2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Review: A sharper, sportier take on the everyday SUV
As SUVs gained popularity for their space and utility, the appetite for sportscar-like performance grew too. The 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive answers that call — it's a high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) we recently tested.
But first, a quick rewind. The X5 redefined the SUV segment, paving the way for the X3 over 20 years ago. By 2023, it had become BMW's bestseller. Now, we meet its fourth-generation evolution.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
This is an all-new X3, and it's a radical transformation. At 4,755mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,660mm in height, it's a mid-size SUV that's longer and wider, with a lower stance and broader tracks than before — yet, it appears more compact.
BMW calls it a 'monolithic overall appearance', and unlike the disjointed designs of recent models, this one feels cohesive. Even the flared wheel arches — housing 255/45 R20 front tyres and wider 285-section rears — are seamlessly sculpted into the body. Grabbing attention up front is the oversized BMW kidney grille, featuring vertically and diagonally arranged bars. The optional BMW Iconic Glow adds contour lighting around the grille for additional drama. Flanking it are adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam and distinctive double L-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is sleek and unified, highlighted by a sharply rising beltline that gives the X3 a crouched, speed-ready stance. At the rear, fighter jet-style LED lamps sit on a concave tailgate, complemented by purposeful quad exhaust tips that look ready to aurally unleash all 400 horses with authority.
The all-new interior has a distinct sci-fi feel, with illuminated surfaces, wedge-shaped and corrugated line details across the dash, door pulls, and a wireless charger — which, by the way, is angled well and easy to access. The BMW Curved Display impresses, featuring the latest iDrive, though the lower console tilts slightly away, making controls harder to read in sunlight. The digital cluster echoes the wedge motif, with graphic-style tacho and speed readouts, plus optional in-cluster navigation. A standout detail is the clock — neither digital nor analogue, but spelled out in words.
The dash and doors use a funky engineered mesh that adds flair but may trap dust or scratch. There's also a noticeable use of plastic at touchpoints like the inner door handles, which feels slightly unrefined for the price.
The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel is both stylish and functional, with truss-like spokes and red-blue cross-stitching, though the small toggle switches suit smaller hands.
The brown perforated leather sports seats are soft and supportive, with good lateral hold. Slightly larger seat bases would improve comfort, but the manual thigh extenders are a plus. Rear legroom is adequate, though shoulder space is tight for three adults.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The M50 features the most powerful inline six-cylinder petrol engine ever fitted to an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo, paired with 48V mild-hybrid tech, produces 398 PS and 580 Nm, channeling power to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW's xDrive system. The result is full-bodied acceleration that inspires confidence — whether launching from a standstill, overtaking, or darting through traffic. With Launch Control engaged, 0–100kmph comes in just 4.6 seconds, and the Sport Boost function delivers an additional 10 seconds of thrust on demand.
Standard on the M50 are M Sport suspension with adaptive dampers, variable sport steering, and an M Sport rear differential. Steering is sportscar-like — every small input feels immediate, with consistent grip that gives spirited drivers the traction and predictability they crave. Despite its dynamic focus, ride quality remains composed and surprisingly plush. Braking is equally impressive, with sharp stopping power delivered via vented discs: four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. While the M50 is a precision driving tool, the experience feels slightly synthetic — possibly due to the amplified exhaust note played through the speakers.
We also recorded a pleasantly surprising fuel economy of 9.9l/100km, with an indicated range of 785km.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The X3 is an ideal urban SUV. Storage includes a small cubby, modest glovebox, and a 570-litre boot — expandable to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded, enough for airport luggage.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with personalisation via BMW ID. BMW Digital Key Plus can also be set up through the My BMW app. The M50 variant adds a clear-sounding Harman Kardon audio system and two front USB-C ports for connectivity or charging.
Safety is well-covered with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, including a tyre pressure monitor. A thoughtful touch: ambient lighting pulses with the hazard lights. That said, the 360° camera view would benefit from a portrait-style display. The air conditioner offers good cooling, but the tiny, non-ergonomic vent controls — borrowed from the 7 Series — aren't ideal.
