How is the SUV that converts comfort into adrenaline

BMW He was the target of criticism for the course that took his design style a few years ago, mainly because of the size that the traditional kidneys of the tube gained. It was also time where the German brand deepened its slogan “The pleasure of driving” to its SUV range, something that is reflected in the new X3, particularly in the M50 version that tested Clarion.

Although Munich’s builder has tried to maintain the sporting touch in any type of model that has been manufactured, it was in the last and a half decade in which he accelerated that characteristic in his X -range. BMW was the first luxury brand that had a SUV family and could not leave it outside an intrinsic feature of the company.

So it was that in 2009 the first x5 m and x6 m appeared, that is, those developed by the division Motorsport of the company, in charge of substantially elevating the performance of each vehicle that passes through its hands.

The result of that strategy is irrefutable: the M division of the brand has been growing uninterrupted since 2012 and today they represent almost 10% of the manufacturer’s total sales: in 2024 it sold more than 206 thousand units M.

Given that search for exclusivity by customers, BMW decided create an intermediate range between earthly and stratospheric models m. And here is where the M50 version of the X3 appears that must be clarified that it is closer to the extreme in terms of performance.

How is the new BMW X3 M50

This version belongs to the fourth generation of the X3, a model that grew so much size that today has dimensions of the first X5 (1999), a vehicle of a higher segment.

The proportions of the new generation emphasize the sports nature of the brand. Despite being a SUV, it is wide, strong, well planted near the ground: Give an idea of ​​getting better about the asphalt than out of it.

His style can fool a bit too because he has some resources of electric cars, such as flat surfaces or the grill. In this case, there are only two small slips in the lower part of each “kidney” and the large air flow enters through the lower shots. The sport grimace remarks the channel on the hood that also carries sports bodies of the brand.

In addition, it carries a high quality lighting system, both for light power as for the visual effect it produces. A detail that can generate controversies is that the kidneys are illuminated.

But it is enough to see the rear sector with two gross double escape exits (real, not simulated) to rule out any questions about its propulsion system. The X3 M50 comes with a motor of 6 online cylinders Twin Turbo Able to deliver 398 horsepower and 580 nm of torquecouplely from 1,900 rpm to 4,800 rpm.

And while it has an electrical assistance, thanks to a 48 Volt Mild-Hbrid system, it is only destined to feed functions that require electricity but do not have the capacity to move the wheels by itself. The gearbox is 8 -speed automatic and the traction is integral, with automatic strength cast.

The inner style also shows avant -garde with a sporty appearance. On the one hand, the huge curved plate, which includes two screens, driver oriented and A colorful and active lighting system (You can send visual message through light sequences; for example, if a call is entering or if there is a risk of ahead). And on the other, sports details such as the steering wheel, pedaling or seats.

This lighting system can be modified according to the handling mode that is selected (all red in Sport mode, for example) or also manually according to the user’s taste.

It must be recognized that the general style is quite minimalist and has to do with the fact that most functions are executed from the multimedia center screen, which forces to make several steps for simple activations. And this model is full of functions, so each owner will have to dedicate an important time to meet them all.

There are several commands that are not inside the screen but they are also tactile and are subtly located on some dark surface. This minimalism offers some warmth thanks to a textile lining on the on -board iron and counterparts. However, they generate some concern how they can be kept over time.

Like many current models, Most coatings are rigid plasticswell finished but without hiding your property. This is the case of the pieces on the front doors, which in addition to the shooters are the commands (tactile) to open and close the air conditioner outlets at the ends.

The handling position is almost perfect and the support given by the front seats ensure the posture in sports management. The space behind is very generous and access is simple thanks to a good opening of doors. The only issue is that when entering and when leaving it is very easy to get dirty pants or leg because of the displaced in the back of the posterior seat with respect to the lower part of the body.

The level of equipment is very high, especially that of driving assists. Outside the most common functions, the power option stands out record the last 50 meters tours and return on your backward footprint automatically.

But without a doubt what most surprises is your Chameleonic behavior. Despite the numbers of the technical tab of the motor and some details of its decoration that indicate sportsmanship, the X3 M50 can be used very comfortably, with a serene, silent and isolated walk of the environment. Whenever one is delicate with the right foot.

The gearbox is so fast and soft that the passage of marches is almost not warned if we stay in that driving mode. Excellent soundproofing and a large audio system contribute to that well -being.

But Step some more the accelerator awakens a crouched beast. That bestiality is even more powerful if we opt for driving with the Activated Sport mode, highly recommended by the way. From there, the X3 M50 justifies each of its sports details.

The force with which it pushes is remarkable but more surprising is how intensity maintains if the acceleration is sustained. Now the passing pass hits and makes it felt. And everything is accompanied with a hoarse maeling that, in the end, disappoints a little because it is partial (it is transmitted by the audio system) and it is more what sounds inside. But some against explosions are heard when releasing the accelerator.

That does not take merit to your acceleration power. To carry its more than two tons of weight from 0 to 100 km/h only requires 4.6 seconds. And while that weight is impossible to hide when it comes to folding quickly in slow curves, its traction capacity and the management of the suspensions disguise almost everything.

And for the insatiable there is a small secret to have a little more. By pressing for just over the left of the steering wheel, the Sport Boost mode is activated, which gives a plus of power for 10 seconds (the brand does not specify how much).

Your double traction system is more thought to improve traction on asphalt than to get out of it: Its short distance to the ground and the tires do not invite to venture out of the pavement.

While the perfect car does not exist, since if you want a lot of comfort you will lose firmness for sports management, this BMW X3 M50 is quite close to offering the best of several worlds.

Wheelbase 2,865 mm

65 liter fuel tank

570 liter trunk capacity

Naftero Motor, 3.0L, Twin Turbo

Potence 398 CV and 5.200-6.250 RPM

Torque 580 Nm a 1.900-4.800 rpm

Automatic transmission, 8 speeds

Maximum speed (limited) 250 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.6 seconds

Average consumption 8l/100 km

Front side airbags

Alert Involuntary Change of lane

Emergency autonomous brake

Adaptive cruise control

Autonomous parking assistance

12.3 ”screens and 14.9″

Sliding panoramic roof

Input version: xDrive 20 xline US$ 91.900

Proven version: XDrive M50 US$ 137.900