• New “Standard” trims return as Tesla’s most affordable Model 3 and Model Y options.
• Prices drop by up to $5,500, but key comfort and tech features are removed.
• Autopilot now costs extra, as Tesla shifts to a simpler lineup with “Premium” and “Performance” tiers.

Tesla

Tesla has effectively brought back the base trims for both its Model 3 and Model Y EVs. They're both cheaper than the previous entry point to each car's respective lineup, but to accomplish this, there are fewer standard features than other models in the trim structure. They also introduce some new nomenclature to the Tesla hierarchy. Standard models are the new entry point, and the old Long Range models are now called "Premium" models. However, the top-of-the-line model for both the Model 3 and Y remains the Performance trim.

Tesla

Tesla made quite a few adjustments to each in order to bring pricing down. The new Model Y Standard starts at $41,630, some $5,000 cheaper than the Model Y Premium. For starters, Tesla removed the crossover's front light bar, as well as smaller 18-inch wheels and new, more cost-friendly all-in-one headlights. Tesla offers only three colors, again in a bid to cut costs: white, black, or gray—and gray is the only one you won't pay extra for.

Inside, you'll find more cost-cutting. Seats now feature cloth upholstery instead of the usual plastic leatherette upholstery, and a new center console is fitted. This could be an upgrade in storage space, however, and it doesn't feel much like a cost-cutting move. Regardless, Tesla also nixed its power-adjustable steering column and seat heating (for the rear seats), and ventilation (for the front seats) is gone now, too. Unsurprisingly, Tesla also removed the rear infotainment screen, installing vents in its place. Speaking of tech, the car's central 15.4-inch screen remains, but Tesla also culled Autopilot from both models - instead, you'll have to live with standard adaptive cruise control, or fork over $99 a month for renewed access to Tesla's more involved drive assistance software.

Tesla

Powertrain changes also help to bring the final MSRP down. Model Y Standard trims get the brand's single-motor setup on the rear axle with 300 horsepower (Tesla quotes a 6.8-second 0-60 time). A smaller battery is also fitted, coming in at 70 kWh and a claimed range of 321 miles on the car's standard 18-inch wheels. Optional 19-inch wheels see range fall to 303 miles. Max charge speed also falls to 225kW from 250. Interestingly, Tesla retains the crossover's glass roof, but has covered it with a sound-deadening headliner.

Tesla

Aesthetic changes to the Model 3 Standard are far more limited. It too will ride on 18-inch wheels with optional 19s available. Gray is again the only free paint option, as white and black will command a premium. Inside, many of the changes Tesla made to the Model Y Standard are present, which makes sense given the close relationship between the two. However, the Model 3, for whatever reason, keeps its glass roof.

The Model 3 Standard also ends up with the same drivetrain as the Model Y Standard. Range shifts a bit, with a claimed 321 or 303 miles of range depending on whether you opt for the 18- or 19-inch wheels, respectively. Power falls a bit in the Model 3, with a claimed 286 horsepower going to the rear wheels, and claims a 5.9-second run to 60 mph.

Pricing is similar to the Model Y lineup. The Model 3 Standard will start at $38,630, which comes in $5,500 cheaper than the Model 3 Premium.

A massive fire at an aluminum plant in upstate New York is expected to cause ripple effects throughout the auto industry for months, with Ford likely to feel the most pain. The blaze tore through the Novelis plant in Oswego on September 16, destroying the site’s hot mill, a core operation responsible for producing aluminum sheets used in vehicle manufacturing. The plant supplies roughly 40 percent of the aluminum sheet used by U.S. automakers, including Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Hyundai.

Novelis, owned by India’s Hindalco Industries, said there were no injuries, but the structural damage is extensive. Portions of the factory could remain offline well into 2026, forcing automakers to look abroad for supply. The Wall Street Journal reported that Novelis plans to divert production to facilities in Europe, Brazil, and South Korea, moves complicated by tariffs of up to 50 percent on imported aluminum.

