We get to grips with the BMW X3 M50 xDrive – the range-topping version of the German brand’s best-selling family SUV…
Back in the 1980s there was a series of TV adverts for fresh cream cakes. The slogan was “naughty but nice”.
After a week with the flagship M50 xDrive performance version of the BMW X3, the same sentiment could apply.
Sure, the BMW X3 M50 isn’t quite full fat (it utilises mild hybrid technology), but you’d never know. The potent straight-six 3.0-litre petrol engine delivers 393bhp and 580Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of just 4.6 seconds.
Officially, fuel economy is 36.2mpg, while CO2 emissions are 177g/km.
Of course, there are ‘lighter’ engine options on offer too, and they also all come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
The entry-level four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol – the xDrive20 – has 205bhp and achieves 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, while fuel economy is 40.4mpg and CO2 emissions drop to 158g/km.
The 194bhp 2.0-litre diesel (xDrive20d) has plenty of low-down grunt and can sprint to 62mph in 7.7 seconds (47.9mpg/155g/km).
Finally, the petrol plug-in hybrid (xDrive30e), has an official all-electric range of up to 54 miles and CO2 emissions as low as 65g/km.
In theory, it’s capable of up to 100.9mpg, but of course, that makes various assumptions, such as starting every journey with a full battery. The reality is that the average fuel economy is likely to be comparable to a diesel, and it will depend on the length of your journey, driving style and topography.
Priced from £51,605, the substantial fourth-generation X3 features a bold, updated design. It would be a stretch to call it elegant, but it’s not as brutal as some other modern BMWs.
Larger than the original X5, the big electric iX’s influence can be clearly felt inside the cabin which is dominated by BMW’s Curved Display, made up of a massive 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Inevitably, there’s a lot of prodding and swiping involved because so many essentials are controlled via the touchscreen – including climate settings!
There are few physical buttons, and the touch-sensitive controls and air vents are fiddly to use, but as least the iDrive rotary controller remains.
Overall, the build quality is great, but the standard of some of the interior materials is a tad disappointing. For instance, there’s rather too much plastic for a premium car, while the rough door card fabric is reminiscent of the latest MINIs.
On the plus side, it’s possible to have a low driving position, should you want to feel more involved, and there’s space for three passengers in the back with ample head and leg room, while the boot boasts a cavernous 570-litre capacity (1,700 litres with the back seats folded down).
My BMW M50 xDrive test car delivered where it matters, with a high-octane, old-school blend of power and driving engagement.
Starting it up isn’t quite as dramatic as you might expect, given the beans under the bonnet (once you’ve stowed away the stupidly big key fob in the centre console). Just steer clear of the piped-in IconicSounds options on the move, and keep it raw. The engine purrs most of the time, but gets satisfyingly vocal under heavy acceleration.
On the road, the X3 is a joy to drive. Totally planted, it exhibits superb body control for a big SUV when pushed in more challenging corners.
The silky six-cylinder just keeps on giving, yet for the most part, the X3 feels remarkably composed and refined with the adaptive suspension working a treat.
Easily one of the best-handing SUVs you can buy, it’s surprisingly agile with superb traction and accurate steering. Ultimately, it’s hard to fault.
However, with a starting price of £71,005, it is also quite the investment.
Rivals include the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Porsche Macan GTS.
Verdict: The BMW M50 xDrive is one of the best performance family SUVs on the market. A bit of a throwback in some ways – just enjoy the power, dynamism and practicality of this gem while you can.
