At some point in the automotive timeline, the word “Sport” became associated with overly stiff suspensions. Damper and spring tuning have become so non-compliant that every encounter with road imperfections compresses the cerebrospinal fluid like a water balloon being stepped on. The experience isn’t pleasant, and it was our biggest complaint with the outgoing BMW X3 M40i.
We’d like to think BMW’s junior-M tuning outfit has heeded our cries. Or perhaps engineers followed their chiropractors’ recommendation to develop a better-driving fourth-generation X3. Regardless of the motivation, it only takes a few miles before you notice the new X3 M50 soaking up the swells, bumps and bumps of the pavement with profound grace. Even on the optional 21-inch wheels it feels mature. The collisions from the wheels that would previously have reflected in the cabin are largely suppressed. Ride quality feels at or near the top of its class. It’s almost as if BMW has finally compared the Porsche Cayenne and Macan.
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And while the ride is smoother and more compliant, this X3 is just as athletic as before. He enjoys clawing his Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 6 summer tires on a winding road as much as he enjoys logging miles on the highway. Body movements remain largely flat, even at the 0.90 g limit. However, as with any modern BMW, there is no communication between the tires and the thick steering wheel.
Under the hood, the latest version of BMW’s B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, which can now operate on the Miller combustion cycle, has redefined intake ports and combustion chambers, port and direct fuel injection and an updated intercooler. There’s an electric motor in the eight-speed automatic to complement the 3.0-liter six-cylinder and provide smooth automatic start/stop events. A total of 393 horsepower is now available, 11 more than before, and torque increases 59 pound-feet to 428.
Weighing in at 4527 pounds, the latest X3 M50 packed 149 pounds compared to the last X3 M40i we tested. But a little extra pudge won’t stop it. On the track, 60 mph arrived in an impressive 4.0 seconds – 0.1 quicker than before – and the quarter mile flew by in 12.6 seconds, or two-tenths of a second faster. Feel free to give that Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing value for money.
It is not only fast, but also efficient. According to the EPA’s metric, combined fuel economy is now 27 mpg, versus the previous generation’s 23 mpg. Our highway fuel economy test returned a result of 29 mpg, missing the EPA label rating by one mile per gallon. Still, that’s a significant 490 miles on a tank.
The jury is still out when it comes to the styling of the fourth-generation X3. Admittedly, the M50i looks better than some other models, especially with the optional black Shadowline trim. The new interior didn’t convince us, though, and we suspect BMW traditionalists will feel the same. A curved display is placed on the dashboard, the design of which balances somewhere between boring and lazy. Most of the physical buttons are gone, leaving some haptic controls, while many of the basic controls are carried out via the central infotainment display. Which itself contains a complicated menu structure.
And then there are the cheap materials scattered throughout the interior, especially the door panel switchgear that you interact with on a daily basis. Whose idea was it to have haptic controls for the HVAC vents near the door lock buttons? We would like a word. Nevertheless, internet speculation suggests that BMW has already taken note of the criticism and is working on an update.
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Shortcomings aside, the base price of $65,875 is attractive. The X3 M50 is faster and more efficient than the previous model and costs only a few thousand euros more, but includes additional standard features such as heated seats, inductive device charging and the M Sport differential. Call that a wash. The little extra that remains pays for the much improved ride quality. That’s certainly worth something.
Specifications
Specifications
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive
Vehicle type: front engine, four-wheel drive, 5 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/as tested: $65,875/$72,825
Options: Premium Package (curved display, head-up display, Harman/Kardon audio system, interior camera, hands-free driving system, parking assist), $2700; Driving Assistance Professional Package (more hands-free technology), $1700; Vegas Red Metallic paint, $650; 21-inch wheels in Jet Black with summer tires, $600; M Sport Professional Package (M Sport brakes with red calipers, full LED lighting with cornering lights, Shadowline trim), $600; ventilated front seats, $500; Parking assistance package with remote control and 360-degree camera system, $200
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled Miller compatible DOHC 24 valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 inches32998cm3
Power: 393 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 428 lb-ft at 1900 rpm
TRANSFER
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, front/rear: struts/multilink
Brakes, front/rear: 14.7″ ventilated disc/13.6″ ventilated disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrical 6
V: 255/40R-21 102Y ★
R: 285/35R-21 105Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
Length: 187.2 inches
Width: 75.6 inches
Height: 65.4 inches
Passenger volume, F/R: 55/45 ft3
Cargo volume, rear F/R: 67/32 ft3
Curb weight: 4527 pounds
CD TEST RESULTS
100 km/h: 4.0 sec
160 km/h: 10.5 sec
1/4 mile: 12.6 sec at 170 km/h
210 km/h: 21.4 sec
The above results omit a 1 foot rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling start, 5-100 km/h: 4.9 sec
Top gear, 50-80 km/h: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 80-110 km/h: 3.2 sec
Top speed (gov ltd): 210 km/h
Braking, 110–0 km/h: 159 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 324 ft
Road holding, 90 meter skidpad: 0.90 g
Interior noise
Idle: 45 dBA/3 sounds
Full throttle: 78 dBA
Cruising at 110 km/h: 67 dBA/22 sone
CD FUEL CONSUMPTION
Observed: 21 mpg
120 km/h highway driving: 29 mpg
Highway range from 75 mph: 790 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/25/30 mpg
CD TESTING EXPLAINED
David Beard studies and reviews automotive-related issues and pushes fossil fuels and electric power to their limits. His passion for the Ford Pinto began with its conception, which took place in a Pinto.
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