[-JLT-]

more pics of different colors

[l33v0nix]

just noticed there is difference in the xline headlights

[x3g01]

Originally Posted by l33v0nix

just noticed there is difference in the xline headlights

This is another item that has been de-specced, unlike in the G01 LCI where the Adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights was standard on all models, the new 30 xDrive in the U.S. only has the base headlight without cornering light and a different DRL. You have to get at least the M Sport package + shadowline package to get the upgraded lights now.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Mavus

major design flaw is the door handle especially for shorter folks. why fix smthg that wasn’t broken??

Form over function, and the constant need to make something look different. That aside BMW will likely claim it improves aero dynamics and range on an EV.

IIRC there’s mention of BMW moving to non run flat tyres because the slightly improved rolling resistance enabled it to claim increased EV mileage, and reduce tyre cost.

Lots of little details gone, like the M door sill protectors, trunk load lip metal skid, rear ambient lighting, puddle lights….

[IAmSpeed]

Lol it made X4M looks so small ..,

[wartnig]

Originally Posted by avi66

Form over function, and the constant need to make something look different. That aside BMW will likely claim it improves aero dynamics and range on an EV.

IIRC there’s mention of BMW moving to non run flat tyres because the slightly improved rolling resistance enabled it to claim increased EV mileage, and reduce tyre cost.

Lots of little details gone, like the M door sill protectors, trunk load lip metal skid, rear ambient lighting, puddle lights….

Looks like the Chinese long wheeelbase version gets the M door sill protectors.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by wartnig

Looks like the Chinese long wheeelbase version gets the M door sill protectors.

Plus ambient lighting in the rear, and some kind of satin aluminium finish to the interior door handles.

The front of the car is a combination of M and non M styles.

Unfortunately, still cheap looking.

[XFamily]

That woven dash is a detailing / cleaning nightmare it seems

[puckhead85]

I'm liking the black and Tanzanite blue but I couldn't have both the X5M and X3 in tanzanite
Brooklyn Gray it is and I like the black/gray combo

[myg45]

Originally Posted by puckhead85

I'm liking the black and Tanzanite blue but I couldn't have both the X5M and X3 in tanzanite
Brooklyn Gray it is and I like the black/gray combo

Gray seems to be a popular color on new cars nowadays.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by avi66

Form over function, and the constant need to make something look different. That aside BMW will likely claim it improves aero dynamics and range on an EV.

IIRC there’s mention of BMW moving to non run flat tyres because the slightly improved rolling resistance enabled it to claim increased EV mileage, and reduce tyre cost.

Lots of little details gone, like the M door sill protectors, trunk load lip metal skid, rear ambient lighting, puddle lights….

adding psychedelic ambient lighting in the hopes that the buying public’s attention will be diverted to these omissions….

[avi66]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

adding psychedelic ambient lighting in the hopes that the buying public’s attention will be diverted to these omissions….

Absolutely, it’s just a cheap distraction.

Once the novelty wears off, you’re left with a cheap looking low rent interior. There’s really no defence, it’s just a question if prospective customers will accept scream cheap. If they do, expect even cheaper, if they don’t, BMW will changed or lose revenue.

At the end of the day, some people order without seeing the car in the flesh or even test driving, so these folks are already heavily invested and will defend pretty much anything.

[my_beemmer]

Originally Posted by avi66

Plus ambient lighting in the rear, and some kind of satin aluminium finish to the interior door handles.

The front of the car is a combination of M and non M styles.

Unfortunately, still cheap looking.

And the sky lounge lights with wireless charging in the rear too!

[ModernAngel]

I’m one of the folks who actually thought the new M50 looked pretty good when announced. Been looking to downsize from two cars (‘23 G87 manual M2 and Lincoln Corsair) to one.

