Welcome to my latest review of the brand new 2025 BMW X3 M50! In this post, I’ll showcase the highlights and areas of improvement, and ultimately, we’ll see if the X3 M50 retains its crown as the segment benchmark against competitors like the Audi SQ5 and the Mercedes GLC43.
The Cons of the BMW X3 M50
While the X3 M50 is undoubtedly a fantastic vehicle, there are a few cons worth mentioning. First, it’s not just about this specific model but rather the X3 lineup in general. Here in the United States, we currently don’t have access to the plug-in hybrid X3 or the i3 variant available overseas. In contrast, Mercedes has introduced their GLC 350e to the American market.
The powertrains available in the U.S. are mild hybrids, which is a bit disappointing given that there are more options available in other markets. Options are always welcome, and it would be great to see BMW introduce these alternatives in the U.S. However, there’s nothing negative to report about the powertrains currently available, which we will cover later.
On a more minor note, there are a few areas within the cabin that seem to hint at cost-cutting. For instance, the door handles are now made of plastic rather than metal, and the buttons next to the door handle that control fan speed and locks feel a bit cheap due to their black plastic construction. In the back seat, while the front boasts a cool ambient light interaction bar, the rear is noticeably darker.
Additionally, the cup holders, although designed to fit larger water bottles, have a domed bottom that prevents bottles from sitting flush, resulting in rattling during spirited drives.
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The Pros: Powertrain Performance
Now, let’s delve into what makes the new X3 M50 so appealing. At the heart of this vehicle is the B58 engine, a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This year, several components, including the crankshaft and turbos, have been revised to enhance performance.
With an impressive output of 393 horsepower—an increase of 11—and 428 lb-ft of torque, up 59 lb-ft, the M50 has seen significant gains. Additionally, fuel efficiency has improved, with a combined rating of 27 MPG, which is up by 4 MPG from last year. The 0 to 60 time remains competitive at approximately 4.4 seconds.
For those who don’t require the might of the B58 engine, the X3 also offers a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (B48), generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a combined MPG rating of 29—an increase of 5 from the previous year. BMW continues to lead the market with efficient powertrains, and this year’s improvements further solidify that status.
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Driving Experience
The driving experience of the X3 M50 is quintessential BMW. The pairing of the drivetrain with the powertrain, along with the ZF 8-speed transmission, offers both sharpness and smoothness. All X3 models come standard with XDrive, which enhances the driving experience. Remarkably, this new generation is only about 100 lbs heavier than its predecessor and is about an inch longer, positively affecting rear-seat and trunk space.
The M50 features an adaptive suspension system as standard, which is a welcome addition. The M Sport differential manages torque and horsepower, creating a dynamic driving experience. While the steering may feel a bit light and numb, the engine’s power delivery and sound add excitement to the overall experience.
One of the standout features is how the adaptive suspension allows for a comfortable daily driving experience. Switching between drive modes reveals significant differences: in Sport and Sport Plus, the chassis feels firm and disciplined, while Comfort mode offers a softer ride.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Inside the X3 M50, the cabin experience is refined and spacious. The dashboard design provides excellent visibility, while the materials used are of high quality. The overall styling is handsome, with some influences from the X1, featuring a light-up grille and a clean rear end. The vehicle comes with new wheel options, with brake calipers available in blue or red.
In terms of practicality, the powered and hands-free tailgate is a standard feature. With the rear seats up, the X3 offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 67 cubic feet when the seats are folded down—four more cubic feet than last year. This makes the X3 M50 one of the largest vehicles in its class.
The M50’s seats are designed for comfort, featuring excellent side bolstering without being constrictive. They are heated and cooled, with an optional upgrade to a full Merino interior. The minimalistic dash design contributes to a modern feel, highlighted by the new M steering wheel and ambient lighting that creates visual drama as the sun sets.
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Rear Seat Comfort and Towing Capacity
The rear seats of the X3 M50 offer decent knee and headroom, comparable to the previous generation. While they don’t recline or slide, they do include heated outboard seats and a three-zone climate control option. The full glass panoramic roof allows light into the cabin, though it remains fixed.
Towing capacity is impressive as well, with the base model capable of towing 4,000 lbs, while the M50 can handle up to 4,850 lbs. This surpasses the GLC 43’s maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs, making it a strong contender in this aspect.
Technology and Safety Features
The new BMW X3 M50 is packed with technology and features that cater to modern drivers. A full-color head-up display, the updated iDrive 9 system, a digital instrument cluster, and a center screen with various functionalities are standard. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree cameras, and wireless charging pads enhance the driving experience. However, it’s worth noting that the wireless charging feature lacks the seat belt safety feature found in the X1.
In terms of safety, the X3 M50 offers the Drive Pilot Pro system, although it doesn’t include full hands-free driving capabilities. Nevertheless, it remains competitive within its segment, offering numerous customization options for the interface.
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Pricing and Conclusion
Finally, regarding pricing, the new BMW X3 starts at just under $50,000, with the M50 beginning at $64,800. This competitive pricing is especially notable when considering that the four-cylinder hybrid AMG GLC 43 starts at $68,000.
In conclusion, the new BMW X3 M50 shows improvements across the board, with enhanced ride quality, efficiency, power, and interior features. Thanks to International BMW for the opportunity to review this remarkable vehicle, and thank you for reading! I look forward to sharing more insights in the next review.
