Energy and Consolation with a Few Design Commerce-Offs

There are few automobiles in BMW’s lineup as necessary because the X3. As one of many model’s best-selling fashions in 2023, with practically 1,000 models bought per day, the X3 has rather a lot to stay as much as. Enter the 2025 BMW X3 M50, the brand new high-performance crossover with massive footwear to fill and a design that’s stirring up combined reactions. I not too long ago went to Munich, Germany, to get behind the wheel and discover what this new technology has to supply. From its daring redesign to its tech upgrades and driving dynamics, I put the brand new X3 M50 by means 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—easier, extra brisker, and but by some means extra controversial. Gone are the long-lasting 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 facet, 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 parts 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 lovely taillights and quad exhaust pipes, which have migrated from full-M fashions to this M Efficiency model. This design selection is seen by some as diluting the exclusivity of the M badge, however in individual, 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. At the least till the absolutely electrical iX3M will arrive.

Inside, the cabin is each a technological improve over the present mannequin, and a supply of competition. The massive curved show, powered by BMW’s iDrive 9, takes heart stage, however the restricted use of premium supplies and absence of rear ambient lighting, and a retractable moonroof have sparked criticism. Whereas the inside appears to be like 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 all the time preferred 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 glossy, fashionable contact, it raises the query: why overcomplicate one thing that easier, extra tactile buttons might 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 a great 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 facet. They supply glorious assist, 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 purposeful, making it a lot simpler to slip my legs beneath when getting in or out of the automotive. Generally, it’s these small ergonomic particulars that make all of the distinction.

A fast word 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, virtually on par with a smartphone when it comes to 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 glossy and intuitive system, although the absence of bodily buttons is perhaps 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 driving 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 programs, 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 comfy. 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 guts of the overview—the driving expertise. Beneath the hood of the X3 M50 is BMW’s beautiful 3.0-liter B58 inline-six engine, now in its third iteration (TU3), paired with a 48-volt delicate hybrid system. There is a vital 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 sooner. 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 Increase 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 could 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 word. Nonetheless, U.S. prospects will get a barely extra aggressive sound profile, which ought to improve the auditory.

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

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

A New Steering System

The brand new belt-driven EPSapa steering system is among 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 function 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 exceptional accuracy.

It permits for a wider vary of steering dynamics, from comfy 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.

In fact, with this new steering system – first debuted within the X3 – the engineering staff has the flexibility to exert extra pressure straight into the axle, leading to improved dealing with dynamics. The advantages are notably 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 steadiness of sunshine, exact inputs for on a regular basis consolation and stiffer, extra direct suggestions if you swap to sportier driving modes. This stage of refinement within the steering helps elevate the general driving expertise, making certain the automotive feels agile but managed, whatever the street circumstances.

As all the time, it’s necessary to do not forget that steering suggestions is a extremely subjective measure. What feels superb to 1 driver could not resonate with one other. Some choose the lightness and ease of extra comfy steering, whereas others favor a heavier, extra substantial really feel, even when it generally comes throughout as synthetic. Finally, it comes down to private choice—whether or not you prioritize relaxed maneuverability or a extra linked, performance-oriented sensation.

The Suspension Is Additionally New

The suspension setup within the 2025 BMW X3 M50 is among the most notable upgrades, providing a variety of configurations to tailor the driving expertise. The X3 M50 comes with an ordinary suspension, an M Sport suspension, and two M adaptive choices—certainly one of which is tuned for a sportier really feel. This permits drivers to strike the right steadiness 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 offer the optimum trip high quality. In Consolation mode, for example, the suspension delivers a softer, extra forgiving expertise that’s superb for every day driving. This was a vital space of focus for BMW’s engineering staff, because the earlier technology’s trip was typically criticized for being too harsh for on a regular basis use. And that was certainly one of my essential 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, decreasing physique roll with out sacrificing an excessive amount of when it comes to trip consolation. The adaptive suspension retains the trip easy 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 steadiness of efficiency and luxury makes it a extra adaptable selection, 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, nevertheless it’s onerous to disclaim that it’s top-of-the-line crossovers in BMW’s lineup. Priced at $65,275 (82,500 euros in Germany), it affords a compelling bundle—loads of energy, a fascinating driving expertise, and sufficient tech to maintain most drivers joyful. Whereas the design could also be polarizing, particularly with among the extra radical modifications to the outside and inside, the general bundle 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 fans, but refined sufficient for every day use. In case you can overlook the plasticky inside and lacking moonroof, it is a crossover that may simply compete with dearer fashions in its class.

The 2025 BMW X3 M50 represents a brand new path for the X3 lineup, nevertheless it’s clear that BMW has taken some dangers with this technology, notably within the design division, however the driving expertise stays as sharp as ever. Whether or not you like or detest the brand new look, the X3 M50 delivers the place it issues most—on the street. And on the finish of the day, that’s what makes this crossover certainly one of BMW’s most compelling choices but.