Each year, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) seem to become larger, even more powerful, and increasingly pricey. The fourth-generation BMW X3 stands out as a significant improvement over its predecessor, rendering the previous model appear antiquated in comparison to the sleek and refined X1. The latest iteration of the X3 boasts a sleeker design, its longer and wider silhouette subtly dropping at the top for an unmistakable sporty flair. Meanwhile, under the hood, a quartet of revised powertrains – both four- and six-cylinder – team up with a retuned chassis to deliver a driving experience that’s as refined as it is responsive.
Two engines are available: a 30kW XDrive and an M50 variant, with the ‘-i’ designation discontinued for combustion engines and now solely used to denote BMW’s electric vehicles, such as the i4 and iX. The X3 30xDrive boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder B48 engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. In contrast, the M50 is powered by BMW’s esteemed 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six B58 engine, producing 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. That’s an 11-hp and 59-lb-ft boost from the departing X3 M40i, achieved through redesigned intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, a revised injection and ignition system, exhaust and camshaft modifications, and the adoption of a Miller cycle instead of the standard Otto cycle, expected to enhance engine efficiency.
With its inline-six engine, any BMW is bound to deliver a sublime driving experience, and the M50 upholds this reputation with ease. The free-revving engine prefers to operate without the aid of a no-inertia cheat code, unhesitant in its willingness to hit its 7,000-rpm redline with gusto. A high-performance driving experience awaits throughout the entire rev range, thanks to the advanced thrust technology’s seamless supply, surpassing even the most sophisticated electrical turbocharged systems found in Formula One cars, as featured in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Designed for thrill-seekers who relish the art of driving, the M50 boasts a seamless 8-speed transmission that invites spirited shifting through mountainous terrain and twisting roads. Compared to its 30 xDrive counterpart, the M50 boasts additional features, including more potent brakes, variable sport steering, and a rear M Sport differential. Optional upgrades include an adaptive suspension system, priced at $1,000, which wasn’t installed on our X3 test vehicle? Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 4.6 seconds, it boasts a significant advantage over the X3 M40i, outpacing its rival by a full two-tenths of a second.
The exhaust note’s distinctive tone undoubtedly stands out as the most notable feature, making the M50 premium a worthwhile investment in its own right. As revs climb to the mid and excessive ranges, the inline-six engine produces a truly phenomenal sound, eerily reminiscent of the iconic M3 or M4, with a mechanical raspiness that’s strikingly similar to the X3 M, showcasing an impressive acoustic prowess. Remove some cabin insulation and you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. Perhaps that’s the reasoning behind fitting quad exhaust tips to this M50, a styling cue typically associated with full-blooded M cars. The soundtrack here is unmistakably throaty, boasting a richer tone than even the esteemed M340i; its smoothness rivals that of the six-cylinder vocals in the E 53 AMG, producing a harmonious blend that is sure to captivate all who listen. It’s unusual that modern vehicles no longer feature a dedicated exhaust note control button. To customize your in-flight experience, navigate to the Settings menu and engage with the ‘Iconic Sounds’ tab, where you’ll discover a range of piped-in cabin noises designed to enhance your journey.
As the complementary soundtrack fills the air, the X3 M50 seamlessly merges onto the highway, its exceptional capabilities and features conspiring to deliver a thrilling ride. The ZF transmission exhibits flawless performance and does not succumb to sluggishness, much like the sophisticated multi-clutch gearboxes found in AMG vehicles. The uprated M Sport brakes deliver a reassuringly firm bite, their pedal response devoid of any spongy or unresponsive areas. While the 2022 BMW X4 M40i’s weight gain of approximately 100 kg over the 2018 model makes it a significant 375 pounds heavier, its stiffer and more rigid suspension now raises concerns about its daily practicality and usability. While we shared concerns about the X3 M’s competitors, this is a truly high-performance M vehicle. While positioned as the mid-level trim between comfort and performance, the M50 leans heavily towards the latter, echoing concerns similar to those raised about its competitor, the GLC 43 AMG.
The M50 showcases impressive physique management, quickly adapting and remaining faithful to changes in trajectory, while being engaging and enjoyable to drive. However, it does struggle to fully absorb small suspension movements, particularly those originating from the rear dampers. While the experience navigates effortlessly across various terrain, this cautionary approach stems from a concern about potentially harming the underlying chassis if we were to test its boundaries too aggressively. The BMW M340i Sedan’s cabin exudes a sense of precision-crafted comfort. There’s even more physical roll than we initially expected, accompanied by a slightly higher center of gravity compared to the final X3 model. While we do appreciate the slight firmness, it’s largely offset by the X3’s exceptional handling, which instills a sense of confidence and control that leaves us yearning for the optional adaptive suspension on our test model. While the 21-inch wheels might be tolerable, they prioritise everyday comfort over highway handling, making them less than ideal without the optional adaptive suspension or the more capable 3.0 xDrive instead?
