The brand new-generation BMW X3 lineup is right here, and the range-topping variant is the X3 M50 xDrive.
This six-cylinder sweetheart is probably the most highly effective model within the mid-size premium SUV mannequin vary – for now, not less than – and it’s additionally the costliest.
So is it price contemplating? And does it provide ‘M’ ranges of efficiency for the value? Learn on and discover out.
How a lot does the BMW X3 price?
The flagship BMW X3 M50 xDrive isn’t low-cost, however it does provide a fairly spectacular worth for cash equation when you’re on the lookout for a six-cylinder super-SUV.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| BMW X3 20 | $86,200 |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive | $102,900 |
| BMW X3 M50 xDrive | $128,900 |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s the BMW X3 like on the within?
The brand new-generation X3 is a large step up when it comes to inside design and end in comparison with the earlier mannequin.
The final one was fairly good, however this? In a whole lot of methods, it appears and feels genuinely premium… besides, I seen a few ill-fitting plastics across the console, and there was a little bit of criticism across the materials finishes extra usually.
Is it a $130k automobile inside? Nicely, I believe it’s fairly good, however perhaps inferior to it ought to be for that form of money.
The design is neat although, with a extremely huge deal with lighting and tech because the mainstays of this cabin remedy, and if that’s your factor, it’s obtained that bling.
There’s a head-up show, which is great, and a completely digital instrument cluster with a great deal of menu controllability. You may handle it by way of the steering wheel buttons – simply notice that the shiny end on these controls can look a bit grubby over time.
I’m not an enormous fan of the reflective surfaces, however functionality-wise, the whole lot’s the place you’d count on.
You’ve additionally obtained cruise management and paddle shifters, together with a Enhance paddle that delivers most energy when held down. It’s fairly enjoyable to make use of, let me inform you.
There’s additionally a 14.9-inch touchscreen media system which helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus it has a heap of built-in capabilities, together with cloud-based satellite tv for pc navigation.
The system is full of menus, a few of which you’ll unlock by means of subscriptions for extras like Audible, YouTube, and extra. It’s fairly intuitive total, although some options would possibly take a little bit of studying, and I nonetheless discovered it a bit complicated for among the issues I needed to see shortly, like a visit pc show (which, until I’m incorrect, can’t be proven up on the motive force data display!).
There’s additionally a drive recorder (although you’ll should be logged in to entry it), a favorites tab, and a not too long ago used panel for faster navigation. Local weather management is dealt with by means of a fan button that opens up additional settings, together with air course and pace, so yeah, in that approach it’s like a whole lot of new automobiles with menus on menus to regulate easy issues, however there’s a voice management system that appears to get it proper most of the time.
Surprisingly, the air flow system is likely one of the highlights. You get haptic sliders for fan pace and toggles for vent course. It’s a clear, intelligent design. Even the door-mounted vents have contact controls and alter the airflow course with motorised fins.
Open the door, and also you’ll discover extra considerate particulars: illuminated controls, reminiscence seat settings, and even light-up hazard indicators built-in into the door and sprint trim. It’s spectacular and provides a futuristic, high-end really feel.
You may possibility a textile dashboard created from recycled supplies, however even the usual soft-touch end feels refined. The seats are trimmed in high-quality artificial leather-based. Convincing, comfortable, and cozy – and if you would like actual leather-based, you may get it for an additional price.
The entrance seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and embody driver reminiscence settings as customary.
There’s a centre console space BMW calls the ‘jewelry field’, which features a wi-fi cellphone charger, a second cellphone pad, USB ports, and twin cupholders.
You’ll additionally discover an iDrive controller, which is a bit old-school perhaps, however it’s an excellent different to the touchscreen for navigating menus. The one draw back is the shiny end, which is a fingerprint magnet.
You’ll respect that there’s a quantity dial, drive mode selector, and quick-access buttons to your automobile settings. Change to Sport mode, and the cabin lighting, instrument show, and even the character of the automobile change. It’s a small contact that makes an enormous distinction.
There’s additionally a shortcut to automobile settings, the place you’ll be able to disable lane-keeping help or alter driving traits.
