the same pattern. The X3 M50 xDrive uses a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft, from about $64,700. The X4 M40i uses the older version of that engine at 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. On paper the X3 now wins on power, torque, and price in both tiers.
Space and practicality
The X4 has always been the style-first version of the X3: the same basic hardware under a sloping, coupe-like roof. The shape costs rear headroom and cargo height — bulky items that fit easily in an X3 may not fit through the X4’s shallower tailgate opening. The new X3 also grew slightly for 2025, widening the gap. If you carry passengers in the back or haul gear, the X3 is simply the better tool.
Which to buy
For 2025 the X3 is the default choice: newer, more powerful, more practical, and cheaper. The X4 only makes sense if you specifically want its fastback silhouette and accept paying more for less space and an older design. Buyers who want a sporty BMW shape without the SUV compromise may be happier with a sedan — our E90/E92 328i guide covers a used alternative, and the Lexus GX 550 is the choice if you want real off-road hardware in a luxury SUV.
Both BMWs run turbocharged engines that are designed around premium fuel; our octane explainer covers what happens if you use regular.
Specifications and pricing per BMW USA and Edmunds 2025 model data, September 2026. Photos: Alexander Migl and Dinkun Chen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