Ford

Ford is the largest customer for the Oswego plant, which provides the aluminum used for its F-150 pickup and other high-volume models. With the hot mill disabled, Ford is expected to flag the disruption in its upcoming earnings report. Production slowdowns could affect one of the company’s most profitable vehicles, the aluminum-bodied F-150, a modern descendant of classics like the 1965 Ford Mustang for sale, which helped cement Ford’s image as an American performance brand built on metalwork mastery.

Other automakers have confirmed exposure as well. Toyota said it’s activating alternative sourcing plans, while Stellantis and Volkswagen have acknowledged potential material shortages. Still, Ford’s heavy reliance on aluminum means it has the most to lose.

Analysts expect the outage to tighten U.S. aluminum supply and raise costs at a time when automakers are already grappling with shifting incentives and political uncertainty. Earlier this month, Ford stepped in with $7,500 Incentives to keep electric-vehicle demand steady. Now, with the Oswego plant offline, both EV and gas-powered production face new cost headwinds.

The impact may reach smaller suppliers too. Novelis provides aluminum for structural parts, body panels, and trim components, meaning any slowdown could cascade across the supply chain.

Exotic Car Trader

Events like this underline the fragility of just-in-time manufacturing. One facility producing specialized aluminum can influence production lines across North America. For Ford, the outage recalls earlier supply shocks during the pandemic that exposed vulnerabilities in raw-material sourcing.

Yet the company has weathered crises before. Ford’s long history stretching from icons like the 1936 Ford Model 68 Deluxe Cabriolet for sale to modern electric trucks, shows an ability to adapt to shifting technology and market conditions. But the aluminum shortage will test how well that resilience holds in 2025’s turbulent manufacturing landscape.

• October lease deals for the 2025 Telluride start at $379/month
• Lease deals are limited to Telluride S
• 24- and 36-month lease terms to choose between

The Kia Telluride has been a tremendous success for the Korean marque. Designed specifically for the United States and launched in 2019, sales of the three-row mid-size crossover are still going strong, even close to the end of its life—the all-new, second-generation Telluride will be revealed on November 20.

Before the new one gets here, Kia is still offering some attractive lease deals on the current model, which is still one of the top competitors in its segment.

Related: The 2027 Kia Telluride Has A Lot To Get Right: Here's What Might Be Coming

If you want a good lease deal for the Kia Telluride this month, you’ll have to settle for the S trim, which is one notch above the base LX. 

The Kia Telluride lease price for this trim starts at $379/month over 24 months, with $3,999 due at signing. This applies specifically to the front-wheel-drive derivative. The lease includes 10,000 miles annually, with a cost of $0.20 for every mile exceeding this limit. At the conclusion of the lease period, there’s a purchase option for this model valued at $30,663.75. Lessees must take delivery of the Telluride S by November 3, 2025, to qualify, and Kia notes that limited inventory is available. The $3,999 initial payment for Kia Telluride leasing deals excludes tax, title, license, and registration fees.

In total, there are four lease deals for the Telluride S this month, depending on the drivetrain and desired lease term. Here’s a look at how your monthly payments will be affected, depending on the option you go for.

For FWD models, these Kia Telluride lease offers undercut Hyundai’s September lease deal for the Palisade SE, which started at $409/month for 36 months. To be fair, the Palisade has just entered its second generation, so is a more advanced vehicle overall.

If you're after something smaller, take a look at the Toyota RAV4's lease deals for October.

The 2025 Kia Telluride S starts at $39,390 if you prefer to buy it outright, making it the second-cheapest Telluride trim. The base LX starts at $36,390, while the range-topping SX Prestige X-Pro starts at $53,685.

Like all Tellurides, the S has a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 making 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic pairs with the V6, sending the power to the front or all four wheels. In the S, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, whether you choose FWD or AWD. While the V6 is powerful enough, the new Palisade now comes with a hybrid option, something that we’re sure will be rectified when the next Telluride arrives—even a range-extender powertrain has been rumored for the second-gen Telluride.

