There’s a new top dog in the BMW X3 line-up in the form of the all-wheel drive M50 xDrive.
The family-sized X3 SUV has been around for two decades now and it represents premium and practical motoring for active families.
Up until now, the sportiest model in the range (excluding the raucous BMW X3 M Competition) has been the 360 hp BMW X3 M40i xDrive.
But a new range-topper has entered the fray in the form of the 398 hp BMW X3 M50 xDrive, which BMW says is fitted with the ‘most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model’.
Thanks to peak torque of 580 Nm and mild-hybrid tech, the X3 M50 will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds - which is 0.3 of a second quicker than the X3 M40i.
All of that power is put on the road (or track) thanks to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
Lease customers can also expect BMW’s M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle to all come as standard. Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers is there as an option.
Meanwhile there are some nice style touches that mark the X3 M50 out as special, including an M kidney grille, contour lighting, and a quartet of exhaust pipes at the rear.
Besides the M Performance model, the BMW X3 - the fourth generation of the X3 - has been treated to a makeover all round. The German manufacturer reckons it ‘redefines the all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities, and trips away’.
The latest X3 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor but has a lower stance for a ‘very powerful and sporty look’, says BMW.
The massive new kidney grille at the front dominates proceedings and is sure to spark debate amongst BMW enthusiasts while there the wheel arches are more flared than before.
The cabin features BMW’s ‘Curved Display’ twin screen set-up, new flat-bottomed steering wheels, and a new-look gear selector. Standard-fit equipment includes heated sport seats. And you also get a generous 570-litre boot - which is slightly bigger than you enjoy with the Audi Q5, which is one of the X3’s closest rivals.
When it comes to powertrains, you can take your pick from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid units.
The BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid (underpinned by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor and pictured below) has been given a slight boost in power, up to 299 hp, while you also get a range of between 50 and 56 miles using electricity alone. Again, that’s up significantly on the outgoing PHEV’s electric range of around 27 miles.
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The entry-level BMW X3 ‘20 xDrive’ (below) has power of 203 hp while the diesel 20d xDrive has slightly less power or 197 hp but can return up to 48 miles to the gallon.
Tweaks to the X3’s suspension means ‘increased precision when turning into corners’ and better ‘straight-line stability’, according to BMW.
The regular X3 also has a full array of safety tech fitted as standard, including BMW’s semi-automated ‘Driving Assistant’ with adaptive cruise control and the self-parking ‘Parking Assistant’ system.
Order books for the BMW X3 open imminently with prices beginning at £46,800 and we’ll bring you leasing costs as soon as they arrive.
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In the meantime, you can lease the existing BMW X3 with Select Car Leasing from £549 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 20/06/24.
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