NEW BMW X3 M50 Full Review: Is This the Best All-Rounder in BMW’s Lineup
Watch DriverReviews ambassador Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the new BMW X3.
In this review we look at the fourth generation of one of BMW's best-selling cars in the world (at the moment). This is the X3, which is a mid-size SUV and is only available in either a petrol or hybrid version. The specific model we are looking at in this review is the range-topping X3 M50 and prices start from £48,000 through to £67,000 (with the model in the video finished with £10,000 worth of options).
Specifications
• Power: 398hp
• Torque: 580Nm
• 0-62 mph: 4.6s
• Top Speed: 155mph
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Boot Space: 570 – 1,700L
Exterior
In case you didn't know, the 'X' in the X3 stands for BMW's X-Drive all-wheel-drive system. The proportions of the X3 reflect this by being quite large. It's longer, wider and lower than the previous generation, and other tell-tale signs that this is the latest generation (apart from the number plate) are the slim LED adaptive headlights and the glow-in-the-dark kidney grille. The glow in the dark grille is a new feature that Vicki personally likes, we would love to know what you think of it so let us know in the comments section of our video!
There are some muscles on the X3 with the side skirts meeting a set of flared wheel arches that give the mid-size SUV a rather aggressive look. This coupled with a quartet of tailpipes screams performance and the aerodynamic spoiler, which is joined by side deflectors, really finishes off the sporty/aggressive look to the car. Grip and stability have been improved with the wheels slightly pushed out towards the arches, which helps with more precise cornering and given that this is a Sports Utility Vehicle, this is a very welcome addition.
Looking at the boot, there is plenty of space with 570 litres being the minimum, rising to 1,700 litres when the rear seats are folded. Bear in mind, however, that if you opt for the hybrid option, this will be reduced slightly to accommodate the hybrid technology. A tow bar is not fitted as standard, so you will have to add it as an option if you want to tow. If you do opt for it, you can tow up to 2,500kg and for an interesting fact, that is the weight of the car plus a saltwater crocodile!
Wheel and Tyre Talk
There is a choice of alloy wheels, starting at 18 inches and going up to 21 inches, which is what is on the M50. The wheels in the video are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tyres, which feature the BMW star on the sidewall to indicate that they have been developed for the X3. They have been rated by hundreds of drivers on DriverReviews and have achieved an impressive 4.6 out of 5 star rating.
Interior
Sustainable materials can be found throughout the X3's cabin, with various fabrics used on the dashboard and vegan leather on the seats, both of which get Vicki's seal of approval. What doesn't get Vicki's seal of approval, however, is the steering wheel as it's so thick it's uncomfortable to actually use, which could prove tricky on longer journeys. Flat-bottomed steering wheels like the one in the X3 are also not Vicki's cup of tea as she prefers them to be round as it is easier to correct the steering if necessary with a round wheel.
Vicki says that the driver is always the focus throughout the BMW range and this rings true here in the X3 with the screens wrapping around the driver and being book-ended with lighting which gives it a really nice finish. This is coupled with the latest iDrive technology operating system 9 with quick select vertical icons to touch through and it actually gives you the option of either playing games or watching movies - very ideal for those travelling with youngsters! There are plenty of physical buttons and in the middle of it all is the familiar rotary dial, which looks very premium.
There's also an intelligent assistant that can tell you a lot of things, such as whether your tyre pressures are OK, how far you can go before you need to fill up, and it learns your frequent journeys so it can activate driving aids such as a front camera to help you crawl out of a parking space when you're driving home from work. There are some familiar features such as the rotary dial, but the gearshift has been redesigned, as have the seats. Driver convenience hasn't been overlooked either, with wireless phone charging, 12V sockets and USBc ports.
Moving to the rear of the car, your passengers will also have plenty to enjoy, including a panoramic sunroof, rear window blinds and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system. There is plenty of space too, as Vicki demonstrates with the driver's seat set to the position of a 6ft driver with room for feet, knees and plenty of headroom. Adding to the comfort is a climate control screen for the rear seats, which are also heated! There are no screens at the back of the seat, but there is a clamping system that can hold a tablet such as an iPad, so your passengers can watch films on the move.
Driving
For the petrolheads in the room, when you think of BMW, and BMW engines in particular, you probably think of a straight six-cylinder, and that's exactly what the X3 M50 has. There's a real Marmite issue here, though, as there's a 'noise boost' system that pumps more engine noise into the cabin through the speakers when you put your foot on the accelerator. If you really don't like it, you can turn it off so that all the noise you hear is real.
There are plenty of driving modes to try in the X3; Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax, Digital Art and Silent to name a few. However, there are just three ingredients that make the SUV a good one to drive and according to Vicki they are the 8-speed automatic gearbox which is quick and responsive complete with an auto blipping system so that when you go down the gears the gearbox will rev to match the incoming lower gear. Steering is the next ingredient and although Vicki isn't a fan of the huge steering wheel, she describes the feel of the steering as having a nice feel to it. The final ingredient is the brakes and the huge red callipers indicate that they are here to do what they were designed to do, which is no mean feat given the size of the car. Given the size and weight of the car, Vicki mentions that it does its best to mimic the feel of a sports car, with the M Sport adaptive suspension giving the X3 good levels of agility and the xDrive system delivering power to all four corners.
It is worth noting the fuel economy here, with official figures of 36mpg combined. This may be difficult to achieve given the temptations of the X3's capabilities, so if frugality is more your thing, then we would advise you to opt for the plug-in hybrid variant as it has the longest range of the whole X3 range and will run on electric power for 56 miles.
Everyday Use
BMW claim that the X3 is the perfect choice for everyday use. Parking is one of those everyday events and BMW has developed some very clever technology to help. Parking Assistant Professional, part of the optional technology pack, allows you to manoeuvre out of the tightest of spaces using only your mobile phone. A fantastic option when other people are parking so close you can't even get into your car! The car will safely move forward out of the space, allowing you to get into the car with ease.
Vicki’s Verdict
The market in which the X3 competes is fiercely contested by rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLC, both of which can be fitted with an extra pair of seats to offer a total of 7 seats. There's also the Volvo XC60, which to be fair has a smaller boot than the X3, and the Audi Q5, which has a towing capacity 500kg less than the X3. With all this in mind, it really comes down to you and what your requirements are. It has to be said, though, that the X3 dwarfs all of these options when it comes to sales figures and that might just be enough to sway your choice.
We would love to hear your opinions on the BMW X3 M50 so head over to our YouTube channel and let us know in the comments. Don't miss out on future reviews and automotive insights - subscribe to DriverReviews on YouTube for the latest updates and in-depth analysis from our brand ambassadors!
