Energy and Consolation with a Few Design Commerce-Offs

There are few autos in BMW’s lineup as vital because the X3. As one of many model’s best-selling fashions in 2023, with practically 1,000 models offered per day, the X3 has quite a bit to reside as much as. Enter the 2025 BMW X3 M50, the brand new high-performance crossover with huge sneakers to fill and a design that’s stirring up blended reactions. I lately went to Munich, Germany, to get behind the wheel and discover what this new era has to supply. From its daring redesign to its tech upgrades and driving dynamics, I put the brand new X3 M50 by way of its paces to search out out if it’s a worthy successor of the X3 M40i.

Design: A Daring, But Divisive, New Look

The 2025 BMW X3 M50 is unmistakably a departure from the evolutionary designs we’ve seen in previous generations. BMW has a brand new design language, what they name “monolithic” styling—less complicated, extra brisker, and but someway extra controversial. Gone are the enduring twin headlights, changed by two minimalist L-shaped LED bars on the entrance. The kidney grille stays comparatively small in comparison with the dimensions of the automotive, however its integration of the driving assistant sensors and illuminated kidneys has sparked debate amongst followers. From the aspect, the extra coupe-like roofline and the massive 20-inch wheels (with optionally available 22-inch wheels accessible) give the X3 a sleeker and sportier stance, though the design components appear to polarize opinions on social media.

Whereas the rear of the automobile borrows cues from the bigger X5, and to an lengthen from the XM, the X3 stands aside with stunning taillights and quad exhaust pipes, which have migrated from full-M fashions to this M Efficiency model. This design alternative is seen by some as diluting the exclusivity of the M badge, however in particular person, the X3 M50 has an simple presence from the again.

Why the quad pipes? I imagine that with the X3 M gone from the lineup, this extra highly effective and bolder X3 M50 will fill that void. A minimum of till the totally electrical iX3M will arrive.

Inside, the cabin is each a technological improve over the present mannequin, and a supply of rivalry. The massive curved show, powered by BMW’s iDrive 9, takes middle stage, however the restricted use of premium supplies and absence of rear ambient lighting, and a retractable moonroof have sparked criticism. Whereas the inside seems to be plush at first look, a more in-depth look reveals an overuse of plastic supplies, which detracts from the in any other case premium look.

There’s additionally the piano black end in high-traffic areas, such because the door handles and the middle console, which tends to draw fingerprints and scratches. I’ve at all times appreciated the look of piano black, when new, however after some time, I’m wondering, why…? The door island options an illuminated interplay bar and new haptic buttons for vent management and reminiscence seats. Whereas it’s a smooth, fashionable contact, it raises the query: why overcomplicate one thing that less complicated, extra tactile buttons may accomplish simply as successfully—if no more so?

It’s not all doom and gloom inside, although. There are a number of options I actually admire, beginning with the iDrive controller—thanks, BMW, for protecting it! Then there are the seats, that are improve within the X3 M50. I wasn’t impressed with the consolation within the X3 M40i, however within the M50, they felt nice over lengthy distances and particularly whereas driving on the sportier aspect. They supply wonderful help, with out digging into your again, and maintain you snugly in place when wanted.

Lastly, I’m an enormous fan of the brand new M Sport steering wheel with its flat backside. It doesn’t simply look cool and distinctive—it’s additionally extremely useful, making it a lot simpler to slip my legs below when getting in or out of the automotive. Generally, it’s these small ergonomic particulars that make all of the distinction.

A fast observe on iDrive 9: no matter model BMW is utilizing within the new X3, it’s lastly hit the mark. The UI is extremely responsive now, nearly on par with a smartphone by way of velocity and fluidity. The interface additionally will get a lift in performance (in comparison with iDrive 8), particularly with the up to date AC controls. Total, it’s a smooth and intuitive system, although the absence of bodily buttons may be a downside for traditionalists preferring that tactile suggestions—I do know I do.

Driving Tech: New Driver Assistant Options

One space of enchancment is the motive force help options. Whereas the X3 M50 doesn’t function BMW’s Degree 2+ Freeway Assistant present in higher-end fashions, it does include enhanced emergency braking methods, lively lane change, and lively cruise management with visitors gentle recognition, amongst many others. These options make metropolis driving and lengthy freeway journeys way more snug. The Driving Help Professional Package deal brings hands-free driving, however solely as much as 40 mph, in comparison with the upper 80 mph restrict seen within the X5, for instance.

Driving Expertise: The place the X3 M50 Shines

Now, let’s get to the center of the evaluate—the driving expertise. Beneath the hood of the X3 M50 is BMW’s pretty 3.0-liter B58 inline-six engine, now in its third iteration (TU3), paired with a 48-volt delicate hybrid system. There is a crucial caveat right here. The X3 M50 I sampled is the European model so it solely comes with 375 HP and 540 Nm / 398 lb-ft  of torque. The outgoing X3 M40i packs round 360 horsepower and 500 Nm / 368 lb-ft of torque in Europe.

As compared, the US-spec X3 M50 makes 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, so it’s barely quicker. The automotive can dash from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds within the US and 4.6 seconds in Europe. Even with the decrease energy output, this X3 M50 felt a bit punchier than the M40i, particularly when utilizing the Enhance Mode.