VERDICT
The all-new 2025 BMW X3 is a refreshing shift from recent BMW designs, featuring monolithic surfaces and a sci-fi-inspired cabin that blends form with function. Well-built and practical, it caters to both urban individuals and modern families. However, for its price, the extensive use of cabin plastics feels out of place, and there are a few ergonomic quirks. While the M50 xDrive variant delivers quick, precise, and confidence-inspiring performance, the overall experience feels slightly synthesised. Still, a very desirable sporty, urbane SUV.
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2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Review: A sharper, sportier take on the everyday SUV
As SUVs gained popularity for their space and utility, the appetite for sportscar-like performance grew too. The 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive answers that call — it's a high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) we recently tested. But first, a quick rewind. The X5 redefined the SUV segment, paving the way for the X3 over 20 years ago. By 2023, it had become BMW's bestseller. Now, we meet its fourth-generation evolution. DESIGN & AESTHETICS This is an all-new X3, and it's a radical transformation. At 4,755mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,660mm in height, it's a mid-size SUV that's longer and wider, with a lower stance and broader tracks than before — yet, it appears more compact. BMW calls it a 'monolithic overall appearance', and unlike the disjointed designs of recent models, this one feels cohesive. Even the flared wheel arches — housing 255/45 R20 front tyres and wider 285-section rears — are seamlessly sculpted into the body. Grabbing attention up front is the oversized BMW kidney grille, featuring vertically and diagonally arranged bars. The optional BMW Iconic Glow adds contour lighting around the grille for additional drama. Flanking it are adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam and distinctive double L-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is sleek and unified, highlighted by a sharply rising beltline that gives the X3 a crouched, speed-ready stance. At the rear, fighter jet-style LED lamps sit on a concave tailgate, complemented by purposeful quad exhaust tips that look ready to aurally unleash all 400 horses with authority. The all-new interior has a distinct sci-fi feel, with illuminated surfaces, wedge-shaped and corrugated line details across the dash, door pulls, and a wireless charger — which, by the way, is angled well and easy to access. The BMW Curved Display impresses, featuring the latest iDrive, though the lower console tilts slightly away, making controls harder to read in sunlight. The digital cluster echoes the wedge motif, with graphic-style tacho and speed readouts, plus optional in-cluster navigation. A standout detail is the clock — neither digital nor analogue, but spelled out in words. The dash and doors use a funky engineered mesh that adds flair but may trap dust or scratch. There's also a noticeable use of plastic at touchpoints like the inner door handles, which feels slightly unrefined for the price. The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel is both stylish and functional, with truss-like spokes and red-blue cross-stitching, though the small toggle switches suit smaller hands. The brown perforated leather sports seats are soft and supportive, with good lateral hold. Slightly larger seat bases would improve comfort, but the manual thigh extenders are a plus. 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Despite its dynamic focus, ride quality remains composed and surprisingly plush. Braking is equally impressive, with sharp stopping power delivered via vented discs: four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. While the M50 is a precision driving tool, the experience feels slightly synthetic — possibly due to the amplified exhaust note played through the speakers. We also recorded a pleasantly surprising fuel economy of 9.9l/100km, with an indicated range of 785km. FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY The X3 is an ideal urban SUV. Storage includes a small cubby, modest glovebox, and a 570-litre boot — expandable to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded, enough for airport luggage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with personalisation via BMW ID. BMW Digital Key Plus can also be set up through the My BMW app. The M50 variant adds a clear-sounding Harman Kardon audio system and two front USB-C ports for connectivity or charging. Safety is well-covered with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, including a tyre pressure monitor. A thoughtful touch: ambient lighting pulses with the hazard lights. That said, the 360° camera view would benefit from a portrait-style display. The air conditioner offers good cooling, but the tiny, non-ergonomic vent controls — borrowed from the 7 Series — aren't ideal. VERDICT The all-new 2025 BMW X3 is a refreshing shift from recent BMW designs, featuring monolithic surfaces and a sci-fi-inspired cabin that blends form with function. Well-built and practical, it caters to both urban individuals and modern families. However, for its price, the extensive use of cabin plastics feels out of place, and there are a few ergonomic quirks. While the M50 xDrive variant delivers quick, precise, and confidence-inspiring performance, the overall experience feels slightly synthesised. Still, a very desirable sporty, urbane SUV.
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