One of Out Motorsports’ community members, Billy Bates, recently had the chance to spend roughly two hours with the new BMW X3 M50. His local dealer was hosting a launch event for the new models, and he decided to attend since this was the perfect opportunity to get more than the average 20-minute test drive. After spending a couple hours with the new model, he had some thoughts! Read on to find out more.
2025 BMW X3 Styling
I’m just going to say it: It doesn’t offend me. It is not as egregious as some other models with the new BMW design language, but the new X3 does command attention on the road. It is certainly an evolution, not a revolution. The illuminated kidney grille takes center stage up front, and the oversized proportions and sharp body lines project a sense of power and athleticism. To me, the new front and rear re-design are reminiscent of a mini XM, albeit a slightly more mindful approach in styling.
Flanking the grille are a beautiful set of LED headlights with the new “L” shape daytime running lamps. Gone are the days of the classic angel eye DRLs, but this new style adds to the X3 M50’s sporty, aggressive aesthetic. Real quad tip exhausts can be found around back (yay) which have a nice look and aggressive tone (with burbles) when on the throttle but is relatively relaxed around town. This dealer sample had the 20” M Bicolor Jet Black wheels, which are fantastic, featuring a curvaceous multi-spoke openwork design, and the black contrasts off the red M Sport brake calipers.
The interior is injected with BMW’s new layout including the Curved Display and iDrive 9 (or Operating System 9 as BMW now labels it). Upon first entry, it is akin to an EV interior: minimalist and fancy lights everywhere (although not as extravagant as a Mercedes-Benz EQS). Personally, I perceive that the newer BMW interiors are leaning slightly further away from that classic luxury car essence (seats that truly envelop you and materials/buttons of extraordinarily high quality). Conversely, this X3 M50 interior is not as chintzy as the promotional images looked. The display has a profusion of information and settings that will undoubtedly require time to master, especially for HVAC controls and Drive Mode adjustments.
Clearly, I’m getting older as I find myself nostalgic for the simplicity of physical buttons in all these newer cars. I sound like one of those older folks: “Give me back my buttons!!” However, everyone was up in arms when Blackberry ditched the physical keyboard, yet here we are today with our all-screen smartphones. Above, the panoramic roof features a solid piece of glass with a motorized shade. No opening or venting here, but at least the true sunshade blocks more light than the electronically altered glasses that other models have now. Overall, the cabin feels robust and solid and becomes a great place for your commute once you navigate the initial learning curve of the new tech features.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2025 BMW X3
Powering the 2025 BMW X3 M50 is a higher output version of the tried-and-true B58 inline six, with a 48V mild hybrid system that makes a total of 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. With the mild hybrid, you notice power right off the line, but no turbo lag. 0-60 is claimed to happen in 4.6 seconds, and I believe that estimate. It has potency without inducing whiplash and shifts from the ZF 8-speed are quick and smooth. The personality reminds me of my G30 5 Series, which is surprising since the X3 M50 is only 500 pounds heavier and more powerful. I expected more “push back into the seat” rather than the feeling of what you would find in a quick executive sedan.
While the X3 is husky (over 4,500 pounds) and top-heavy, the suspension and ride were very well poised around the twisty Pennsylvania back roads. The M Sport suspension is slightly stiffer, and I appreciate that! Earlier generations, and other BMW models seemed to have more relaxed suspensions that resulted in excessive body roll during cornering. Steering is… fine. While it is very quick and direct, it is artificially light and feedback was ambiguous, like most contemporary BMWs. Nevertheless, it wasn’t that off-putting to drive around with. You can tell she liked to be thrown around and at high speeds, resembling a sedan of much smaller stature.
My Modes offer a variety of selectable drive settings tailored to fit your different moods, and Sport was obviously locked on during my time with the vehicle. In doing so, that increases the IconicSounds output in the interior, which is BMW’s piped in engine noise. While somewhat artificial sounding, it is needed, as increased soundproofing dampened real engine noise, making it hard to hear the 3.0-liter B58 serenading you. I kind of liked these piped in sounds over some of the electric Hans Zimmer tones. Overall, the interior is tranquil versus the outside world, making it a great place to be while commuting or leisurely driving around town on weekends.
Overall Thoughts
With strong styling, a reliable and quick powertrain, and poised handling, the 2025 BMW X3 M50 offers a sporty ride that can haul people and their belongings. Several aspects in this latest iteration seem to signal BMW’s return to the superior driving dynamics they were once celebrated for. This will not be your track day vehicle (although she would enjoy a couple laps), but I see the 2025 BMW X3 M50 as a perfect choice for spirited driving enthusiasts who want a commanding view of the road ahead and sufficient cargo space. Other than the vague steering and slightly confusing infotainment, it was a great time getting a feel for what the new X3 is capable of!