One draw back, nonetheless, is the bogus engine sound piped into the cabin. Whereas it might add to the sporty really feel in Sport mode, it might come throughout as a bit contrived. The European-spec mannequin I drove was additionally fitted with an OPF (Otto Particulate Filter) for emissions management, which dulled the exhaust observe. Nonetheless, U.S. clients will get a barely extra aggressive sound profile, which ought to improve the auditory.

When pushed arduous, this up to date B58 involves life. It’s spectacular in energy supply and the shifting is amazingly clean. That 8-speed ZF is the very best one can get at present. The torque distribution is superb, permitting the engine to ship energy nearly immediately, with very restricted turbo lag.

There isn’t a lot else to say in regards to the B58, it’s by far one among my all-time favourite BMW engines.

A New Steering System

The brand new belt-driven EPSapa steering system is likely one of the standout mechanical options. I talked about this throughout my pre-drive of the brand new X3, however here’s a fast rundown. On the core of this technique are electrical energy steering belts, which play an important position by transferring torque from the motor to the steering gear, offering exact help throughout driving. This permits BMW’s engineers to fine-tune the axle kinematics and elastokinematics with outstanding accuracy.

It permits for a wider vary of steering dynamics, from snug and light-weight in Consolation mode – pun meant – to stiffer and extra aggressive in Sport mode. On the streets of Munich and in small villages, the X3 M50 was a pleasure to drive with its lighter steering setup.

After all, with this new steering system – first debuted within the X3 – the engineering group has the power to exert extra drive instantly into the axle, leading to improved dealing with dynamics. The advantages are significantly noticeable in real-world driving situations, the place the steering feels each responsive and intuitive.

Whether or not you’re cruising alongside the freeway or tackling winding roads, the X3 M50’s steering system adapts seamlessly, providing a stability of sunshine, exact inputs for on a regular basis consolation and stiffer, extra direct suggestions whenever you swap to sportier driving modes. This stage of refinement within the steering helps elevate the general driving expertise, guaranteeing the automotive feels agile but managed, whatever the highway situations.

As at all times, it’s vital to do not forget that steering suggestions is a extremely subjective measure. What feels ideally suited to 1 driver could not resonate with one other. Some favor the lightness and ease of extra snug steering, whereas others favor a heavier, extra substantial really feel, even when it typically comes throughout as synthetic. Finally, it comes down to non-public choice—whether or not you prioritize relaxed maneuverability or a extra related, performance-oriented sensation.

The Suspension Is Additionally New

The suspension setup within the 2025 BMW X3 M50 is likely one of the most notable upgrades, providing a variety of configurations to tailor the driving expertise. The X3 M50 comes with a typical suspension, an M Sport suspension, and two M adaptive choices—one among which is tuned for a sportier really feel. This permits drivers to strike the right stability between on a regular basis consolation and spirited efficiency. What stands out, nonetheless, is how BMW has fine-tuned the adaptive suspension to boost each the automotive’s dynamic capabilities and its consolation.

The M adaptive suspension within the X3 M50 is stiffer than earlier than, however solely within the Sport or Sport+ mode. BMW says they put further effort into growing the damper frequency. The suspension reacts extra successfully to the chosen driving mode, adjusting the damping traits to supply the optimum trip high quality. In Consolation mode, as an illustration, the suspension delivers a softer, extra forgiving expertise that’s ideally suited for every day driving. This was a important space of focus for BMW’s engineering group, because the earlier era’s trip was usually criticized for being too harsh for on a regular basis use. And that was one among my predominant complaints with the outgoing X3 M40i.

When switching to Sport or Sport Plus modes, the suspension tightens up, delivering extra exact dealing with and sharper responses. The upper damper setting provides the automotive a composed but responsive really feel on twisty roads, lowering physique roll with out sacrificing an excessive amount of by way of trip consolation. The adaptive suspension retains the trip clean over uneven surfaces, even on the bigger 20-inch wheels.

Total, the X3 M50 feels nearer to a full-fledged X3 M than ever earlier than, whereas nonetheless retaining the flexibility to dial again the stiffness and soften the trip when wanted. This stability of efficiency and luxury makes it a extra adaptable alternative, providing a dynamic driving expertise with out sacrificing on a regular basis usability.

Ought to You Purchase One?

The 2025 BMW X3 M50 isn’t with out its quirks, but it surely’s arduous to disclaim that it’s among the best crossovers in BMW’s lineup. Priced at $65,275 (82,500 euros in Germany), it provides a compelling package deal—loads of energy, a fascinating driving expertise, and sufficient tech to maintain most drivers pleased. Whereas the design could also be polarizing, particularly with a number of the extra radical modifications to the outside and inside, the general package deal is robust.

For drivers in search of a mix of efficiency and practicality, the X3 M50 hits the candy spot. It’s sporty sufficient to fulfill fanatics, but refined sufficient for every day use. For those who can overlook the plasticky inside and lacking moonroof, this can be a crossover that may simply compete with costlier fashions in its class.

The 2025 BMW X3 M50 represents a brand new course for the X3 lineup, but it surely’s clear that BMW has taken some dangers with this era, significantly within the design division, however the driving expertise stays as sharp as ever. Whether or not you’re keen on or detest the brand new look, the X3 M50 delivers the place it issues most—on the highway. And on the finish of the day, that’s what makes this crossover one among BMW’s most compelling choices but.