New BMW X3 M50 road test: Is the range-topper worth the premium?

BMW’s fourth-gen X3 also happens to be its best-selling car in the world at the minute. But how does this high-performance M50 variant fare with Vicki Butler-Henderson at the helm?

With handsome styling, polished road manners, and the promise of xDrive all-wheel-drive across the range, it’s small wonder the X3’s such a strong seller for the Bavarian marque. But what happens when you climb the model hierarchy into something a little sportier? Does a spicy 3.0-litre, 400-bhp X3 still make as much sense? 

First things first, how does the M50’s racier styling land? Quite well, as it happens. Vicki’s a fan of the new X3’s fundamental shape — which is longer, wider, and lower than the outgoing model. But it’s the little touches that make all the difference. Up front, there’s illuminated kidney grilles and slim, adaptive LED lights that give the car a unique profile in the dark. Then, to ensure the M50 lives up to its high-performance billing, there are vast 21-inch alloys, prominent side skirts and, of course, quad exhaust tips to let that tuneful exhaust note ring out.

It's practical, too. Pop the boot and you’re greeted with a cavernous 570-litre load bay with the seats in situ, or a van-like 1,700 litres with them stowed flat. And if that wasn’t enough, an optional electronically deployable towbar gives the X3 capacity to tow a further 2,500 kg worth of luggage — or a caravan, horses… you get the picture. Meanwhile, in the back, passengers over 6ft will still enjoy plentiful leg and headroom.
 

Happily, things are just as pleasant if you’re sat up front. New, sustainable materials (including a synthetic leather called Veganza), feature heavily in the cockpit. And that signature BMW driver-focused layout is just as pronounced as usual — which Vicki likes. She’s not as keen on the X3’s chunky M-Sport wheel, though. In fact, she hates its shape and width so much, she whips out a tape measure to prove her point. However, with a snappy new operating system and atmospheric mood lighting to appreciate, the cumbersome wheel is quickly forgotten. 

As for the star of the show (the X3’s newfound blistering performance), you won’t be disappointed when you put your foot down. With a stout turbocharged six-cylinder engine and snappy eight-speed gearbox paired to BMW’s xDrive system, this hefty SUV can hurtle to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. And the fun doesn’t let up in the bends, either. Precise steering and adaptive M-sport dampers let you push on with confidence, while powerful brake callipers are there to keep things under control. Does it feel like a true sports car? No. But for a practical family crossover, it does offer “a decent imitation of one”.  

So it’s fast, fun, and practical, but how does the X3 stack up against the likes of Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and Mercedes’ GLC? Hit the video for Vicki’s full review.

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