Introduction to the 2025 BMW X3 M50 XDRIVE
When SUVs won over consumers with their space and benefits, the appetite for sports car-like performance also increased. The 2025 BMW X3 M50 XDRIVE is a high-performance sports activity vehicle (SAV) that responds to these calls. To understand the significance of the X3, a brief look back is necessary. The X5 redefined the SUV segment over 20 years ago, paving the way for the X3, which had become BMW’s bestseller by 2023. Now, we are witnessing its fourth generation.
Design & Aesthetics
The 2025 BMW X3 is a brand new model, marking a radical transformation. With a length of 4,755 mm, a width of 1,920 mm, and a height of 1,660 mm, it is a medium-sized SUV that is longer and wider, with a lower posture and wider tracks than before. BMW describes it as having an "overall monolithic design," which feels coherent compared to the incoherent designs of some of its latest models. The exhibited wheel arches, housing 255/45 R20 tires at the front and 285/40 R20 at the back, blend seamlessly into the body. The front is dominated by the oversized BMW kidney grille with vertical and diagonally arranged bars. Optional BMW lights add contour lighting to the radiator grille for additional drama. Flanking these are adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam and unmistakable double L-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is elegant and uniform, emphasized by a rapidly rising belt line that gives the X3 a stubborn, ready-to-speed attitude. At the rear, LED lamps sit in a combat aircraft-like design on a concave tailgate, supplemented by purposeful quad exhaust tips that look ready to unleash all 400 horses with authority.
Interior Design and Features
The brand new interior has a pronounced science fiction feel, with illuminated surfaces, wedge-shaped and corrugated linings above the dashboard, doors, and a wireless charger that is easily angled and accessible. The BMW Curved Display impresses with the latest iDrive, although the lower console is slightly removed, and the controls can be harder to read in sunlight. The digital cluster reflects the wedge motif with speedometer and rev counter in a graphic style and optional in-cluster navigation. A standout detail is the clock, which is neither digital nor analog but displays the time in words. The dashboard and doors use a funky technical mesh that adds flair but can catch dust or scratches. There is also a noticeable use of plastic at contact points, such as the inner door handles, which feel less sophisticated for the price. The steering wheel with a flat bottom is both stylish and functional, with specialist touches like spokes and red and blue cross-stitching, although the small tilting switch corresponds to smaller hands.
Drive Train & Performance
The M50 has the most powerful inline six-cylinder petrol engine ever adapted to an M performance model. The 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo, paired with 48V mild hybrid technology, produces 398 hp and 580 Nm, channeled via an 8-speed Steptronic Sports transmission and BMW’s xDrive system to all four wheels. The result is a full-bodied acceleration that inspires trust, whether starting off, overtaking, or cruising through traffic. With launch control, 0–100 km/h is delivered in just 4.6 seconds, and the Sport boost function delivers another 10 seconds of thrust on demand. Standard for the M50 are M Sport suspension with adaptive damping, variable sport steering, and an M Sport rear differential. The steering is sports-car-sharp, with a consistent feel that gives spirited drivers the traction and predictability they long for. Despite its dynamic focus, the ride quality remains composed and surprisingly plush. Braking is equally impressive, with sharp stopping power delivered via ventilated discs: four-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating brake calipers at the rear. While the M50 is a precision chassis, the experience feels slightly synthetically enhanced, possibly due to the increased exhaust note that the speakers carry out. We also recorded a pleasantly surprising fuel consumption of 9.9 l/100 km with a specified range of 785 km.
Functions and Functionality
The X3 is an ideal urban SUV. Storage includes a small cubby, a modest glove compartment, and a 570-liter trunk that expands to 1,700 liters with the rear seats folded, sufficient for airport luggage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with personalization via BMW ID. BMW Digital Key Plus can also be set up via the My BMW app. The M50 variant adds a clearly sounding Harman Kardon audio system and two front USB-C connections for connectivity or charging. Safety is well-covered with a complete suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including a tire pressure monitor. A thoughtful note: ambient lighting pulses with the hazard lights. However, the 360° camera view would benefit from a portrait display. The air conditioning system offers good cooling, but the tiny, non-ergonomic ventilation controls are not ideal.
Verdict
The brand new 2025 BMW X3 is a refreshing shift compared to the latest BMW designs, with monolithic surfaces and a cabin loaded with functions. Well-built and practical, it is aimed at urban and modern families. For its price, however, the extensive use of cabin materials feels out of place, and there are some ergonomic quirks. While the M50 XDRIVE variant delivers quick, precise, and natural performance, the overall experience feels slightly synthesized. Nevertheless, it is a very desirable sporty, urban SUV.
