BMW has always paid particular attention to in-car sound quality. The brand excels with its X-series SUVs, which can be equipped with Harman Kardon systems. The new 2025 edition of the BMW X3 reinforces this collaboration with an optional high-end audio system featuring 15 drivers, a subwoofer and 750 watts of amplification, all compatible with 5.1 surround sound. Enough to provide an immersive sound experience for every journey?
BMW and Harman Kardon: a successful collaboration
The musical experience is undeniably part of what makes driving BMW vehicles, which were among the first to incorporate active noise reduction (read: the history of active noise reduction in cars), so pleasant. For many years now, the Bavarian brand has worked alongside Harman Kardon, a key player in the world of hi-fi. This collaboration, which began in the 1990s, is based on a shared philosophy: to offer an immersive sound experience that perfectly matches the dynamic spirit of BMW cars.
Over the years, the two brands have refined their partnership, developing tailor-made audio systems for each model, taking into account the acoustic characteristics of the car interior. From the 3 Series to the most luxurious models like the 7 Series, Harman Kardon has adapted its expertise to meet the demands of the German brand. This attention to detail is now reflected in the 2025 BMW X3, where the audio system perfectly illustrates this heritage of sound excellence.
Introducing the BMW X3
Modernized design
The BMW X3, now in its fourth generation, continues to set the standard in the premium compact SUV segment. Officially presented in June 2024, the new model has slightly increased dimensions, with a length of 4.76 meters, a width of 1.92 meters and a height of 1.66 meters. These revised proportions are accompanied by a modernized design, characterized by more angular lines and refined surfaces, giving the vehicle a resolutely contemporary look, like its direct competitor: the Mercedes GLC.
Under the hood, the BMW X3 offers a wide range of powertrains to meet every driver’s expectations. These include the BMW X3 20 xDrive, powered by a 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque. At the top of the range, the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is powered by a 3.0 L six-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 398 hp and 580 Nm of torque. Remarkable performance, but it’s not the most popular model in France due to the many eco taxes. For diesel enthusiasts, the 20d xDrive and X3 40d xDrive versions offer fuel-efficient alternatives, with power outputs of 197 and 303 hp respectively.
Finally, the rechargeable hybrid version, called the X3 30e xDrive, combines a 190 hp 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 299 hp. This configuration delivers dynamic driving performance, with reduced fuel consumption and appreciable electric range for daily commuting. It was in this hybrid version, generously loaned by BymyCar île de France, that tested the BMW X3’s Harman Kardon audio system.
| Version | Motorization | Power | Torque | Starting price |
| X3 20 xDrive | 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine | 208 hp | 330 Nm | €64,950 |
| X3 30e xDrive | Plug-in hybrid: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine + electric motor | 299 total hp | 310 Nm | €72,950 |
| X3 20d xDrive | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine | 197 hp | 400 Nm | €65,950 |
| X3 40d xDrive | 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine | 303 hp | 670 Nm | €75,950 |
| X3 M50 xDrive | 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine | 398 hp | 580 Nm | €90,950 |
Dual control screen
The interior of the fourth-generation BMW X3 has been redesigned to offer a luxurious, technological environment that is resolutely focused on occupant comfort. A host of futuristic lighting features are combined with an ultra-modern dashboard that now includes two large screens that perfectly match the sleek aesthetics of the interior. The first, 12.3″ screen is located behind the steering wheel and displays all essential driving information, such as speed, range, driving aids and selected driving modes. Fully customizable, this display allows the driver to configure the most relevant data according to their preferences.
At the heart of the dashboard is the BMW Curved Display, the highlight of the X3’s new interior design. This display adopts a curved 14.9-inch panoramic screen, ensuring comfortable viewing for both the driver and front passenger. Beyond its visual appeal, this touchscreen serves as a control center for music, navigation, connectivity and vehicle settings. BMW’s iDrive operating system offers a smooth, responsive interface, with smart voice commands and full compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s even possible to watch movies and series while the vehicle is stationary.
Access to the Harman Kardon system’s sound settings is particularly intuitive, offering quick and easy customization of the various listening profiles. The clear, smooth graphic interface makes it easy to adjust bass, treble or balance. The surround system can also be activated, deactivated or fine-tuned to adapt the intensity of audio immersion to suit your preferences or the music you’re listening to.
