By Malusi Msomi

BMW has given the X3 a major refresh, and we recently got behind the wheel of the new X3 M50 xDrive, the current range-topper. And let’s just say, if subtlety is what you’re after, this isn’t your SUV.

Bold looks

Finished in Dune Grey Metallic with optional 21-inch M bi-colour wheels, the new X3 M50 xDrive certainly doesn’t blend in. A pair of quad exhaust tips at the rear shout sporty intent, and while the styling might not be to everyone’s taste, it definitely makes a statement. On the other hand, however, quad pipes were reserved for full on M-cars, so having them on the xDrive M50 is a bit questionable.

We’ve noticed that the design seems to lean more toward the Chinese market’s styling preferences, which might explain why it splits opinion locally. Some love the assertive look, others miss the cleaner lines of the previous model. Either way, it’s got presence.

A familiar yet upgraded cabin

Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels like a beefier, more athletic sibling to the X1. At the centre of it all is BMW’s Curved Display, a crisp, dual-screen layout combining a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, running Operating System 9.

There’s a red 12 o’clock steering wheel marker, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and 570 litres of boot space — enough for a long weekend away or a year’s supply of reusable shopping bags. The layout is clean, but that also means physical climate controls are gone, so yes, prepare for a few extra taps to change the fan speed. BMW, we’re begging: bring back the knobs.

Materials mostly feel premium, although some lower cabin plastics remind you that even German brands need to hit cost targets. Still, the overall ambiance is upscale, and there’s plenty of head and knee room in both rows.

Power and performance

Under the bonnet lies BMW’s tried-and-true 3.0-litre B58 inline-6 turbocharged engine, pushing out 293 kW and 580 Nm, mated to an 8-speed Steptronic auto. BMW claims 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and during our drive, it felt every bit that quick.

In Sport mode, the exhaust lets out the occasional pop and crackle, which brought grins all around — and possibly some concerned glances from bystanders. Ride quality strikes a nice balance between comfort and sportiness, feeling planted without punishing you over rougher roads.

We managed a fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km during mixed driving, which isn’t bad considering the power on offer, though BMW claims a more optimistic 8.2 L/100 km.

Verdict

The new BMW X3 M50 xDrive is a strong showing from Bavaria. It’s fast, comfortable, loaded with tech, and stands out from the crowd, whether you like it or not. At a starting price of R1,545,447, it isn’t cheap, but it delivers a lot of SUV for the money. Just maybe throw in some physical buttons next time, BMW. Some of us still like clicking things.