BMW X3 M50 Review: Delightful Sport
The range-topping X3 works perfectly for a family in a hurry.
A straight-six under the hood of a BMW used to be the staple of the brand. Not anymore - now you will have to shell out more dough to get that privilege. Most of its ICE range now are powered by inline-4 engines.
So in this day and age, the X3 M50 is fairly special with its 3-litre turbocharged B58 I6, all things considered.
With 398 hp and 580 Nm, the hot X3 has sports car pace, a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.6 seconds. It doesn’t feel terrifyingly quick, but has a power-to-weight ratio that’s ‘just nice’. You can rev the engine out in the initial gears without going into silly speeds, and that’s nice. Speaking of the gearbox, it is as terrific as the one in the X3 20, so there is really nothing much to fault about the drivetrain at all. It’s about as good as it comes.
While we opined about the stiffness of the M Sport suspension on the X3 20, you may be surprised to hear that the X3 M50 rides better. The key ingredient is the adaptive M suspension, which allows you to adjust how harsh you want the ride to be. On the most comfortable setting, it’s very agreeable, even with the larger 21-inch rims.
Stopping power also has been enhanced with M Sport brakes. The way it goes down a good road is not exactly beguiling, but it accomplishes it with confidence and surefootedness. A bonus has to be the exhaust note, which actually is pretty fruity especially when you wind down the windows while driving.
On the inside, there is a smattering of M badges, but what you would feel is the lovely M Sport steering wheel with the red centre marker and the BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery. It works well, and I must say the interior colour chosen for the press car is pretty unique.
The X3 M50 is a niche product and may be cross-shopped with other sporty SUVs like the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. However, the Merc now has a 2.0-litre I4 engine. The Range Rover Velar is the other car in the segment with a 6-cylinder engine. Of the two, I’d pick the Velar for its luxury slant, and the X3 M50 for its more flamboyant character.
Photos by James Wong
---
Car you sell, Carousell. Get the highest quote for your car in just 24 hours, with assistance on paperwork too.
Get the Best Price for your used car
from 500+ dealers in 24 hours
- Convenient and Hassle-Free
- Consumer Protection
Transparent Process
With No Obligation