All Tellurides get alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist. The S gets the following added features over the base LX:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with a black finish
• Satin chrome door handles
• Exposed twin exhaust tips
• Power sunroof
• Eight-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Leather-wrapped shift knob
• Wireless phone charger
• Hands-free power liftgate

These are some nice upgrades that make the Telluride S look and feel less basic than the LX.

Kia

There’s a lot of life left in the first-generation Kia Telluride, so buying or leasing one just before the all-new model is revealed isn’t a bad move. It’s comfortable and spacious across all three rows—but not as huge as full-size models—is refined on the move, and has plenty of features, even on a cheaper trim like the S.

Buying a car near the end of its life cycle comes with another advantage. You’re unlikely to encounter serious mechanical or electronic maladies, as these will by now have been addressed by the manufacturer. That said, the Telluride has had one or two quality issues, but these are less likely to affect you over a two- or three-year lease period.

This is still one of the best three-row crossovers you can buy, so consider these Telluride lease deals before inventory runs dry.

*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

A new social experiment from YouTube channel Electrifying handed the keys of two electric vehicles, the Skoda Enyaq Coupé and the upcoming Elroq, to four drivers who openly disliked EVs. The idea was simple, to give vocal critics of electric cars a few days behind the wheel and see if firsthand experience could change their minds.

Each of the participants had voiced strong objections to EVs before the test. Range anxiety, charging times, and a belief that electric cars were “soulless” or “pointless” topped their list of complaints. As one participant put it, they expected EVs to be “boring appliances.” What happened next surprised nearly everyone.

From the first drive, skepticism began to soften. The participants remarked on the instant torque and quiet ride. One driver described the Enyaq as “gliding,” while another admitted it felt far more refined than expected. Even the most vocal detractor admitted that the range was more than enough for daily use, a finding that mirrors what our own which 2025 cars have the longest range on a single tank or charge breakdown reveals about modern EV capability.

The group’s comments reflected a pattern seen across the industry, many doubts about electric cars stem from unfamiliarity, not flaws. When people drive one for the first time, their perceptions often shift. It’s a small-scale reminder that exposure can be as persuasive as technology itself.

Ford

Automakers are banking on that shift in perception. Brands like Ford, for example, continue exploring future electrified versions of traditional favourite. Even for buyers who remain uncertain about full EVs, hybrid and plug-in options serve as an easier bridge toward electrification.

At the same time, manufacturers are competing to make electric cars more affordable, showing that accessible pricing and usable range can coexist. Efforts like these directly address the objections the four test drivers voiced before their trial.

After several days, all four participants admitted their views had changed. None became instant EV evangelists, but each acknowledged that electric cars were better to drive, and far easier to live with, than they’d believed. One driver even started researching used EVs, while another said the experience made her “think differently about what makes a good car.”

The experiment’s real surprise wasn’t that EVs impressed skeptics, it was how quickly driving them shifted opinions. For automakers, that’s validation that the biggest barrier to adoption isn’t necessarily technology, but perception.

• Mazda CX-70 base price is now $43,780 including a $1,530 destination charge
• More standard features on base 3.3 Turbo Preferred trim level
• Plug-in hybrid sees a small increase in electric range

Mazda is trying to get the most out of its latest midsize crossover SUV platform. After debuting the bespoke platform with the three-row CX-90, Mazda removed a row of seats and applied a different badge to create the CX-70. This two-row model still struggles to justify its separate badging in its second model year, but the price has also increased.

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 starts at $43,780 with the mandatory $1,530 destination charge factored in. That's a $1,960 increase from the 2025 model year, with $155 of that part of the destination charge. Mazda did add more standard features, though, and gave plug-in hybrid models a few more miles of electric range.

Mazda

As with the previous model year, the base CX-70 trim level is the 3.3 Turbo Preferred. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and eight-way power driver's and front passenger's seats (with lumbar adjustment and memory for the driver) are newly standard for 2026. All CX-70 models also receive blacked-out badging.

