The 2025 BMW X3 M50 proves how an engine can make a car great. The fourth-generation model of the X3 arrives with an avant-garde design inspired by BMW's iX SUV. Although it may initially seem strange in the images, the SUV makes a real statement in Vegas Red. Unlike the frivolity of its predecessor, the new X3 claims a powerful presence, which is attractive to those who celebrate BMW's design boldness.
At the heart of this X3 M50 is BMW's famous B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. With the inclusion of the new mild-hybrid system it offers 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers effortless, exhilarating performance. Throttle response is lightning-fast, turbo lag is almost nonexistent, and the engine delivers strong power all the way up to 7,000 rpm.
The smoothness of this engine is its hallmark. The natural balance of the straight-six doesn’t allow for any harshness from under the hood. When the optional piped-in engine sounds are turned off, only a faint growl is heard, adding to the relaxed driving experience. The eight-speed transmission, which performs every shift precisely, makes it a reliable partner in any driving situation.
The X3 M50’s engine alone is reason enough to buy. It even rivals premium SUVs with V-8 engines that cost over $100,000. The M50 performs so well that BMW’s X3 M doesn’t need it. Fuel economy, rated at 25 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway), and 27 mpg (combined), beats the old four-cylinder X3, balancing practicality and performance.
Handling is another strength of the X3 M50. BMW's rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip in corners, giving the driver confidence. However, the optional 21-inch wheels make the low-speed suspension a bit firmer; the standard 20-inch wheels offer excellent comfort. BMW's dynamic excellence makes this crossover an SUV with the soul of a sports sedan.
The interior, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. While the aluminum trim on the center console is attractive, it doesn't extend to the doors or dashboard, clearly showing the cost-cutting. The odd panels for the HVAC vents and door locks detract from the quality. But the ambient lighting, better seats, and a steering wheel with M tricolor stitching elevate the cabin.
BMW's iDrive 9 infotainment system, while complex, is easy to use, especially with the help of the rotary controller. The digital gauge cluster is clear and customizable, though BMW's odd gauge designs may be off-putting to some. The $1,700 Driving Assistant Professional package offers lane-centering and adaptive cruise, but the distance settings menu is complicated.
It's hard to judge how much the X3 M50 has advanced over the previous model, especially since the interior feels like it's regressed in some areas. The old X3's physical climate controls and simple infotainment are missing. BMW's abandonment of its classic orange backlighting is also a disappointment for some fans.
Prices start at $65,375, with the model we tested coming in at $72,225, which doesn’t make the X3 M50 a cheap option. But the engine’s performance, which beats the V-6s in the Audi SQ5, Porsche Macan S, and Genesis GV70, justifies the price. Compared to the four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, the X3 M50 is a clear winner.
While the X3 M50 shares some of the shortcomings of modern SUVs, its strengths—especially the engine and handling—more than make up for them. This crossover exemplifies the magic of the engine that makes a good car great. As the era of the internal combustion engine draws to a close, vehicles like the X3 M50 will be fondly remembered.
The BMW X3 M50 offers a balanced blend of performance, design, and practicality, making it a strong contender in the luxury crossover market. The engine’s excellence, combined with BMW’s dynamic driving DNA, makes the X3 M50 a driver-focused SUV that is perfect for those who want both excitement and practicality.
While the future of internal combustion engines is uncertain, the 2025 BMW X3 M50 is a reminder of how a great engine can elevate the soul of a car. This SUV is a testament to BMW’s engineering excellence and stands as an exciting choice for those seeking driving pleasure.