The 4th generation BMW X3 M50 punches harder than its predecessor, but feels surprisingly more grown up
Singapore – When we tested the 2 litre version of BMW’s new X3, right away, we found that it felt even more car-like and refined than its predecessor, which was a pleasant surprise, as I was already quite a fan of the previous car. For somewhat similar coin to the aging Porsche Macan S, the G45 BMW X3 M50 certainly delivers more tech, practicality and more punch.
To me, the new SAV has huge shoes to fill, especially since I had grown very attached to the previous generation G01 car. In another life, I had sampled a few variants, and even did a long-term test drive of a 20d variant in Australia; which in my opinion, was the best one of the lot.
Mixed feelings about the interior
The X3 M50 is a German mittelfinger to the age of EVs. An SUV, built as practical as it should be, extending with it the full-fat utility you can expect from a vehicle in its class. The SAV’s cargo room has increased by 20 litres to 570 litres, while interior space remains near-identical to its predecessor. The outward increase in dimensions though, is insignificant.
The dashboard carries with it a few design cues, taken from the controversial million-dollar XM. Over here, a curved screen, which houses 14.9-inch infotainment display and the 12.3-inch instrument panel take centrestage. The infotainment’s Operating System 9 is virtual button-heavy, which is not entirely to my liking. I am glad though, that BMW has retained the iDrive module for easy browsing. The system’s voice recognition is arguably the best among its peers, as it is able to activate notably more of the car’s functions.
However, I am not a fan of their new touch button assemblies located on the front door cards, as they tend to creak, and therefore somewhat cheapens the interior.
But a drive you can savour
BMW has carried over what had made the previous X3 such a joy to drive, and I say this without playing up on BMW’s branding mantra. In-fact, the new G45’s architecture is an updated version of BMW’s proven CLAR platform, which also underpinned the G01 – a par excellent place to begin.
Under the hood, the fabulous inline-six 3 litre churns out 398hp and 560Nm – 38hp and 60Nm more than the previous M40. The powertrain also gets a further boost of 17hp and 200Nm from a mild hybrid system, which helps fill the gaps All of this is paired to an 8-speed, which drives all wheels. You reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the M40, but stats aside, the new M50 does actually feel more urgent. This is thanks in-part to the MHEV tech, which provides crucial torque assistance lower down the rev range.
I wouldn’t say that the performance is explosive, but I am still talking properly fast. In Singapore, you’d need to be careful with that right foot, as just about any enthusiastic squeeze would easily cause the needle to shoot past the speed limit.
But with all that performance, BMW has still ensured that the M-badged X3 remains civilised. Around the tightest of turns, the Adaptive M suspension keeps the wheels firmly plastered to tarmac, while mitigating top-heavy bodyroll. In Sport Plus, the wheel nannying gets watered down. Just enough for you to enjoy the rear stepping out that bit, to remind you that you are driving an M-ish car.
Perhaps my only gripe would be that the steering does feel somewhat “manufatured”… somewhat less organic than the M40.
On days where you’re not a hoon, the M50 cruises almost as comfortably as its 2.0 brethren, but you have on-tap the creamy-effortlessness from that 3 litre inline six. However, you’d be consistently reminded that you are in no ordinary X3, as those 21-inch wheels will still transmit their firmness despite dialing down of that M Suspension.
Fun you can daily
For what it can do, the M50 is easy to live with as a daily driver. Aside from boosting performance, the MHEV tech also allows for a little coasting, which helps with the M-badged SUV’s fuel numbers. Officially, it does a combined 11.8km/l, which is 1.1km/l less than its 2.0 litre sibling. Compared to its peers, which would be the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, and the new Audi SQ5, they manage 9.6km/l and 10.9km/l respectively.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fabulous engine | Strange Styling |
| Superb handling | Needs more buttons, and direct vent controls |
| Strange Styling | Infotainment has become more complex |
2025 BMW X3 M50 Mild Hybrid 3.0 xDrive
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric mild hybrid |
| Layout | 2,988cc, in-line 6 |
| Motor power / torque | 398hp / 580Nm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed |
| Efficiency | 11.8km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 4.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 250km/h |
| VES Band | C2 |
| Dealer | Performance Motors / BMW Eurokars Auto |
| Price | S$460,888 with COE, with VES |
| Verdict | Fantastic road holding, super engine, terrifying looks |