Above the 3.3 Turbo Preferred is the 3.3 Turbo Premium ($47,810), which adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 12-speaker Bose Audio system, hands-free power lift gate, and a towing drive mode that enables a 5,000-pound towing capacity. A 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus grade ($51,100) adds Nappa leather upholstery, an adaptive front lighting system, and a 360-degree camera system, among other features.

These models are powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are both standard. Turbo S Premium ($54,770) and Turbo S Premium Plus ($58,200) grades are also available, boosting output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda

The inline-six carries over from the three-row Mazda CX-90, as does the available plug-in hybrid powertrain. This combines a 2.5-liter inline-four with a single electric motor for a total system output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. For 2026, Mazda estimates 30 miles of all-electric range—five miles more than the 2025 model. Full EPA ratings weren't available at press time, but the 2025 CX-70 was rated at 25 mpg combined in hybrid mode, the same as other CX-70 models.

Plug-in hybrids are available in PHEV SC and fancier PHEV SC Plus specs priced at $45,780 and $48,780, respectively. The base model gets the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that's optional on non-hybrid models, but with an eight-speaker audio system. And you have to upgrade to the SC Plus to get the driver memory system, power front passenger's seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel that are now standard on the non-hybrid base model.

Mazda

When it comes to two-row midsize SUVs, new-car shoppers have no shortage of choices. The CX-70 aims to distinguish itself from other two-row midsizers like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport with a more upscale design and sportier driving experience, and the availability of a plug-in hybrid powertrain helps as well. That's a less common feature in this SUV's competitive set, and the CX-70 plug-in hybrid undercuts the 2026 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid by $3,955—with about the same electric range.

For those committed to Mazda, the 2026 CX-70 is only $700 less than a comparably-equipped CX-90, so ditching the third row doesn't save much. Mazda also offers the 2026 CX-90 in a lower-spec 3.3 Turbo Select trim level starting at $40,330 with destination, which is reasonably well equipped for its price. It makes sense for Mazda to offer a two-row option, but the decision to break it out into a separate model remains puzzling.

• BMW of North America announce a 24% sales increase for Q3 2025 compared to 2024
• So far this year, BMW have sold 275,385 cars in the US, up 8.5% on last year
• The i3 and 6 Series made surprise appearances in the sales figures

The uncertainty across the world over the impact of tariffs seems to not be affecting BMW currently, as they happily announced that in the third quarter of 2025 they sold 96,886 vehicles in the US, up a staggering 24% on the same period in 2024. I can't help but feel remarkably surprised by this, and that is no slight on BMW whatsoever. Due to this turbulent time for suppliers, particularly in the German supply chains, there seems to be increased volatility worldwide including with the shift towards electrification rapidly accelerating. Unless manufacturers get themselves fully ready for the 2030 hybrid deadlines, and proposed 2035 fully electric deadlines, executives across the world will be feeling nervous. Yet not only has BMW USA released positive sales figures, it is a couple of model names included in "new" sales that have raised some eyebrows.

BMW Press Group

Related: BMW Hints at Shock Electric Sports Car Built on iX3 Platform

Within the sales figures if you dive into its depths, they mention selling the now vintage i3. Compared to the performance and capability of modern day all-electric vehicles, the i3 now seems like a VHS to modern day 4K streaming. Yet when it was released in 2013, this little run-around gained a lot of attention, and in its nine year production life, over 250,000 of them were built. Whether you admired it or saw it as a gimmick reserved for city dwellers, it brought many new customers to the brand, particularly if they were keen on electric and didn't want a larger BMW. The technology introduced has been the foundation for all electrification since, so for BMW, their little i3 was a milestone. A whole three years since production ended, it does come as a surprise that a brand new i3 was listed as having been sold during summer. Perhaps this is a happy coincidence, as the world looks forward to seeing the potential of the similarly named iX3 when it is set to launch next year. And not forgetting the i1 and i2 set for 2027, where compact cars are making a return.