The central-screen digicam system is incredible, providing a number of views, together with 3D mode, automobile wash alignment, and a reversing assistant. It’s genuinely top-of-the-line programs I’ve used. And it has the Reversing Assistant function, which may again the automobile out of a scenario you’ve pushed into, when you’re not assured you’ll be capable of do it (there’s as much as 50m of reversing doable!).
You’ve obtained a toggle-style gear selector, digital park brake, idle begin/cease button, a good centre console bin, and a reasonably spacious glovebox. The door pockets simply accommodate giant bottles.
Up high, there are illuminated vainness mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SOS name button, inside digicam, and your overhead gentle controls. All of it feels neatly designed and fairly posh.
Now, to the again seats. With the motive force’s seat set to my driving place (I’m 182cm/6’0” tall), there was respectable foot room, and the scalloped seatbacks assist with knee area, however it’s not the roomiest again seat within the section. Headroom was additionally just a little tighter than anticipated.
However when it comes to options, it’s glorious for households. You get seize handles, coat hooks, overhead lights, map pockets, and air flow with trendy controls. Rear local weather settings and USB-C ports are there, too.
There’s a giant transmission tunnel, so squeezing three adults throughout could be a problem. However you do get ISOFIX baby seat anchors on the window seats, three top-tether factors, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The door pockets are huge, and the doorways have comfortable padded trim, retaining issues comfy and premium-feeling.
The boot is greater this time round, too.
There’s 570 litres of cargo capability within the new-gen X3 with the rear seats up (20L greater than the final model) and that expands to 1700L with the seats folded down (up 100L in comparison with earlier than).
A bonus factor to notice is the rear seat has a 40:20:40-split folding design, so you can also make the area extra useable than in another automobiles on this section. There are quite a few purchasing bag hooks, a 12V port, storage netting and good lighting within the cargo zone.
There is no such thing as a spare wheel, although. Only a tyre restore package, regardless of the very fact there’s a space-saver-style form within the boot space.
| Dimensions | BMW X3 M50 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Size | 4755mm |
| Width | 1920mm |
| Peak | 1660mm |
| Wheelbase | 2865mm |
| Cargo capability | 570L (5 seats) 1700L (2 seats) |
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
As I’ve made clear, this one is the six-cylinder variant within the vary, with petrol energy and a complete heap of horses.
| Specs | BMW X3 M50 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L 6cyl turbo-petrol 48V MHEV |
| Energy | 293kW |
| Torque | 580Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1980kg (kerb) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.6 seconds |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 8.2L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 9.3L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 65 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 98-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 187g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2200kg |
There’s a way more reasonably priced four-cylinder variant (the X3 20) with rear-wheel drive, and the mid-range plug-in hybrid X3 30e is a stunning car too, and it has AWD when you want it. However this one is a honey.
Nevertheless, it’s additionally the thirstiest model within the vary, with a claimed official mixed gas consumption determine of 8.2L/100km. On check, I noticed above that – with a mixture of driving returning a still-respectable 9.3L/100km.
It wants premium 98-octane unleaded, in order that’ll add to the operating prices, and the gas tank capability is 65 litres.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the BMW X3 drive?
The straight-six turbo-petrol engine within the M50 is a cracker, with an enormous quantity of shove and a few critical theatre to it, too.
There’s a stunning engine notice, and it amasses pace with such effortlessness that you will want to be conscious of your licence. It’s severely quick.
What I really like in regards to the drive expertise within the extra aggressive drive modes is that the assertiveness of the transmission when it upshifts is incredible. It’s a really involving expertise, and correctly forceful.
You may take issues into your personal palms if you wish to, in fact. There’s a set of paddle shifters however, actually, I don’t assume you want them.
This eight-speed auto is a winner. It’s so predictable and sensible in the best way it shifts – and speedy, too. I actually, actually like this powertrain.
The M50 does have adaptive M suspension to set it aside, and it feels tremendous sporty in the best way it behaves. It’s not essentially punishing in its firmness, however it’s rather less forgiving over sharp edges and bumpy bits.
