New BMW X3 M50 xDrive earns 398hp
BMW introduces most powerful inline-six yet in an M Performance car - and XM design cues arrive
BMW is deep into the process of refreshing its lineup, recently tweaking the look and feel of the 1, 3 and 4 Series. Before you ask: the elements that have proved so controversial (mainly the grilles) have remained unchanged on the cars it’s reworked so far, with the 3 and 4 Series receiving the mildest of alterations with new lights and more power for the M cars. Changes to the 1 Series however were more comprehensive, and that’s the route the German carmaker has taken with its new X3 and its M50 xDrive range-topper.
Yes, you’ve read that right. The hottest version of the X3 is now at factor 50 courtesy of the most powerful petrol inline six to ever feature in an M Performance model, so BMW says. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo six develops 398hp and 427lb ft of torque. With the familiar eight-speed automatic sending power across both axles - along with the assistance of a 48V mild hybrid system - the M50 xDrive gets to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, which is a good 0.3 seconds quicker than the M40i. One last thing: like the new M135, BMW has ditched the i from petrol models so as not to confuse them with its EVs. You’d think the quad exhausts and the noise would be enough but clearly not.
BMW says it has ‘re-engineered’ the chassis on the new X3 and apparently emptied the M Sport parts bin over the M50. As standard, the range-topper gets M Sport brakes and uprated suspension with BMW’s variable sports steering, as well as an M Sport differential on the rear axle. The company doesn’t mention whether upgrades result in a lower ride height (it will) or changes to the damping rates (it’ll be stiffer), but the M50 will hopefully bring a dash of M magic to BMW's mid-sized SUV. Meanwhile, the options list includes adaptive suspension, various semi-autonomous driving modes such as speed limit and lane control assists, plus endless styling options - although you do get 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels on the M50.
On that note, we should really discuss the X3’s new look. Even BMW admits it’s ‘bold’, with the front end featuring an even bigger grille which, on the M50, features M-specific horizontal slats and a thin light bar wrapped around it to attract as much attention as possible. The rear, meanwhile, looks a bit like the back end of the XM with a tall boot door and skinny rear window, only with a small spoiler where the M1-homage roundels sit on the flagship M. It’s bigger than before, too, measuring in at 34mm longer and 29mm wider, though 25mm has been chopped from its height for a ‘very powerful and sporty look.’
Inside, the revamped cabin should prove far less divisive. BMW knows how to put together a plush interior, and the X3 looks to continue that with a less cluttered dashboard and an abidance of ambient lighting. The old car’s split displays make way for a curved, single mould screen powered by the company’s latest iDrive 9 software complete with countless customisation options and the ability to run (presumably very basic) video games such as ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ so you and the family can party like its quite literally 1999. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
BMW has opened the order books from today, with prices starting at £64,990 for the M50 xDrive. The entry point sits a lot lower than that with the petrol 20 xDrive at £46,800 and rising to £48,210 for the 20d xDrive. There’s also a new plug-in hybrid 30e xDrive for £56,340, which can run for up to 56 miles on electric energy alone. Alternatively, you could undercut the lot by grabbing this 2019 X3 M Competition.
Another horrid entry.
I think the high belt lines, lazy black cladding to cheaply hide mass, and tupperware lid style bonnets don't help (and is a trend across the industry - see the Mercedes E53 article) but the way BMw make things bland and vulgar in the same panel is baffling.
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