BMW X3 ESTATE xDrive M50 5dr Auto

The mainstream part of the fourth generation X3 model line-up is topped by this sporting M50 variant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With the X3 M50, BMW aims to show rivals from Audi and Mercedes what a proper sporting mid-sized premium SUV really should be. This G45 generation model does the family bit slightly better too - ride, refinement, media tech - but there's a price to pay for all the improvement.

Background

'M50' is an emotive-looking badge on the back of an X3. But this isn't a full-fat X3 M car - of the M3-engined sort that could be had in the previous generation range. Instead, it's replacement for that older G01 generation design's under-rated and excellent M40i, which sold alongside a diesel M40d variant. It's petrol only for this 'M-lite' model this time round. As we've seen with lesser versions of this G45 X3, there's a meaner look with this generation and it suits the lightly bespoilered lines of the M50. But will it be enough of an M car for you? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The 3.0-litre B58 twin turbo six cylinder petrol engine in the X3 M50 is carried over from the old M40i model, but now has 398hp of power (16hp more than before). Which is just as well because it's hefty 1,980kg kerb weight is 135kg heavier. Shorter gear ratios for the 8-speed sport automatic aim to make it feel quicker, but a less emotive engine soundtrack undoes much of that good work, despite BMW's efforts to embellish the noise with 'IconicSounds' augmentation through the audio speakers. There's 580Nm of pulling power and 62mph is reached in 4.6s en route to an artificially limited 155mph maximum. Gearshifts are always swift and decisive and the engine has a pleasing preference to rev. Plus there's reassuring AWD traction through the turns from the xDrive system. Cornering agility is improved over the previous generation model thanks to wider rear track, increased rigidity and kinematic changes at both axles. Plus the ride is a bit more supple (even on big 21 inch rims) and refinement's been improved.

Design and Build

This G45-era X3 certainly has a bit more pavement presence in its predecessor, especially in this sported-up M50 guise, where the expected M-lite body treatment gives it a subtly menacing presence. Not everything works visually - the bulky-looking rear end, the unnecessary illuminated front grille surround - but the slender new LED headlights give plenty of overtaking presence. M50-specific exterior touches include 20-inch M Double-spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels, the BMW 'Iconic Glow' exterior package which gives an illuminated front grille, 'M High-gloss Shadowline trim' with 'M Lights Shadowline' finishing and a quad exhaust system. There are also M sport brakes with red calipers and M sport suspension. Inside, it's high quality M Sport fare, though you might not think the finished cabin quite matches up to the price BMW wants to charge for it. The thick steering wheel and the fabric on top of the doors and dash feel nice; the copious amounts smeary black plastic don't. M50 kit includes an anthracite headliner, M Alcantara/Veganza black combination upholstery, M Fine-Brushed aluminium interior trim, an M Sport leather steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker and M Sport seat belts. As with any X3s, there's a dash top curved screen incorporating a 12.3-inch driver's instrument display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The latter runs the brand's latest OS9-generation infotainment system, though it can still be controlled by a rotary knob on the console, above which is an illuminated touch panel. Climate control is now adjusted by the kind of haptic 'Interaction Bar' we've lately seen on 5 and 7 Series models. Interior ambience lighting changes with drive mode and there's the option of an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system. Rear seat space is much as in the old M40i - comfortable for a couple of adults but not ideal for three. There's a 20-litre increase in boot capacity though - to 570-litres, extending to 1,700-litres with the seats folded.

Market and Model

Prices open at just under £68,500 for this X3 M50. This figure represents a bit of a step up from before but at least you get more kit for your money. Obvious rivals include the Audi SQ5 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. We gave you many of the bespoke M50 equipment items in our 'Design' section. On top of that, you get all the features you'd expect from a well-trimmed X3. In case you're not familiar with all those, we'll cover them now. There's three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, 'Comfort Access' keyless entry, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors, and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' twin-screen cabin set-up, complete with the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. BMW also includes ambient lighting featuring a Welcome and Goodbye Animation and a tray including wireless charging function for compatible smartphones.  The standard 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' package adds a head-up display, and also an Augmented View function in the control display. Optional equipment packs include the 'Comfort Package' which features lumbar support, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, 'Travel & Comfort System' front seat back attachments and Adaptive LED Headlights. The 'Comfort Plus Package' adds sun blinds for the rear side windows, active seat ventilation in the front and seat heating in the rear. Also found on the options list are a fixed panoramic glass sunroof, steering wheel heating, sun protection glass in the rear and a pre-heating function. The X3 M50 xDrive comes with the BMW IconicSounds Electric for special sound effects.

Cost of Ownership

BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has - with 48V mild hybrid tech in this case. The mild hybrid system works as these set-ups usually do, storing energy generated under braking and when cruising in a tiny battery, which powers the start/stop system and gives a small power boost under acceleration. As for the WLTP efficiency figures, this M50 xDrive model's 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol unit is rated at up to 36.7mpg and 175g/km. On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Summary

The old X3 M40i was good; in some ways, this replacement X3 M50 is better - and in some ways not. It's certainly considerably heavier and more expensive. Make of that what you will. All BMW probably cares about is whether it's good enough to put up a strong fight against its two arch rivals, Audi's SQ5 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. And the answer is that as a driver's car, you may well think this BMW has the edge. As an all-round proposition though, the decision could be less clear-cut.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Heated windscreen washer jets

Sun protection glass

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Electric window trap release and convenient opening/closing feature