That is significantly noticeable round city, the place it could possibly really feel just a little bouncy over bumps and lumps within the street, and pogo-ey by means of slow-speed, offset intersection moments.
The steering is great, too – it has a little bit of a weighty really feel, however it’s not too heavy, and it’s very manoeuvrable in low-speed conditions as effectively. There’s no foolish all-wheel steering right here, both, so it’s a extra pure and pure drive than some rivals.
You may actually really feel the rear-bias of this powertrain. It positively eggs you on, and definitely lives as much as the notion of it being an M-Lite automobile.
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It brakes superbly as effectively, with optimistic and gratifying responsiveness, and you’ll actually belief the pedal motion on this car. It’s tuned to be enthusiastic, however it’s not overbearingly sporty.
The one actual draw back is that, on nation roads or over actually coarse-chip surfaces like some components of the M4 motorway in Sydney, it may be a bit loud inside. Sports activities over luxurious, in that occasion, then.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
Right here’s a rundown of the usual gear throughout all three grades presently obtainable within the G45-series BMW X3 lineup.
2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive gear highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Run-flat tyres
- M Sport package deal
- Adaptive suspension
- Adaptive LED headlights
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille
- Acoustic glazing
- Energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Working System 9
- BMW Clever Private Assistant
- BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial)
- Distant software program updates
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Head-up show
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Anti-dazzle exterior and inside mirrors
- Consolation Entry and Digital Key Plus
- M Sport leather-based steering wheel
- Anthracite M headliner
- Veganza upholstery
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Heated entrance seats
X3 30e xDrive provides:
- Mounted panoramic glass sunroof
- Curler blinds for rear aspect home windows
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
X3 M50 xDrive provides:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Metallic paint
- M-specific kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic components
- Quad exhaust shops
- M Sport Professional package deal
- Excessive-gloss Shadowline with prolonged contents
- Radiator grille body and struts
- Tail gentle trim detailing
- Tailpipe trims
- M Lights Shadow Line
- M Sport brakes with crimson calipers (blue additionally obtainable)
- M seatbelts
- M braking system with crimson calipers
- Privateness glass
- M Shadowline headlights and prolonged contents
- 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
- M seatbelts
In case you’re purchasing as much as this grade, you can even accessorise it a bit, with a alternative of some totally different wheel finishes, inside trims and extra. The towing package deal prices $2200.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the BMW X3 secure?
There’s nonetheless no security ranking from Euro NCAP or ANCAP for the new-generation BMW X3.
Nevertheless, it has a bunch of normal security know-how and gear, together with the next highlights:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian
- Bicycle owner
- Junction
- Evasive help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Steering and Lane Management Assistant
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Encompass-view digicam
- Parking assistant
- Reverse Assistant
- Drive recorder
- Tyre stress monitoring system
Different tech features a pace signal recognition system, however fortunately it’s not irritating, and neither is a lot of the energetic security tech, making this a reasonably agreeable car to stay with.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the BMW X3 price to run?
BMW Australia presents a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | BMW X3 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | N/A |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 5 years |
| Common annual service price (5 years) | $495 |
| Pre-paid service package deal (5 years) | $2475 |
The German model doesn’t have set service intervals for its fashions; as an alternative its automobiles have ‘condition-based upkeep’ necessities, which means the automobile will inform you when it’s time for a service.
Sometimes, you’ll be able to financial institution on it being yearly or so, and there’s a five-year/80,000km pay as you go service package deal you’ll be able to select, for $2475.
The X3 comes with three years of roadside help included without charge, too.
To see how the BMW X3 stacks up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW X3
There is no such thing as a doubt the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is a dynamic and joyous factor to drive in the precise scenario, and it’s the type of SUV that encourages you to go and discover that scenario, too.
Greater than only a family-friendly luxurious SUV, it’s a enjoyable one. And I believe it’s effectively well worth the cash for somebody who’s on the lookout for precisely that.
Taken with shopping for a BMW X3? Let CarExpert discover you one of the best deal right here
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