BMW X3 M50 xDrive 2025 review

You could be forgiven for thinking the latest ‘G45’ BMW X3 is all new. The body is 34mm longer, 19mm wider and 25mm lower for a more menacing appearance that is almost completely removed from its predecessor — unlike the familiar new Audi Q5.

And yet, the new version of BMW Australia’s best-seller rides on an updated version of the previous X3’s ‘CLAR’ architecture with the same 2850mm wheelbase. It’s part of the Bavarian brands mixed electric and combustion car strategy, looking to save where it can on X3 while funnelling funds into the all-electric Neue Klasse-platformed iX3 next year.

The combustion-engined X3 launches with three variants — none of which have an ‘i’ in the title, following the 1 and 2 Series’ lead — the entry 20, mid-spec 30e plug-in hybrid and the flagship M50 xDrive on test.

Replacing the M40i, the M50 uses a development of that car’s silky 2998cc twin-scroll turbocharged petrol inline six-cylinder with mild-hybrid boost helping drive power up 18kW to 298kW.

It’s what you see in the new X3 that really counts; the squatter proportions and futuristic imposing front end help it stand out in traffic. It’s adventurous, yet might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some fresh standard colours, including Dune Grey of the tested M50, give the shape and even more contemporary twist.

Look closer and you start to notice some familiar hardpoints, like the rise of the new X3’s A-pillar which is familiar, as is bonnet’s profile. It makes you wonder if BMW’s treatment runs more than skin deep.

What are the X3 M50’s features and options for the price?

The new BMW X3 starts at $84,500, before on-road costs and the tested M50 commands a whole lot more cash at $126,900. But there is value there, we promise. For a start, the new M50 is a mere $100 more than the old M40i.

Plus, by the time you’ve ticked all the options on the 20 you’re at $97,500 — a significantly smaller gap considering the M50 delivers over twice the power.

As for rivals, the most up-to-date on sale is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 at $136,900, though Audi’s new-generation SQ5 packing 298kW isn’t too far away and is likely to sit in the same ballpark, or a little below, the X3 M50.

The BMW X3 M50 features the following equipment as standard:

• 21-inch M alloy wheels (non-runflat tyres)
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Quad exhaust tips
• M-specific ‘Iconic Glow’ illuminated kidney grilles, mirror caps and aerodynamic elements
• Tri-zone automatic climate control]
• Acoustic glazing
• Power tailgate
• 14.9-inch touchscreen
• Operating system 9 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charging
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 15-speaker, 750-watt harmon/kardon surround system
• Head-up display
• Keyless access with smartphone key
• Power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• Heated rear outer seats
• Veganza synthetic leather upholstery
• M Sport Package inc. Steering wheel and Anthracite headliner
• Glass roof

Despite fitting non-runflat tyres, the X3 is equipped with a tyre inflator kit and not a temporary spare.

How does the X3 M50 drive?

The outgoing BMW X3 M40i was a peach to drive. Lovely straight-six, slick transmission and well-judged level of athleticism. The latest G45 incrementally builds on those areas of excellence, delivering the most well-rounded X3 to date and, until we drive the new SQ5, the new class benchmark.

Broadening the X3 M50’s bandwidth required a full rethink of the chassis settings. Where old X3s relied on stiff springs for dynamic edge, the new G45 is more nuanced.

Despite huge 21-inch alloy wheels, the standard adaptive dampers move gracefully through their travel on Sydney’s rough streets in their softest setting. Noise is kept to a minimum thanks to standard acoustic glass and extensive insulation and BMW’s choice to ditch run-flats on the M50.

Ducking and weaving through tight streets the ZF eight-speed automatic expertly swaps cogs to ride the B58 3.0-litre inline turbo-six petrol’s torque wave (540Nm between 1900-4800 rpm).

The new 48-volt mild-hybrid system provides a 40Nm boost to a peak of 580Nm along with more seamless stop-start functionality, though the soft brake pedal at low speeds can make smooth stops tricky.

The other benefit of the inline-six (sadly the cold start is now much less dramatic) is a relaxing, omnipresent exhaust hum that builds into a full-bodied growl through the rev range. We’ll come to miss this.

Punch is plentiful for the traffic light Grand Prix and sneaking into gaps in traffic. BMW reckons you’ll get from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, two tenths faster than before and a whole lot quicker than in the X3 20.

The extra power (298kW of it) makes the X3 come alive on country roads, exposing more of the chassis’ talents. The rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system is more than happy to oblige on-throttle rotation through corners with the ESC giving plenty of scope for fun. Sport tightens the dampers up nicely but is best reserved for smooth tarmac.

