2026 BMW X3 M50 (G45) Review

23 Feb

Is this basically an X3 M without the harshness? That’s exactly what BMW seems to be aiming for with the new G45-generation BMW X3 M50 — a performance SUV you can genuinely live with every day rather than a stiff, track-focused machine pretending to be practical.

The regular X3 range starts at about £53,000, while the M50 begins at roughly £73,000 (and even a simple metallic paint can add over £1,700). In other words, this sits firmly in premium performance territory but still below a full-fat X3 M replacement that may or may not return in the future.

Key rivals are the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 — and in many ways this BMW now positions itself directly between them: less aggressive than before, but more engaging than most.

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Engine and Performance

At the heart of the car is BMW’s legendary B58 engine — arguably one of the best modern performance engines currently on sale.

3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol delivering 398 PS and a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 Seconds (35–37 mpg claimed)
48-volt mild-hybrid system (integrated starter-generator boost)
8-speed automatic gearbox & xDrive all-wheel drive

This is essentially the same engine family used in the M340i and M440i but tuned specifically for the heavier SUV. The mild-hybrid system fills turbo lag so response is immediate — you never really feel the turbo spooling up, it just goes.

Unlike the old performance-focused X3, BMW has deliberately shifted the M50 into the role of a fast daily driver. The rear-biased AWD setup, M Sport differential and adaptive chassis mean it still feels playful but not intimidating.

Put simply: it’s very fast, but it’s also approachable. This car can almost be whatever you want it to be.

Exterior Design

The new X3 has gone noticeably rounder than the previous generation. The kidney grille is huge but the bumper design is less aggressive than before — another hint that BMW wants this to be sporty rather than shouty.

Important enthusiast detail: the quad exhausts are real. No fake trims and no hidden pipes.

Interior and Technology

Inside, you get the latest BMW iDrive 9 system with the large curved display.

It’s a much quieter cabin than the previous X3 with a cleaner, more minimalist design - this unfortunately comes at the cost of some physical buttons and controls now going to the screen. That screen, however, is very modern and very wife - offering enough real estate for anyone. It’s also got a snappy processor, and the i-Drive software remains one of the very best on the market.

But there is a downside. The upper surfaces feel premium while the lower cabin feels cost-engineered. Lower-down materials feel cheaper than older BMW interiors, but the same can be said for its German rivals, and at least we don’t have a sea of piano black in here. (thank you BMW!)

Practicality and Running Costs

The 570 litre boot is very respectable and, during our real-world testing, we got an impressive 32.1 MPG from this brute of a powerplant - not bad!

For a performance SUV it is properly usable. Family duties, road trips and commuting all make sense here.

Real-world fuel economy is also surprisingly reasonable — many owners should realistically see mid-30s mpg if driven sensibly.

Driving Experience

Underneath, the X3 M50 gets a serious amount of performance hardware, including adaptive M suspension, rear-biased all-wheel drive, an M Sport differential, uprated M brakes and variable sport steering. The goal clearly isn’t outright track aggression anymore, but controlled, confidence-inspiring speed in everyday driving.

The adaptive suspension is the standout feature. In Comfort mode, the car is genuinely supple — closer to a normal luxury SUV than a performance model — soaking up bumps and broken roads without constantly reminding you it’s the fast version. Switch into Sport and body control tightens noticeably, yet it never becomes harsh or crashy, striking a balance the previous performance-focused X3 struggled to achieve.

On the move, traction is immense thanks to the rear-biased AWD system, allowing you to deploy the power early out of corners without drama. The steering remains engaging and accurate, although it isn’t quite as razor-sharp as the old X3. That trade-off feels deliberate, though, because the car is now far easier to live with day-to-day, delivering speed and driver involvement without the constant firmness that used to define fast BMW SUVs.

This feels intentional. BMW traded ultimate sharpness for usability, and honestly, it works.

Verdict

The new X3 M50 isn’t trying to replace the hardcore X3 M. It’s trying to replace the need for one.

It is still fast, still sounds good, still handles properly — but now you won’t dread potholes or long motorway journeys. This is a performance SUV for people who actually use their cars every day. Whilst the price tag packs a punch, it’s an almost faultless thing to drive, with a simply glorious drivetrain.

Pros
Very strong B58 engine performance
Excellent balance of comfort and handling
Very practical for a performance SUV

Cons
Interior materials less premium than older BMWs
Options quickly push price toward £80k+

Overall, BMW has effectively built the sweet-spot performance X3 — the one most people actually wanted all along.

Whilst you might expect absolute perfection given the hefty price tag, the BMW X3 M50 is really not far off. Bravo.