We also find a 6 Series GT being mentioned, going back even further to 2020 being produced for the North American market. That's right... there could be up to five years where no new 6 Series GT are driving around US streets. I cannot help but imagine that somewhere there is a real enthusiast who may have been dreaming of a 6 Series GT, mourning from 2020 the end of an era, before finding a previously unsold one and realising their dream. Regardless, these figures show great promise in the US market for BMW, and if the trend continues, we might see some more surprises to come.

CarPlay and Android Auto have become invaluable in-car infotainment interfaces for drivers. Mimicking the device drivers use (CarPlay for iOS, Android Auto for Android) every day, these interfaces bring continuity to the driving experience. Earlier this year, Apple announced CarPlay Ultra, an interface that integrates with all the screens in your car, including the display behind the steering wheel.

In its original 2022 teaser, Apple showcased CarPlay Ultra’s capabilities, displaying familiar speed, RPM, and other driver-centric information within a distinctly Apple-designed interface. It also appeared we’d be able to customize CarPlay Ultra just as we can the iPhone interface. It seemed like a no-brainer—and then big auto stepped in.

Aston Martin

On a recent podcast, Ford CEO Jim Farley said, “We don’t like the execution in round one of Ultra, but we’re very committed to Apple. I’ve talked to Tim [Cook, Apple CEO] many times about this.” Farley went on to note that Ford is still “considering” CarPlay Ultra, and that he doesn’t believe Ford should disrupt people’s digital lives. Ford, says Farley, wants to “make it as easy as possible” for drivers to have the digital experience they want, in and out of the vehicle.

Podcast host Joanna Sterm pressed Farley further, noting that Ford’s current in-car experience is based on Android Auto, which is customizable for automakers. This suggests automakers are intimidated by Apple having more control of the in-car experience, and Farley didn’t disavow that notion.

“Are you going to allow OEMs with the control of the vehicles? Like, how far do you want the Apple brand to go? Do you want the Apple brand to start the car? Do you want the Apple brand to limit the speed? Do you want the Apple brand to limit access? We’re doing that now for our pro customers.”

Aston Martin

Farley’s comments echo the same rumblings we’ve heard since 2022, when CarPlay Ultra was first teased. At various points, automakers have stated that they don’t want to provide Apple with insight into driving habits and vehicle information, claiming that their interfaces are superior to CarPlay (pause for laughter), and that they don’t believe things like driving assistance or safety features can be effectively integrated with CarPlay Ultra.

The only brand brave enough to take the CarPlay Ultra plunge so far is Aston Martin, though Apple notes all Hyundai brands (Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to vehicles. As of July 2025, Apple announced that Acura, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Nissan, and Porsche were also on board with CarPlay Ultra. No other automaker has announced a timeframe for bringing Apple’s interface to its vehicles.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, says, “This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker.” The term “deeply integrating” may be an issue for automakers, who - like Apple - prefer to operate inside of a walled garden where outsiders glean little from their products or services.

Apple/YouTube

In use, CarPlay Ultra is good. It features a very iOS-like interface with no apparent impact on vehicle performance. It requires insight into vehicle performance and diagnostics - you can’t really have an information cluster behind the wheel without as much - but ultimately just makes the vehicle feel more like an iPhone. This isn’t a bad thing.

Automakers have been building subpar interfaces for years and remain committed to doing so. CarPlay Ultra is (or will be, at least) bespoke to each automaker’s platforms, Apple suggests, so Farley’s comment about Apple’s “control” of the vehicle is the core concern. The fix is simple: make CarPlay Ultra optional. However, as we all know, automakers often seem remiss in taking the path of least resistance.

• VW Jetta sales decline by 42% in Q3
• Most major rivals are outselling the Jetta in 2025
• VW’s compact sedan is aging, having been on sale since 2018

Since the departure of the Passat and stylish Arteon, Volkswagen is down to just a single sedan in its lineup, that being the trusty Jetta. It’s still around today, serving as a solid alternative to rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Honda Civic.

