Background
'M50' is an emotive-looking badge on the back of an X3. But this isn't a full-fat X3 M car - of the M3-engined sort that could be had in the previous generation range. Instead, it's replacement for that older G01 generation design's under-rated and excellent M40i, which sold alongside a diesel M40d variant. It's petrol only for this 'M-lite' model this time round.
As we've seen with lesser versions of this G45 X3, there's a meaner look with this generation and it suits the lightly bespoilered lines of the M50. But will it be enough of an M car for you? Let's take a closer look.
Driving Experience
The 3.0-litre B58 twin turbo six cylinder petrol engine in the X3 M50 is carried over from the old M40i model, but now has 398hp of power (16hp more than before). Which is just as well because it's hefty 1,980kg kerb weight is 135kg heavier. Shorter gear ratios for the 8-speed sport automatic aim to make it feel quicker, but a less emotive engine soundtrack undoes much of that good work, despite BMW's efforts to embellish the noise with 'IconicSounds' augmentation through the audio speakers. There's 580Nm of pulling power and 62mph is reached in 4.6s en route to an artificially limited 155mph maximum.
Gearshifts are always swift and decisive and the engine has a pleasing preference to rev. Plus there's reassuring AWD traction through the turns from the xDrive system. Cornering agility is improved over the previous generation model thanks to wider rear track, increased rigidity and kinematic changes at both axles. Plus the ride is a bit more supple (even on big 21 inch rims) and refinement's been improved.
Design and Build
This G45-era X3 certainly has a bit more pavement presence in its predecessor, especially in this sported-up M50 guise, where the expected M-lite body treatment gives it a subtly menacing presence. Not everything works visually - the bulky-looking rear end, the unnecessary illuminated front grille surround - but the slender new LED headlights give plenty of overtaking presence. M50-specific exterior touches include 20-inch M Double-spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels, the BMW 'Iconic Glow' exterior package which gives an illuminated front grille, 'M High-gloss Shadowline trim' with 'M Lights Shadowline' finishing and a quad exhaust system. There are also M sport brakes with red calipers and M sport suspension.
Inside, it's high quality M Sport fare, though you might not think the finished cabin quite matches up to the price BMW wants to charge for it. The thick steering wheel and the fabric on top of the doors and dash feel nice; the copious amounts smeary black plastic don't. M50 kit includes an anthracite headliner, M Alcantara/Veganza black combination upholstery, M Fine-Brushed aluminium interior trim, an M Sport leather steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker and M Sport seat belts.
As with any X3s, there's a dash top curved screen incorporating a 12.3-inch driver's instrument display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The latter runs the brand's latest OS9-generation infotainment system, though it can still be controlled by a rotary knob on the console, above which is an illuminated touch panel. Climate control is now adjusted by the kind of haptic 'Interaction Bar' we've lately seen on 5 and 7 Series models. Interior ambience lighting changes with drive mode and there's the option of an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system. Rear seat space is much as in the old M40i - comfortable for a couple of adults but not ideal for three. There's a 20-litre increase in boot capacity though - to 570-litres, extending to 1,700-litres with the seats folded.
Market and Model
Prices open at just under £67,000 for this X3 M50. This figure represents a bit of a step up from before but at least you get more kit for your money. Obvious rivals include the Audi SQ5 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. We gave you many of the bespoke M50 equipment items in our 'Design' section. On top of that, you get all the features you'd expect from a well-trimmed X3. In case you're not familiar with all those, we'll cover them now.
There's three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, 'Comfort Access' keyless entry, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors, and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' twin-screen cabin set-up, complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. BMW also includes ambient lighting featuring a Welcome and Goodbye Animation and a tray including wireless charging function for compatible smartphones.
The standard 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' package adds a head-up display, and also an Augmented View function in the control display. Optional equipment packs include the 'Comfort Package' which features lumbar support, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, 'Travel & Comfort System' front seat back attachments and Adaptive LED Headlights. The 'Comfort Plus Package' adds sun blinds for the rear side windows, active seat ventilation in the front and seat heating in the rear. Also found on the options list are a fixed panoramic glass sunroof, steering wheel heating, sun protection glass in the rear and a pre-heating function. The X3 M50 xDrive comes with the BMW IconicSounds Electric for special sound effects.
Cost of Ownership
BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has - with 48V mild hybrid tech in this case. The mild hybrid system works as these set-ups usually do, storing energy generated under braking and when cruising in a tiny battery, which powers the start/stop system and gives a small power boost under acceleration. As for the WLTP efficiency figures, this M50 xDrive model's 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol unit is rated at up to 36.7mpg and 175g/km.
On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.