For users who prefer physical controls, the BMW X3 incorporates a series of buttons on the right-hand side of the steering wheel, enabling volume adjustment or track changes without taking their hands off the wheel. A third control interface is also positioned between the driver and passenger seats. It features a volume knob and a large, transparent acrylic potentiometer for easy menu navigation. A device reminiscent of the familiar ergonomics of Audi SUVs.
Harman Kardon system
The BMW X3’s Harman Kardon system is available with the premium package (€1,700), which also includes adjustable lumbar supports in the front seats, Advanced Full LED headlamps and the Travel and Comfort multifunction system. Tailor-made for this SUV, the audio system features 15 speakers optimally distributed throughout the vehicle: five tweeters in the doors and in the center of the cabin, five midrange drivers positioned in the doors and dashboard, two woofers placed under the first rows of seats, a hidden subwoofer in the rear and two surround speakers in the rear for total sound immersion.
To power this set of speakers, American manufacturer Harman Kardon integrates 750 watts of amplification. The system is entirely digital to maximize dynamics while limiting power consumption. Instead of active noise reduction, Harman Kardon’s system relies on amplification that automatically adapts its volume according to speed, to compensate for driving noise and ensure a constant level.
For total immersion, the Harman Kardon system in this 2025 BMW X3 is combined with Logic Surround Sound technology. This advanced digital processing algorithm is capable of transforming traditional stereo sources into virtual 5.1-channel multichannel sound. The aim is to deliver a far more immersive soundstage. To achieve this, the Logic Surround Sound system analyzes the elements of the audio track – vocals, instruments, sound effects – in real time and redistributes them through the vehicle’s 15 drivers.
Several levels are available for the surround effects. We recommend that you turn them up slightly, to make the system’s contribution more convincing. This process adds an artificial reverb that reinforces the impression of space, but can detract from the naturalness of the music, especially on tracks originally mixed in stereo. On the other hand, for music recorded in multichannel, such as that available on Tidal, the result is more coherent and quite flattering.
Listening impressions
As soon as the BMW X3’s engine was started up, the Harman Kardon system’s contribution was immediate. Both driver and passenger were immersed in a rich, detailed sonic world. However, we made a few adjustments to optimize the experience: by slightly raising the treble, which is naturally a little muffled in a new vehice, vocals gained clarity and articulation. As a result, the dialogues of podcasts and the textures of artists’ voices stood out with greater precision.
When listening to complex pieces, such as rock with Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody or classical music with Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, instrument separation was very good. Violins, cymbals and wind instruments enjoyed natural resonance, without ever becoming aggressive. Each instrument was positioned correctly and well-defined. The spatialization system accentuated the breadth of the soundstage, but at the cost of a slight loss of precision. Some details were pushed aside in favor of a more enveloping effect. Lovers of natural sound will prefer to deactivate this function to preserve the accuracy of the original performance.
While previous Harman Kardon systems in BMW X3s suffered from a slightly weak bass, this new generation corrects this with a much more convincing foundation. The integrated subwoofer provided appreciable depth without excess, offering dynamic, well-controlled bass. While the lows were still not abyssal, and seemed to come more from the rear of the vehicle, they were punchy, without dragging, and didn’t overwhelm other frequencies, avoiding any heavy or droning effect. On bass-heavy tracks such as electro and hip-hop, the bass proved to be particularly responsive, with good low-frequency sustain, even at high volume. With acoustic music, the reproduction was balanced, with a slight roundness that gave the lows a natural texture.
Our verdict
With this fourth generation, the BMW X3 is more than ever a benchmark premium SUV. Its modernized interior, marked by a sleek, high-tech design, is combined with high-performance, efficient powertrains. The driving experience is as dynamic and enjoyable as ever, in keeping with the Bavarian brand’s DNA.
But beyond its driving pleasure, the BMW X3 is also an excellent choice for in-car hi-fi enthusiasts. Discerning music lovers will find the Harman Kardon kit to be a quality system, but one that needs fine-tuning to reveal its full potential. A nice step upmarket, then, provided you take the time to fine-tune your settings for a truly optimized listening experience. As for surround sound, while it offers an immersive approach, it can sometimes alter the naturalness of recordings. We often preferred to deactivate it to achieve a more coherent, realistic soundstage.
We liked:
- The new vehicle design
- The easy control from the large curved screen
- The numerous equalization settings
- The clarity of voices
We would have liked
- Even deeper bass
- More convincing surround virtualization
Many thanks to BymyCar Île-de-France for the loan of this new BMW X3 and the discovery of its Harman Kardon audio system!