Despite the experience being non-adjustable, we lament the absence of dedicated buttons for selecting driving modes. Perhaps we’ve been spoiled by Mercedes’ intuitive steering wheel controls. For the X3, however, accessing Sport Mode requires a single click of the ‘My Modes’ button on the center console and then another press on the touchscreen or click on the rotary dial. If you’re navigating this system uncomfortably and have programmed the settings to disable traction control while in Sport mode, an additional confirmation step is necessitated to acknowledge the suspension of traction management, akin to electronically signing off on informed consent in a clinical setting.
The proliferation of elaborate driving modes in modern vehicles has left many motorists befuddled. Rather than conventional settings like Regular, Sport, or Eco, the X3 offers eight distinct modes: Private, Sport, Environmentally Friendly, Expressive, Silent, Calming, and Digital Artistry.
The default mode is private by design, eliminating the possibility of customization for personal settings. The settings are designed for balanced driving and do not permit adjustments to engine response, gearbox mapping, or steering effort directly. Solely Sport mode permits that. As you engage Expressive mode, a vibrant blue and yellow visual display bursts onto your screen, presenting an aesthetically pleasing yet potentially disrupting nighttime experience? The identical goes for digital artwork. While they may aim to create an innovative and trendy cabin experience, their failure to accommodate personalized displays dooms the concept to a limited lifespan.
BMW has effectively addressed this issue by adding a Secondary Increase Mode function to the left paddle shifter. By pressing and holding the paddle for 10 seconds, Increase Mode engages, rapidly adjusting settings to their most performance-oriented configuration, ideal for swift overhauls and high-risk maneuvers.
As the newly lit grill becomes visible, it will serve as a clear indicator that you’re approaching. While the X3’s design diverges from the more ostentatious grilles of its iX and i7 counterparts, the tapered and squared-off appearance appears refreshingly understated, with the cat-eye headlights adding a touch of humanity to its overall aesthetic. The tail lamps resemble a futuristic energy blade from the popular video game series Halo.
Inside, the design has been refined, offering an even more expansive and tidy environment that replaces a multitude of buttons and dials with a comprehensive touchscreen interface. Our standout feature is the modern steering wheel boasting a stylish crimson stripe atop its rim; this sleek design also makes it more manageable for those with shorter fingers due to its slimmer diameter, a welcome improvement over the chunkier wheels of older X3 models. While the paddles may appear cheap and excessively plastic-like compared to metallic designs found in Mercedes or Land Rovers, their short travel actually yields a more responsive and engaging click experience.
The ambient lighting subtly highlights the key design elements within, drawing attention to the door handle, mid-vent controls, and generous central storage compartment. While the overall quality of the switchgear is exceptional and premium-like, some features, such as the rotary dial, exhibit stiffer-than-expected movements, necessitating a distinct and deliberate click to register any changes. We also conduct a limited inquiry into their proficiency. What’s the purpose of duplicating the fan vent control mechanism? Does the redundant system serve a specific function or is it merely an oversight? Despite their concealed location behind dashboard panels, a subtle toggle switch governs the fan path, while a dedicated contact slider controls fan power, both discreetly housed in a separate compartment.
With its generous exterior proportions, the X3’s interior space has been maximized, allowing me to effortlessly slip into any of the five available seating positions, even as a six-foot individual. The expansive single-pane sunroof fails to open, yet it still pours a welcome dose of sunlight into the luxurious black leather interior. The driving position at the entrance is designed to resemble a sports vehicle, featuring deeply bolstered seats and a steering wheel that extends beyond any other car we’ve had the pleasure of driving. This design accommodates individuals with longer limbs, allowing them to sit at an optimal distance from the wheel without having to awkwardly adjust their legs. It may seem a trivial matter, yet it undoubtedly yields a profound impact on the driver’s sense of security. BMW has a keen understanding of how to delight enthusiasts and imbue its non-M vehicles with an M-like essence, as evident in the meticulous preparation of the driver’s seat. The seats boast exceptional bolstering and feature stylish Alcantara trim on upper trims, elevating the interior’s aesthetic appeal.
With its powerful divine inline-six engine purring beneath the hood, the X3 M50 is a driving experience that harmonizes perfectly with the music of the road. Without the optional adaptive suspension, the M50 falls short of delivering highway composure and luxury expected from a regular SUV, leaving some drivers seeking a more refined experience lacking refinement in areas such as drive mode adjustment and ventilation controls that overly complicate what could be a simpler operation. It’s generally best to stick with what works. When faced with the rigors of hardship, permit the celestial machine to harmonize its melody, thus silencing the pangs of discomfort.
The 2025 BMW X3 M50i xDrive (G45): A Performance-Packed SUV for the Adventurous.
Dune Gray metallic
$74,900
$85,800
2,865
4,755 / 1,920 / 1,660
2,057 kg
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a sophisticated 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Up to 393 horsepower at a range of 5,200 – 6,250 revolutions per minute.
429 lb-ft of torque @ 1,900-4,800 rpm
8-speed automated
Entrance engine, AWD
: 10.7
: Goodyear F1 Eagle; 21-inch
