Review: 2025 BMW X3 M50
The Posh Rocket That Thinks It’s an Off-Roader
There’s something undeniably appealing about a mid-size SUV that thinks it’s a sports car, and that’s exactly where the BMW X3 M50 sits. With its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and xDrive all-wheel drive, it promises thrills on the tarmac while maintaining a smidgen of credibility off the beaten path. But is it any good, or is it just another expensive way to show off at the school gates? Let’s dive in.
On-Road Ride: Fast, Grippy, and Slightly Rigid
The X3 M50 doesn’t mess about when it comes to performance. With 398bhp and 428lb-ft of torque, it shifts from 0-62mph in a very un-SUV-like 4.5 seconds. That’s faster than some old-school M cars, which is daft when you consider it’s got a boot big enough for the weekly shop and then some.
BMW’s adaptive suspension does its best to smooth out the ride, but let’s be honest, this is still an M-badged SUV. It’s firm, but it made light work of speed bumps and other imperfections. Get it on a winding road and it handles far better than something this tall and heavy should. The xDrive system keeps it planted, and while the steering isn’t quite as talkative as in a proper M car, it’s sharp enough to keep you entertained.
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, and when the opportunity arises it’s difficult not to plant your right foot into the carpet - the speed and noise, well, they’re a little bit addictive!
Off-Road Capability: Laughable or Surprisingly Capable?
Look, let’s be real—no one’s taking an X3 M50 green-laning unless they’ve had a few too many at the pub and lost a bet. That said, it does have xDrive, and it’ll shuffle power around to keep you moving if you find yourself on a muddy track to a posh glamping site, but those wide tyres will definitely struggle to find grip. Ground clearance isn’t terrible, and there’s enough torque to muscle through loose surfaces, but don’t expect it to rival a Defender or a Land Cruiser. Approach and departure angles? Best not to think about them unless you fancy a very expensive bodywork bill.
Interior Spec: BMW Does What BMW Does Best
Inside, it’s business as usual for BMW - quality materials, a well-thought-out layout, and enough tech to make your old laptop feel like an abacus. The M50 gets sports seats as standard, which hug you nicely without being too aggressive. There’s a big curved display up front, running BMW’s latest iDrive system, which is slick but still insists on making simple tasks more complicated than they need to be. Physical buttons? Mostly gone. Hope you like using a touchscreen while bouncing along a cobbled street.
There’s good news in that BMW have given you easy access to switch off lane-assist and speed-limit warning chimes.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though the former kept kicking my iPhone 16Pro out, which became quite tiresome. When it wasn’t losing my iPhone the Harman Kardon sound system was fantastic. With the rear seat up space is decent, and the boot offers a respectable 550 litres of storage - enough for more that a few suitcases and an overambitious Costco run.
Comfort: Great on Smooth Roads, Not So Much on Rough Ones
If you spend most of your time cruising on the motorway, you’ll love the X3 M50. It’s quiet, refined, and eats up miles effortlessly. The seats are supportive, the cabin is well-insulated, and there’s plenty of clever tech to keep long drives as stress-free as possible.
However, as mentioned earlier, the suspension errs on the side of sporty, which means you will feel every imperfection on crumbling UK roads. Stick to well-maintained tarmac, and it’s a lovely place to be. Venture onto back roads with potholes the size of small lakes, and you might find yourself questioning your life choices.
Practicality: Family SUV With a Need for Speed
For all its performance chops, the X3 M50 still works well as a family car. There’s plenty of storage, a practical boot, and enough rear legroom for adult passengers to avoid moaning too much on long trips.
It’s been said that the sloping roofline eats into rear headroom slightly, but I’m over 6ft tall and didn’t feel claustrophobic - that might have something to do with the panoramic roof. While the boot is generous, some rivals offer more space for the money. Also, if you’re using the X3 M50 for the school run, just be prepared to explain to other parents why you felt the need to turn up in a 400bhp missile - or not, you’re choice. People can be sooo judgemental at times.
Fuel Efficiency: You Get What You Pay For
With all that power on tap, the X3 M50 was never going to be a fuel-sipping eco warrior. BMW claims around 29-32mpg combined, which isn’t dreadful for something this quick, but if you’ve got a heavy right foot, expect to see numbers closer to the mid-20s. The 48V mild-hybrid system helps a bit, but let’s be honest, you’re not buying this car to save the planet.
Conclusion: A Luxury Speed Machine With Some Quirks
The 2025 BMW X3 M50 is a brilliant option if you want an SUV that drives like a fast saloon but still has enough space for family duties. It’s quick, well-built, and packed with tech, but that sporty suspension means it’s not the most comfortable choice for everyday UK roads. Off-road ability? Minimal. But let’s be honest, that’s not why you’re buying one.
If you want something practical yet exciting, and you can live with the firm ride and occasional eye-watering fuel bill, the X3 M50 makes a lot of sense. Just don’t expect it to be an off-roader - unless, of course, your idea of off-roading is mounting a slightly high kerb outside Waitrose.
Website: BMW UK
Price: £64,990 (as tested: £79,940)
