BMW X3 M50 xDrive (2021 - 2024)

BMW claims it created the mid-sized SUV sector when its five-door X3 was first launched back in 2003 and since then, it has become an arena that’s been flooded with models.
Now 21 years later we have the all-new fourth-generation model which boasts a modern exterior design, fresh interior, updated digital equipment and, above all, an improved driving experience.
Customers are faced with lots of decision-making thanks to the wide range of models on offer. There is a plug-in hybrid version that can deliver up to 56 miles of EV range and BMW believes this will account for in excess of 30 per cent of UK sales.
In addition, there are 2.0-litre diesel versions, a 2.0-litre petrol model and at the top-of-the scale is the most powerful X3 of the lot – the M50 with its six-cylinder petrol engine.
Every model is all-wheel drive – or xDrive as BMW calls it, but customers can choose from trims called xLine or M Sport on all versions apart from the M50 which is a standalone trim in its own right. And it was that car that we chose for our test drive.
 

The all-new fourth generation five-door, five-seat BMW X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor but the height has been reduced to give the car a powerful, dynamic and slightly aggressive appearance with more pronounced SUV proportions.
It features the large kidney grille that is still met with mixed opinion and on our M50 test car it is lit up for added impact. There are L-shaped light clusters with non-dazzling Matrix high beam, a quartet of exhaust tailpipes, rear privacy glass, a roof spoiler, M-specific badging, 21-inch M light-alloy wheels and M Sport brakes with red brake calipers.
Moving inside, the cabin is modern in its design and layout with heated and powered seats across the range. A larger panoramic roof lets light flood into the cabin and there is a lot of really neat ambient lighting that encompasses the centre console and front door handles.
The main focal point is the twin curved digital screen running BMW’s latest Operating System 9 software and there is a physical rotary controller to access the many features, which is a big plus in our book.
Numerous widgets fill the infotainment screen and the car features full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon sound system, three-zone climate control, sat nav and lots more besides.
The chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel has plenty of quick-access buttons to many on-board features, along with large paddles for taking manual control of the gear shifting.
All the readouts are clear and there is a head-up display in the driver’s eye-line making it easy to keep a watchful eye on the speed.
On the downside, there are a few haptic controls and these can take time to get to grips with in an otherwise very driver-focused cabin.
 

Our range-topping X3 M50 xDrive features the most powerful straight-six petrol engine fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre turbocharged engine links up with 48V mild hybrid technology to deliver a whopping 398hp and 580Nm of torque. This results in blisteringly quick acceleration with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.6 seconds and top speed that is electronically limited to 155mph – not bad for a practical family car weighing in at just over two tonnes.
The acceleration through the eight-speed Steptronic transmission is beautifully smooth and responsive with steering wheel paddles for added driver engagement. With enhancements to the chassis technology and adaptive dampers, the car delivers a compelling blend of agility, handling and dynamism as it fires through twisting lanes with the utmost confidence, while displaying impressive body control.
The power levels never drop off making it easy to overtake slower moving vehicles with just the slightest throttle pressure and, when necessary, everything can be calmed down for comfy motorway cruising.
Drive modes called Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax, Digital Art and Silent alter the dynamics of the car or the ambience and display screens accordingly. No prizes for guessing which mode is the most fun though!
All-round driver visibility is good although the over-the-shoulder view is slightly blocked by wide pillars, but generally it is fine unless pulling away from really tightly angled junctions. And city driving is made simple thanks to the perfectly weighted steering, along with all the parking aids imaginable to help you squeeze the vehicle into a tight space.
 

Boasting a strong road presence, especially in mighty M50 guise, the BMW X3 has grown in stature. It stretches 4,755mm in length (an increase of 34mm), 1,920mm across which is up by 29mm (2,132mm wide with mirrors). However the height has dropped by 25mm to 1660mm, which gives the X3 a powerful, dynamic appearance.
The 2,865mm wheelbase results in a generously-sized cabin with room for five occupants. Up front, a couple of six footers will fit without any issues and a couple more adults can sit comfortably in the back provided the front seats are not pushed right back. It is ideal for three youngsters, although the middle passenger will have to straddle a large transmission tunnel. Sun blinds are a nice touch to protect rear passengers from any glare.
The boot is accessed via a wide, powered tailgate and can accommodate 570 litres of goodies and that limit is easily increased to 1,700 litres by dropping the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
In addition, there are numerous storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin and these include a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, door bins, a deep central cubby, seat back nets and a wireless charging pad.
And with family adventures in mind, the X3 can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 2.5 tonnes with the added reassurance that xDrive all-wheel drive brings to the mix too.
 

The all-new fourth generation BMW X3 line-up costs from £48,375 for the entry-level X3 20 xDrive xLine model and rises to £66,980 of the M50, as tested. But as is the way with premium carmakers, customers are tempted with a variety of optional extras that will see the final price-tag climb at quite a click.
Options on our car included Fire Red paint (£875), a heated steering wheel (£250), M Adaptive Suspension (£625), a panoramic glass sunroof (£1,350), luxury instrument panel (£450) and 21-inch M alloys wheels (£900).
But it didn’t end there as there were optional packs too, such as a Technology Pack costing £2,275 that added an interior camera, Driving Assistant Professional (£1,275), Parking Assistant Pro and Live Cockpit Pro with head-up display (£800). And a Comfort Plus Pack, priced at £1,350, introduced rear side window blinds, ventilated front seats, front lumbar support, front and rear heated seats and a pitch perfect Harman Kardon sound system. Finally a Comfort Pack added a further £850 to the bill.
With all the options factored in, the cost of our test car had crept up by a whopping £11,000.
When it comes to the day-to-day running costs of the M50, it can deliver 28.3 to 30.5mpg under WLTP testing with carbon emissions of 175 to 189g/km. That CO2 figure would result in a first year road tax bill of £1,095 dropping to the standard annual fee of £190 after 12 months. However, as the vehicle costs in excess of £40k, owners will have to cover a premium car tax costing a further £410 from years two to six.
While these figures may not sound that impressive, it’s worth remembering we are driving the most powerful X3 available. If you are looking for more economical figures, then the plug-in hybrid and diesel-powered models would be worth exploring.
And for anyone lucky enough to be offered the X3 M50 as a company car, the Benefit in Kind tax rating is set at 37 per cent, the highest rate available. The car, as tested, sits in insurance group 22.
 

Since its launch back in 2003, BMW has sold in excess of 3.5 million X3 units globally. Now, the latest fourth-generation BMW X3 really raises the bar in the family SUV sector with its bold design, modern interior that’s packed with tech and impressive levels of comfort and practicality.
There is plenty of powertrain choice to cover a range of requirements, but it is certainly worth test driving the potent M50 before making any final decisions.