But if the Jetta’s latest sales figures are anything to go by, the compact sedan is in danger. Volkswagen just reported its sales figures for the third quarter, and while SUV sales are up year-on-year, the same can’t be said for the Jetta.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

John Beltz Snyder

For Q3 2025, VW’s passenger car sales—made up of the Jetta, Golf GTI, and Golf R—declined by 41% to just 14,259 units. The Jetta sold 11,287 units in the last quarter across the country, down by 42% from Q3 2024’s figure of 19,379 units.

Only minor changes were made mid-year to the 2026 Jetta, such as the addition of a sunroof on the SE and a better sound system for SEL models. That follows a more comprehensive refresh last year, when the sedan got revised styling and an upgraded infotainment system. 

Over the first three quarters of the year, VW has sold 43,610 Jettas, placing it behind only the Atlas and Tiguan in the company’s lineup. But it's not been enough to keep up with direct competitors.

Related: Volkswagen's 2026 Model Updates Are Small But One SUV Gets A Nice Power Boost

2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Touring Hybrid

Honda

The current generation of the Jetta has been around since early 2018, and its age may now be counting against it. VW has also seen profits tumble since tariffs were introduced, another hurdle for the automaker to overcome.

Looking at rivals, the Jetta is far behind a few of them. Honda, for instance, has sold 185,225 Civics in 2025 so far, while Toyota has moved 179,983 Corollas. Those totals include hatchback versions of each, which the Jetta obviously doesn’t offer. 

It’s not only the Japanese juggernauts that are outselling the Jetta, though. Hyundai has sold 116,212 units of the Elantra for the first three quarters, and Kia has sold 107,643 units of the K4/Forte.

The Jetta’s lack of a hybrid or all-wheel drive option holds it back, too.

Related: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta First Drive Review: Get the GLI

Volkswagen

A completely new Jetta generation is needed to properly compete with high-tech rivals like the new Kia K4, but the current one may stick around as late as 2027. Last year, VW told CarBuzz that high interest rates and rising costs have contributed to the decision to keep the current Jetta around, as the company doesn’t want to alienate price-sensitive shoppers in the compact sedan segment. That conversation took place before the burden of tariffs began impacting the company this year, of course.

If sales continue declining at this rate, it may be difficult for VW to justify keeping the Jetta around in its current form.

• BMW is offering October lease deals on both 2025 and 2026 X3s
• Leases start at $569/month for the 2025 X3 30 xDrive
• Leases for the high-performance M50 start at $789/month

Along with the X5, the X3 is one of BMW’s most important models, especially in the United States. Through the first three quarters of the year, BMW has sold 50,009 X3s, a figure that only trails the X5 (51,870 units).

Despite the fact that the all-new BMW X3 has seen a decline in interior quality relative to the outgoing model, it’s still exceptionally popular in the luxury segment. To keep enticing new customers, BMW has dropped a new October lease deal for the X3, so let’s see what’s on offer.

Related: BMW X3 Generations Overview: From Ugly Duckling To Best-Seller

BMW

Being a fairly new arrival, the fourth-generation X3 is still only available in two trims: The four-cylinder X3 30 xDrive and the six-cylinder X3 M50 xDrive. The BMW X3 lease deals for October apply to these model years and trims:

• 2025 X3 30 xDrive
• 2026 X3 30 xDrive
• 2026 X3 M50 xDrive

The lease for the 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive costs $569/month over 39 months, with $4,999 due upon signing. Qualifying customers can take advantage of this deal through October 31, 2025, by applying via BMW Financial Services. It’s the responsibility of the lessee to secure insurance for the term and to cover excess wear and tear. If mileage exceeds 32,500 miles, it will cost the lessee an additional $0.25/mile.

For this particular X3, there is a purchase option at the conclusion of the lease agreement, which will be $30,851. 

The slightly newer 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive's lease price is $599/month over the same period, with $5,129 due at signing. Its purchase option price at the end of the lease is $31,193.

If you’re after more performance, the 39-month lease deal for the M50 will cost $789/month, with $5,719 due at signing and a purchase price option of $40,171. This month's BMW X3 leasing deals also benefit from a $1,000 loyalty credit, applicable to owners who have owned or leased a BMW in the last 12 months.

