ELIN

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the next X3's exterior is very polarizing (both the 4 and the 6-cylinder) and the interior has been universally trashed (makes the RDX's interior look like a Mercedes)!
A cloth dashboard (responsibly sourced material) is available as a new option!

Thoughts?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a6...w-x3-revealed/

supafamous

I think I need to see it in person as it definitely seems to be a miss IMO - the PHEV version is high on my list as a replacement for my RDX - but I like the looks of the current generation far more (inside and out). I'm now tempted to consider the current generation X3 PHEV even though it's a bit compromised (smaller trunk, short range). I was expecting Canada to get the PHEV version right off the bat based on my convo with a sales rep but if it's pushed out then my leading candidate is the Crown Signia.

ELIN

Crown Signia could've been a slam dunk had they allowed the Hybrid Max powertrain in there!

I do think BMW stands to lose market share w/this debut. I don't think Acura can ramp up enough RDXs to replace BMW's lost business, unfortunately!

Twism86

I clicked the link and literally said out loud "Oh no!!" Yea, its baddd!!!

PRP5150

At least it's not as bad looking as the M2.

ELIN

But have you seen the interior?!!!

PRP5150

Yes, and that is surely worse than the M2 interior!

ELIN

Just about the only "win" for this G45 X3 is the improved cargo space that actually surpasses the RDX! It won't steal X5 sales because BMW hasn't messed that car up...yet.

G45 trunk = 31.5 ft3
RDX trunk = 29.5 ft3

subiefanIL83

Can't forget about the RDX's under floor storage with isn't accounted for and the included spare tire.

supafamous

Do many people REALLY cross shop an RDX and an X3? When I bought my RDX in 2019 I cross shopped it against a CX-5 my budget only stretched to RDX territory and now my budget starts at RDX and goes into German luxury and the RDX merits zero consideration from me. Of course I already have a RDX and I know enough about its shortcomings now that I wouldn't consider it a competitor to a X3 (even an ugly one) or any of its German counterparts. I would imagine someone turned off by the looks of the X3 will go shop for a Mercedes or Audi well before an Acura.

A few weeks ago I rented an Audi A5 Sportback, an Audi Q3, and a Mercedes E350 and while the Q3 was a turd (get the CX-5 instead), the diff between the A5/E350 and my RDX was just so big. The A5 wasn't fantastic but it was definitely a lot better of a car than the RDX (or TLX for that matter) and the Merc (expectedly) was in a totally different class. If I'm looking at German luxury but don't like what's on offer I'm heading to the Genesis store and I'm not giving Acura any of my attention.

Maybe the next X3 is a turd and you're right but the current X3 is excellent and this is really just a major refresh of it so other than questionable looks I'm sure it's a nice drive.

ELIN

Yes, the new generation is cross shopping RDX and X3! If the redesign of the X3 is any indication, the design is not meant for us old-timers but new blood!
I'm not up to date on RDX pricing but surely you have heard that MDX pricing is seriously sniffing X5 pricing, yes?

ELIN

Agreed it can be considered but hard to compare apples to apples across "known specifications"!

Adding the optional spare tire to the current G01 raises the trunk floor a couple inches. I think in the new G45, they managed to hide the spare better w/o raising the floor!
The detail I'm most interested in is whether the new models will come w/regular tires vs RFTs (there's also the rumor BMW may return to including the spare tire). I don't like RFTs due to the cost but at least the Duelers on my G01 don't exhibit the typical road noise and reduction in ride comfort!

subie, if memory serves, you had previously complained about the lack of steering feel/handling in prior BMWs. The G45 has a a new EPS steering system that I think tries to address prior complaints:
https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/04/14/2025-bmw-x3-review/

Pens Fan

I think the Genesis GV70 is also worthy of strong consideration compared to the RDX. Nice to have these great choices available.

ELIN

Yes, folks considering premium/luxury compact SUV would have a short list that looks like this (no particular order):

Asian brands
RDX
NX (smaller than the rest but Lexus SUVs, with the exception of the TX, are tweeners)
QX50
GV70

Euro brands
GLC
X3
Q5
XC60

Upper trim CX5 or CX50 may also enter the picture!

Twism86

The under floor storage was a huge selling point for me! I also keep a "go bag" in the trunk with spare clothes, gloves, etc. A blanket or towel. Paper towels and various other things. In previous cars this took up a bit of trunk space but now It all fits out of sight! My A-Spec does not have a spare tires but I will be buying the kit soon.

supafamous

Underfloor storage is, IMO, a hugely under appreciated storage area - eliminates so much clutter for one thing and just having more general security (I don't use the cargo cover).

FWIW, the trunk measurements in SUVs are pretty unreliable as some manufacturers measure up to the top of the seat back while others measure to the ceiling. Even within the same brand measurements seem really spotty - eg. the RDX and CR-V have vastly different figures but in reality hold about the same amount per Autoblog's luggage test (my favourite Autoblog feature). IMO, top of seat back (or the cargo cover) is the appropriate measure - anything above that is a "bonus" figure.

sonyfever

I had high hopes for the new X3 interior, thinking it would close the huge gap between the current one and X5. Now I feel the new X3 exterior is a bad marriage between G05 X5 and iX. The interior is obviously designed by gamers.

Twism86

I didnt know some manufacturers counted that high up space. Really anything above the bottom of the back window is unusable as I dont want to risk anything slamming into the glass.

ELIN

That and blockage of the view through the rear view mirror!

