The German luxury brand offers a range of X vehicles within its SUV range, and sitting in the middle is the X3, its best-selling model. Launched 20 years ago, I was driving its latest fourth-generation edition. I was excited to see the distinctive M on the back of the car, which is the motorsports division of BMW. These are normally very fast and powerful models. Hello pocket rocket SUV.
The Look
Let’s start with the looks. There is a choice of one solid and eight metallic shades for the new BMW X3, including the new Dune Grey metallic finish, which my test drive model came in. It’s a distinctive shade and nicely complements the shape of the car which has a futuristic feel to it.
At the front, BMW’s signature kidney grille comes with an optional ‘Iconic Glow’ lighting that outlines the grille in a soft electric shimmer. Cool in the daytime, it really impresses at night. Then you have the LED headlights, with their crisp double-L design, which complete the modern, futuristic face. At the back, fighter jet-style taillights and quad exhaust tips subtly whisper “yes, I go fast,” without shouting it. It’s a confident, grown-up design – sleek, sporty and subtle.
The new BMW X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy 18-inch wheels as standard, with a selection of 20-inch and 21-inch items also available. The alloy wheels and bespoke design are clear cues for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance.
The Cabin
Step inside and BMW has embraced a more design-forward interior for this latest version of the X3 with sculpted lighting strips, a new-look gear stick and plenty of functionality. One memorable feature is the clock on the dashboard which doesn’t tick in numbers or hands – it spells out the time in words. It’s a touch of design whimsy that feels very on-brand for a car that wants to be different.
The BMW Curved Display is the centrepiece up front, merging the instrument panel and infotainment into one seamless screen that arcs gently toward the driver. It’s high-resolution, responsive, and powered by BMW’s latest iDrive system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, of course, and the wireless charging pad is cleverly angled so your phone doesn’t slide around. Just below, the centre console is neat but slightly tilted away from the driver, which can make a few buttons tricky to read in strong sunlight.
The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel is stylish and functional
If music matters to you, the M50 edition brings a premium Harman Kardon sound system that more than holds its own on long drives or commutes. You also get USB-C ports up front for fast charging and easy connectivity.
Seating is both sporty and luxurious. Fully adjustable, Veganza and BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery are both available as an option. And if you opt for the panoramic sunroof, the entire cabin is bathed in natural light and feels much more spacious.
Storage is very usable for daily life. You’ll find a decent glovebox, cubbies for keys and sunglasses, and a 570-litre boot that easily handles airport luggage, groceries, or a stroller. If you fold the back seats down, you get a generous 1,700
The Drive
The M50 variant looks quick and doesn’t disappoint. It’s fitted with BMW’s most powerful inline six-cylinder engine in this range – and when you tap the gas pedal, you feel itimmediately. Launch control can rocket the car from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds (4.6 seconds to be exact) but even if you never touch that feature, it’s reassuring to know the power of its 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo is there when you need it.
For city drivers, it’s smooth, quiet, and handles like a car half its size. Adaptive suspension makes speed bumps a breeze, and the M Sport brakes offer incredibly responsive stopping power. BMW has also packed the X3 with plenty of safety tech – from a 360-degree camera system to ambient lights that flash along with the hazard lights.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 M50 is a car for people who want a mix of sporty, luxury and performance but live in the real world – where cupholders matter, playlists need good speakers, and parking sensors are a godsend. Whether you’re heading to brunch, the school run, or to the office, the X3 feels like it can handle them all in its stride.