If you prefer to buy, BMW is offering finance at 1.99% APR for all three X3 variants mentioned above, over a period of 60 months. A $1,000 purchase credit is also available for the 2025 X3 30 xDrive.

Related: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive vs M50, Which Model Is Right For You?

BMW

If you choose to go for either the 2025 or 2026 X3 30 xDrive variants, you get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower. The M50 gets the revered B58 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, which makes 393 hp. Here’s a comparison of the specifications between the two powertrains.

BMW X3 30 xDrive

BMW X3 M50 xDrive

Powertrain

2.0L I4 Turbo

3.0L I6 Turbo

Horsepower

255 hp

393 hp

Torque

295 lb-ft

428 lb-ft

Drivetrain

AWD

AWD

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

8-Speed Automatic

0-60 mph

6 Seconds

4.4 Seconds

Base MSRP (2026)

$50,900

$65,900

The new X3 is packed with technology, and even the base model enjoys the following standard features:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Power tailgate
• Perforated Veganza upholstery
• BMW Curved Display (12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable and heated front seats
• Automatic park assistant
• Lane-keep assist
• Active blind-spot detection

Go for the sporty M50, and you also get 20-inch M wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, an adaptive M suspension, and the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof.

Back in August, the X3 M50’s lease deal was $20 cheaper per month, although the down payment was slightly higher. Remember, automakers are still dealing with the effect of Trump’s tariffs, even after a deal was announced with the European Union.

The October lease deals make it easy to get behind the wheel of the new X3, and while the $599/month cost for the base X3 matches that of the base Mercedes-Benz GLC, the X3’s down payment is a bit lower. 

Watch out for even more attractive deals later in the year as dealerships race to meet their annual targets.

*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

California regulators have warned Tesla they may suspend or revoke its insurance business license after a surge of consumer complaints and alleged violations of state law. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) says Tesla Insurance Services, along with its underwriter State National Insurance Company, repeatedly delayed payments, denied legitimate claims, and failed to investigate fairly.

The enforcement action, announced on October 3, gives Tesla and its partners 15 days to respond before the state considers suspending their licenses. Officials say the companies ignored prior warnings and that verified complaints have multiplied in recent years, rising from fewer than 100 in 2022 to more than 1,000 in 2024, with hundreds already logged in 2025.

The state’s notice alleges Tesla violated multiple provisions of California’s insurance code, including failing to respond to claim inquiries within 15 days and missing the 40-day window to approve or deny claims. Customers also complained about being required to travel long distances for inspections and not being told of their rights to appeal denials.

Tesla’s insurance arm has been under scrutiny before. Earlier this summer, the company faced a separate class action accusing it of delaying or minimizing payouts. That case mirrors Tesla’s broader pattern of legal friction, from its defense posture in civil litigation, such as Tesla telling a Texas court it has no duty to warn owners of defects, to growing questions about transparency across its operations.

If California follows through on its threat, Tesla Insurance could lose its ability to issue or service policies in its home state, one of the brand’s largest U.S. markets. The department says fines could reach $10,000 per willful violation.

The enforcement action comes just as Tesla had started regaining market confidence. The company recently delivered a record-setting quarter, reversing months of sluggish demand. As Tesla’s strong Q3 results gave the automaker new momentum, but this regulatory setback could cast a shadow over that progress.

The company is also racing to expand its charging infrastructure, highlighted by its rollout of its V4 Superchargers. The move is key to Tesla’s long-term EV ecosystem strategy, designed to keep drivers tied to the brand from purchase through ownership, including insurance.

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For Tesla, the stakes go beyond potential fines. Its insurance program is integral to the company’s push to vertically integrate, selling the car, servicing it, and insuring it all under one roof. Losing that foothold in California would undercut a core part of Elon Musk’s vision for end-to-end customer control.

For regulators, the case signals growing willingness to rein in automakers that behave like financial institutions without adhering to traditional consumer protections. And for Tesla owners, it’s a reminder that convenience can come with risk when a brand blurs the line between carmaker and insurer.