Windscreen wipers

Brakes

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Brake energy regeneration

Brake drying

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Front and rear disc brakes

Braking readiness

Trailer stability control

Brake assist

Integrated braking system

Automatic hold function

Post Crash Collision Warning with braking function

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic stability control

Multiple control arm rear axle

Two-joint strut-type front axle with tension strut

Driver Aids

Servotronic system

Variable sport steering

Cruise control with brake function + speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Reversing assist camera

Drive off assistant

Active guard professional

My Mode - Personal, Efficient, Sport, Relax, Expressive

Flat tyre monitor

Driver Convenience

Driving Assistant Plus Preparation

Automatic operation of tailgate

Driver Information

BMW Online services

BMW Teleservices

Condition based service

Brake pad wear indicator

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Language version English

BMW iDrive

Driving Mirrors

M-specific Exterior mirrors

Mirror triangle in black high-gloss

Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors

Mirror base and mirror blade in black high-gloss

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

BMW badge on front and rear

B-pillar trim panel in black high-gloss

Locking of the doors

BMW M-specific radiator grille with horizontal bars in Dark Silver and M logo

BMW M-specific front/rear bumpers and side sills

Door handles flush to the surface with lock barrel on driver's side

Side window frame in black high-gloss

4 tailpipe tips

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Daytime running lights

High beam assistant

LED tail lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

Headlight beam throw control

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Glove compartment

Multifunction steering wheel

Luggage compartment separating net

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Through loading system

M sport leather steering wheel

Wireless charging tray

Footrest and pedals in black plastic

2 x USB Type C ports for charging and data transmission (front centre console) and 2 x USB Type C ports for charging (rear centre console)

Rear side armrests integrated into door trim

Three upper retaining strap clips integrated into the rear panels of the seat backrests

Steering column adjustment

Two front cupholders and two in the rear center armrest

Front centre console trim in black high-gloss

Front armrest with integrated control panel

Selector lever with toggle operation

12v power socket in front centre console and luggage compartment

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Packs

Connected pro package - X3

Interior and exterior mirror package - X3

BMW Iconic Glow exterior package - X3

M Sport pro pack - X3

Safety

Warning triangle

3 point seatbelts

Tyre pressure sensor

Head airbags

Child locks on rear doors

BMW emergency call

M sport seatbelt

Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting

Central airbag

Airbag deployment is controlled with respect to the intensity and scope

Driver and front passenger front and side airbags

Seats

Front sports seats

3 rear headrests

Front head restraints

Electric adjustable seats with memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system

Front passenger seat

i-Size / ISOFIX attachment points on both outer rear seats, with covers in black

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Comfort access system

Alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Start/stop button with keyless motor start with acoustic drive

Transmission

Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO: 0.117

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 175

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 180

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 177

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 180

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 160

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 257

Particles: 0.0002

Emissions - Lifecycle

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: B58B30M2

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 6

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 2998

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 36.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Low: 25

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 35.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.8

General

Special Order: 0

Coin Series: N

Coin Description: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Badge Power: 398

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 42E

Based On ID: N

Special Edition: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 4

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 293

Engine Power - RPM: 5200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 428

Engine Torque - NM: 580

Engine Torque - RPM: 1900

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.6

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 398

Engine Torque - MKG: 59.1

Engine Power - PS: No

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 285/40 R20

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4755

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1660

Width (including mirrors): 2132

Wheelbase: 2865

Width: 1920

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.2

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1700

Max. Roof Load: 100

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 570

Max. Loading Weight: 645

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2625

Minimum Kerbweight: 1980

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension

Embellishment Trims

Luxury instrument panel

BMW Individual Magnolia fine-wood trim with fine print

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof

Interior Features

Individuval Merino leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Veganza leather upholstery

Econeer upholstery

Packs

Technology package with Parking assistant professional - X3

Technology package - X3

Comfort plus pack - X3

Technology package with Driving assistant professional - X3

Comfort package - X3 M50/ M Sport Pro

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Dune grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual special paint - British Racing green uni

BMW Individual special paint - Pearl effect Metallic Grigio telesto

BMW Individual special paint - Pearl effect Metallic Ruby red II

BMW Individual special paint - Deep sea green

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Lime rock grey

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Melbourne red

BMW Individual special paint - Malachite green II

BMW Individual Frozen paint - Frozen Pure Grey

BMW Individual special paint - Santorini blue II Uni

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Brass

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Daytona violet

BMW Individual special paint - Sao paulo yellow

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Frozen Tanzanite Blue

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Frozen Black

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Frozen marina bay blue

BMW Individual special paint - Metallic Frozen Brilliant white

BMW Individual Frozen paint - Frozen Deep Grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

Individuval Merino leather - Black with Atlas grey

Individuval Merino leather - Amber with Atlas grey

Veganza perforated and quilted leather - Black

Veganza perforated and quilted leather - Calm Beige

Veganza perforated and quilted leather - Espresso Brown

Alcantara/Veganza leather upholstery - Black

Econeer upholstery - Vivid Grey bicolour

Wheels - Alloy

21" M Star spoke wheels diamond polished cast aluminium alloy wheel in Jet black matt - Style 1037 M Bicolour

21" M Star spoke wheels diamond polished cast aluminium alloy wheel in Jet black - Style 1037 M Bicolour

21" BMW Individual Aerodynamic wheels diamond polished cast aluminium alloy wheel in Jet black - Style 910 I Bicolour

20" M Aerodynamic wheels diamond polished cast aluminium alloy wheel in Jet black - Style 906 M Bicolour