SilverJ

Maybe they can get Larry the Cable Guy be the spokesperson for it being it looks like Mater from cars...lol

supafamous

Yeah, Mercedes under-reports the most (or more correctly reports it most realistically.

Here's the Acura RDX luggage test: https://www.autoblog.com/2020/06/23/...-luggage-test/
CRV vs RAV4: https://www.autoblog.com/2020/03/06/...-luggage-test/
GLC300 (previous generation): https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/24/...-luggage-test/

I love this Autoblog feature - so interesting to see what cars hold in reality versus the numbers.

subiefanIL83

I like using it for those trips to the store. I usually keep the forward part of the floor opened so when I go to the store, there is less space for the groceries to move around.

ELIN

Does the RDX come w/a cargo cover and can it be stored in the underfloor storage?

Shadow2056

I swear....BMW and their grilles...everything else is good. Just that grille....

ELIN

You like the cheap interior?

John from PA

There is a cargo cover and it can be seen at Cargo cover. Whether it stores as you would want remains to be seen but you can measure your vehicle and perhaps determine if it will fit. If you desire to move forward on the purchase, before doing so I suggest you download the installation instructions at the link and read them over before proceeding.

RDX10

I mean the E350 literally starts at almost DOUBLE the RDX starting price...it better be much nicer.....

supafamous

That's a pretty significant exaggeration.

US:
E350 starts at $64k
RDX starts at $46k

Canada:
E350 starts at $74k
RDX starts at $57k

That's 39% and 30% higher starting prices (of course the Germans nickel and dime options) and now that you bring attention to it the E350 certainly felt far more than 39% and 30% better than the RDX (I was driving the last gen version as well).

ELIN

I had an E350. Regret giving it up as it had nice AMG wheels but low-profile versions don't do well in pot-hole laden areas!
Don't know if I would consider sedans from Benz again but it certainly would be on the short list!

RDX10

Some exaggeration yes, but I was more so thinking of base RDX (which was like 48k when we had it as an option in Canada?) The RDX as far as I am aware is the same build quality from base to top model. Then go on and add the missing features from the RDX like the driver's assistance package and the pinnacle package for LED headlamps and you're sitting at 81k. It's also hard to compare models across classes and across body styles because it costs more to implement certain features on different models. But forgetting that, you're trying to tell me that 27k isn't significantly more money?

It would make a lot more sense to compare a GLC with an RDX (65k as equipped compared to a tech package RDX). I have never been inside a GLC to compare, have you?

ELIN

GLC has a nicer interior than RDX but they got rid of most buttons. Had a loaner that was comparable to my X3. Not a bad car!

supafamous

Nowhere did I say or imply that - I was pointing out your exaggerated claim that an E-class starts at double the money of an RDX. My original comment on the E-Class notes that the E-class was expectedly much better as well.

No but I have been in a X3 and X5 recently - I rented an iX3 for a week last October and it was quite nice. Nice enough that the new one was put on my shopping list as the I felt the price difference was justified. 5 years ago I didn't feel that way b/c my budget was tighter, today it seems like fair value.

My original point was that I don't think that many people who are shopping for German luxury cars really cross shop with Acura - the difference in luxury is pretty significant - and that the new X3 is kinda ugly isn't likely to help Acura much b/c those customers will head over to the Mercedes or Audi store instead or maybe the Genesis store.

Shadow2056

I'd have to see it in person to say it's cheap.

subiefanIL83

I had considered some of the European brands when I was looking in 2021, so people definitely cross shop those with the RDX. I have the feeling those that go European do so for different reasons than Asians brands. The GCL, X3, Q5 and XC60 of those years were all good choices. For me it came down to feature bang for the buck and the prospects of long term ownership and maintenance costs. My sister has a 2015 XC60 that has been fine since she has had it and that Turbo 6 has been flawless so far, but it is a lower mileage car having less than 40k on the clock. The standard maintenance has certainly been more than I've experienced with the RDX. It is a pretty high trim XC60 for the time (not the highest), but still missing some of the driver assist features for the time, upgraded audio. I know the rest of the euros also charge extra for a lot of the stuff that come standard on the RDX, though I think Audi has done much better with closing that gap compared to the others.

RDX10

I did have a pretty wild over exaggeration but I guess I was just a bit confused about what point you were trying to make by comparing a vehicle, not only in a different class but 27k more.

With that aside though, I do think people cross shop Acura and the German brands with models like the RDX and MDX, but absolutely not (at least not in large capacity) in cars like the TLX and ILX. In higher trims the Germans wipe the floor with Acura quality wise but the base to mid level models are pretty equivalent IMO.

FWIW we recently rented a 2024 X3 that was pretty loaded for a family member's wedding and I was pretty disappointed. A lot of hard cheap plastic, a lot of the soft plastics were rubbery in a cheap way....I was honestly not that impressed.

I don't think the RDX is infallible, nor do I think it doesn't have some serious issues. I guess my entire point is that for the price it is an awesome vehicle. The other day I was just checking different car companies websites and building and pricing. My jaw was on the floor when I saw that a new Tucson starts at 36k and a new santa fe starts at 44k, and a top model is 60k!!!! Very unrelated but the car market is messed all the way up.

anoop

I like the RDX the best among everything out there. I never considered X3 because it was a poor value and this one is hideous looking. If I got a good deal I might be able to live with the exterior, but I couldn’t live with that interior. It has a cheap night club vibe to it.

ELIN

To be fair, the "night club vibe" can be toned down as there are pics of the G45 interior w/the lights off or w/more muted colors! Ambient lights are definitely very generational!