BMW X3 M50 xDrive

The new X3 M50 represents a distinct evolution in terms of style, with the famous double kidney grille now redesigned to be wider and more imposing than ever, not to mention surrounded by peripheral LED lighting that shines day and night to give this model a spectacular light signature. The adaptive, refined yet punchy Advanced Full LED headlights, meanwhile, all perfectly integrated into a bonnet with elongated, horizontal lines, give the SUV a piercing gaze.

The sides of the body boast smoother, sleeker lines, abandoning the air intakes found on previous generations in favour of a more fluid design, while the wider fenders accentuate the sporty, muscular alignment of this particular model, clearly setting it apart from the standard X3. The roof line has also been lowered, and the rims, available in up to 21 inches, add an extra touch of dynamism. Back at the rear, the four gloss black exhaust pipes, combined with an aggressive diffuser, are a reminder of this M version’s sporty pedigree.

The interior of the BMW X3 M50 2025 is a true revolution, with the old BMW dashboard making way for a sleek, modern, technological design.  The centrepiece of this interior is the all-new BMW Operating System 9 centred around two main screens – a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, housing the air-conditioning, multimedia and navigation controls, and a 12.3-inch digital cockpit for the driver. A head-up display completes the offering for a fully immersive experience.

Despite this technological development, BMW has taken care to retain a number of practical features, such as the iDrive thumbwheel and shortcut buttons on the centre console, making navigation easier without having to touch the screen. The new M Sport steering wheel, with its chunky design and flat bottom, offers excellent grip, while the new controls integrated into the steering wheel are intuitive and perfectly positioned.

With passenger comfort also a priority, the high-end leather M Sport seats are electrically adjusted and have adjustable lateral support, as well as heating and ventilation functions. Rear passengers, meanwhile, enjoy heated seats, independent air-conditioning controls and a panoramic roof that allows plenty of light in, making long journeys even more pleasant.

The X3 M50 offers an enhanced range of driver assistance and parking systems. The optional Driving Assistant Pack Professional system includes lane departure warning, blind spot warning, front and rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition, as well as semi-automatic driving (anticipating and slowing down on the approach to intersections and roundabouts) with lane-keep assist.

Manoeuvring this imposing SUV, which is perfect for urban environments and tight car parks, is facilitated by a high-definition 360° camera (optional), while the 750W Harman Kardon audio system and its 15 speakers, combined with high-quality sound insulation, make for an excellent sound experience.

On a practical level, the boot offers a generous 570L of space (which can be increased to 1700L) and is more than enough for a family holiday without compromising on luggage.

Sporty 6-cylinder engine and good fuel economy

The BMW X3 M50 is powered by a 3L inline 6-cylinder engine combined with a 48^V mild hybrid system. This engine, known by the code name B58, is a true masterpiece of BMW engineering.

Equipped with the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, this unit delivers an impressive 381hp and 540Nm of torque. Thanks to its twin-scroll turbo, exhaust emissions are optimised to minimise response time, thus improving responsiveness and virtually eliminating lag, while direct injection, combined with a variable valve timing system (Valvetronic and Double VANOS), guarantees linear performance and exemplary energy efficiency.

The addition of 48^V mild hybridisation brings the combined power to 398hp and 580Nm of torque (an additional 18hp and 40Nm). With regard to consumption, BMW claims that this lies somewhere between 7.8 and 8L/100km in mixed conditions, which is easily achievable.

Flawless power management?

The engine power is transmitted to all four wheels via the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, guaranteeing optimum traction in all conditions. This system is combined with an 8-speed M Sport Steptronic automatic transmission equipped with a double clutch for ultra-fast gear changes, as well as an M Sport differential that optimises torque distribution across the wheels. The steering wheel-mounted paddles allow for direct interaction with the transmission and in doing so make it all the more pleasant to drive.

When driving in Efficient (Eco) mode, the gearbox prioritises smoothness and optimised consumption, while the engine runs at low revs and in the higher gear, making overtaking a little less responsive due to the time needed to shift down.

In Sport mode, on the other hand, the gearbox becomes much more responsive. This is where the 6-cylinder engine really lets its sound rip, amplified by the speakers for a spectacularly immersive auditory experience. Under steady driving conditions, the gearbox often maintains a lower gear so that it is always ready to exploit the 580Nm, the fast and punchy gear changes literally thrusting you back against your seat as you accelerate.

This model boasts an extremely versatile chassis and DirectDrive variable ratio steering and can be fitted with optional adaptive SelectDrive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. This technology adjusts the shock absorbers in real time to guarantee maximum grip and optimal comfort, whether in Personal, Comfort or Sport mode. The suspension in Sport mode considerably reduces roll and improves cornering precision, offering an exhilarating driving experience.

BMW has fitted M Sport brakes, easily recognisable by their red callipers bearing the M logo, to help control this beast, which weighs in at almost 2 tonnes. The fixed 4-piston callipers at the front, combined with oversized ventilated discs, guarantee constant braking power, even with a sportier driving style. Despite its considerable weight, it can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (like the BMW Z4 M40i).

The balance between sportiness and versatility

The BMW X3 M50 combines the performance of a sports car with the day-to-day practicality of an SUV and is aimed at those looking to combine a passion for cars with family comfort, all while enjoying the latest technological advances.

This balance does come at a price, though, which starts at €80,352 and rises to €90,979 for the model we test drove. Note that the X3 range is available with a variety of engines, including petrol, plug-in hybrid and diesel.