BMW’s missing a bit of a trick on drive mode selection in its non-M cars, though. They’re about three taps on the centre screen and obscurely named Personal, Sport, Expressive, and Art. The last two only adjust the cabin vibe and are wasted opportunities.

Strong uprated M brakes and direct steering — if lacking feel — inspire confidence on testing roads.

Special mention to the X3 M50’s adaptive LED headlights which danced around in the inky blackness to highlight wallabies and crucial road signs on a trip from Sydney to Bathurst (the interesting way) after dark.

What is the X3 M50’s interior and tech like?

The X3 appears to have jumped two generations from its predecessor inside, where the conservative, easy-to-use design has been replaced by a new iX-inspired interface dominated by screens and strips of translucent trim that glow with ambient lighting.

Where the old X3’s driving position was high-set, you sink down into the new car’s supportive and temperature controlled seats. Auto fan ventilation means you can enjoy the glass roof even on hot days.

Although not from a cow, the X3’s Veganza synthetic leather upholstery is soft, never sweaty, and comes in three colours. Nappa leather’s available for an extra $4000.

Technology dominates in the form of a twin screen set-up for the driver that is bright and responsive. BMW’s persevered with touch climate controls, but at least there’s a persistent temperature bar for both passengers at the bottom. Plus, the array of excellent auto programs means you can easily set temp and fan strength parameters to your liking.

The control layout is mostly sensible with a few controls on the steering wheel and crucial ones, including the start/stop button, gathered around the toggle gear selector.

A wireless charging pad, two USB-C charge points, pair of small cup holders, reasonable door bins and a covered centre cubby give the X3 passable cabin storage.

The front passenger is very removed from the action with not much more than a slab of black plastic to look at, unless you (smartly) opt for the $1200 tactile knit weave dash cover.

Build quality is generally improved aside from the door pulls and plastic pull handles — both major touch points — which feel cheap and scratchy. Plastics below the beltline should be better.

The X3’s back seat is spacious for full-sized adults with a good view out the side windows, however the lower roofline impedes forward visibility.

Rear roller blinds and fold-out armrests with two cup holders are standard. The attractive tombstone front seats have a phone cradle easily in reach of a USB-C port, but they cost a painful $439 apiece.

A standard power tailgate opens up the X3’s generous 570-litre boot which expands to 1700L when the 40/20/40 backrest is folded.

There’s snazzy patterned trim on the boot lip, some extra underfloor storage, three easily accessible top tether points and a pair of netted cubbies off to the sides.

Is the X3 M50 a safe car?

The G45 BMW X3 is yet to receive an ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety rating.

The X3 is fitted with auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera system, and tyre pressure monitoring.

BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional suite is standard, featuring adaptive cruise control with stop and go along with auto lane-change — just turn on the indicator and all the sensors will read the road and decide whether it’s safe, before steering the X3 into the other lane.

In practice, BMW’s systems work brilliantly and are some of the best on the market. Functions like driver drowsiness detection and speed sign recognition were genuinely helpful on test.

What are the X3 M50’s ownership costs?

With more power, torque and displacement you might expect the X3 M50 to be a lot less efficient than the 20. The truth is, mild electrification and right-sizing pays off for this 1980kg SUV.

Compared to the combined ADR rating of 8.2L/100km, the X3 M50 returned a figure of 7.8L/100km according to the trip computer after more than 500km of driving including an out-and-back run from Sydney to Bathurst and urban driving in Sydney traffic. BMW even says the X3 M50 will accept 91 RON regular unleaded petrol.

The X3 will prompt owners for service based on condition, but BMW’s guide is roughly every 12 months or 20,000km. The Service Inclusive Basic pack that covers scheduled servicing for five years or 80,000km costs $2475 for the X3. For reference, that’s a third of what a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 will cost to service over the same period.

The BMW X3 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre new-vehicle warranty in Australia. Roadside assistance is also included for three years.

The honest verdict on the X3 M50

A heavy redesign of both the cabin and sheetmetal give the appearance of an entirely new vehicle but BMW didn’t go back to the drawing board for the new G45 X3.

Of course there are some shortcomings: scratchy plastics scattered around the cabin, touch-heavy interaction and those extra two drive modes that feel pointless. With strong safety equipment and an ownership experience that matches key rivals, there’s little else to complain about with the X3.

The upgrades under the skin are mostly incremental and that’s exactly what was needed — the fundamentals were already class-leading and, if you can justify the price, the M50 unlocks BMW’s signature pace, sound and dynamic polish.