The redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted last year and just recently began shipping to dealers, but has already racked up its fair share of critical acclaim – not to mention a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. However, competition is stiff in the D-segment luxury crossover segment, which has long been dominated by the BMW X3 and Lexus RX. Now, the all-new 2025 BMW X3 has debuted, giving the 2024 Nautilus a heavily-revamped rival to contend with.
The 2025 BMW X3 technically ushers in the fourth generation of that particular model, which has been around for roughly 20 years to this point and remains the German brand’s best-seller. On the outside, it gets some styling updates compared to the outgoing model, and it’s larger, to boot – 1.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and one inch lower. The 2025 BMW X3 will be offered in two trims as well – xDrive30 and M50, with the latter sporting a more blacked-out look, an illuminated grille, larger air intakes, and visible twin exhaust tips.
The interior of the new X3 has received its own overhaul as well, with some distinct ambient lighting throughout the cabin, along with a large, curved display that houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment – though BMW didn’t specify just how big it is. Running BMW iDrive 9, this new setup reduces the number of physical buttons in the cabin, which is a common trend these days. It’s joined by a flat-bottom steering wheel and a new gear selector, to boot.
In terms of powertrains, the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30 features a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt hybrid system that generates 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is seven horsepower and 37 pound-feet more than the outgoing model – good for a 0-60 time of six seconds flat. The M50 uses a turbocharged 3.0L I-6 and a 48-volt hybrid system to churn out 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque – gains of 11 horsepower and 59 pound-feet over the old M40i, which propels it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2025 BMW X3 is slated to launch in Q4 of 2024, with pricing starting out at $50,675 for the xDrive30 and $65,275 for the M50 – increases of $780 and $2,380 versus the outgoing models, respectively.
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Comments
Lincoln should make a next gen Corsair to compete with this, and have the Nautilus go after the X5. If only the Nautilus was built on the RWD Aviator platform…
These new BMW interiors look cheap and trendy – like a Hyundai. I supposed that’s the market they’re after, but I think Lincoln has an opportunity here to distinguish itself by being the class act of the group.
That BMW interior is a total CLOWN SHOW.
I cannot believe how cheap and ugly and distracting it is. The Nautilus is hands-down classier.
I agree. The interior and front design are both hideous!
The interior is especially hideous! A “clown show” is very accurate!
I am disappointed that the new Nautilus does not offer a white paint option. I think the BMW X3 will.
Huh? White IS an available option on the new Nautilus.
I threw up in my mouth. The exterior is ok, not great, but that interior is horrendous and cheap looking.
To bad the Nautilus is made by juveniles in forced labour in a communist country with horrible civil right violations.
Your hard earned money goes to support a country that wants to take over and rule the world.
They have absolutely ruined the X3. Universally panned. They need to fire the design team and bosses out of a cannon like the clowns they are.
I’d rather have a Nauti thanks!