Test drove a lot over the past few months - M340i, M440i GC, X3 M40i, X1 M35i, Macan S, ‘25 Explorer ST, Ranger Raptor, Integra Type S and more. Got it down to either an Integra Type S or waiting to see how the new X3 looked/felt/drove in-person.

Long story short, I finally took an M50 for a test drive on Saturday and bought it the same day. Black on black. Take delivery this coming Saturday.

Pros

• For being a compact SAV it drives great. Was able to take it on some sweepers, tight corners, cloverleaf on-ramp and highway pulls. Suspension felt perfect to me even in Sport mode but I'm used to driving an M2, so...
  
  For additional context, I'll say that it drives better than the 2024 X3 M40i I tested. Less body roll while also having a more compliant ride. Performance wise, to me at least, it's better than the M40i. Not by much, but it is. And crucially, it's better enough to get me to buy one. I tested two different X3 M40i's and the first time was immediately after driving an M340i. You could feel the weight and lean of the M40i compared to the M340i. That, combined with its less comfortable cruising feel turned me off of the M40i and made me want to wait to see how the M50 drove. Was pleasantly surprised.
• The B58 is a gem but that's no surprise. I've had a '21 Z4 M40i with the B58 and of course the current M2 with an S58. It's a great engine. We all know that. Pulls like a freight train and sounds decent too.
• I personally like the way it looks (but I also bought a G87 M2 at launch when everyone was hating on it's looks and now it's a Performance Car of the Year ). Not a big fan of the 30s but dig the M50 looks. Looks better in person as well. My girlfriend agrees so, bonus.
• iDrive 9 is nice. Played around with it extensively and never experienced lag or any issues. That said, I never really had a problem with iDrive 8 in the M2. I do like being able to have a full nav map with traffic available at all times - with satellite view!
  
  Interesting side note - while on my test drive I noticed a message on the gauge cluster alerting me to a pothole 200 ft ahead. Don't recall getting those on iDrive 8 but not sure if it's part of a package or what. Frankly I don't really care about it either way but thought it notable. Was the first time my SA saw that message too.
• Seats were comfy. Not spectacular but get the job done.
• Put A/C on max to test how strong it would be and it felt strong enough to me. Certainly didn't feel under-powered as I've read in some places.
• H/K audio sounded pretty dang good to me using the "experience the sound" demo, FWIW.
• Steering wheel feels good. Steering feel as well. Nothing to write home about but nothing I had an issue with either.
• Like the simplicity of the interior but after driving the M2 with the giant screen (and even my Corsair) the interior of the M40i just feels dated to me. Reckon I'm in either the minority or silent majority here.

Cons

• Holy crap I hate that there's no traditional volume knob on the dash. The little volume flick roller doo-dad in the center console is in a super awkward position. Thankfully there are still buttons on the steering wheel but I still kept reaching to adjust the volume multiple times just to grab empty air.
• The plastic door pulls should be metal. It's a bummer but obviously not a deal-breaker for me. But, yeah, c'mon. Just make 'em metal BMW.
• The giant plastic door lock/unlock/side vent fan control thing is... fine. Not a huge fan of the whole thing moving when you push any of the buttons. However, I don't really fiddle with my fan controls and never really lock/unlock my doors using the door buttons (key fob works for me).
• There are no USB ports in the center/middle console arm rest storage area, only a 12v plug. This is stupid, IMO.
• Specific to me but I'm going to miss the M2 gauge cluster and HUD graphics. The "standard" M ones are just not as cool to me now.
• It's an X3 so you'll be able to throw a rock and hit at least 5 of 'em at the mall. SUVs are NPC cars and I'll miss the exclusivity of driving a modified M car. Will likely at least throw some rims on the X3 so I know which car to walk up to in parking lots.

[bmw335ie90]

The interior is a travesty, if this sells well expect even cheaper materials and layouts in the future.

[Mako]

What does the 50 stand for?
Bigger number than before?
Does it have a 5 liter or 500 horsepower?

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by bmw335ie90

The interior is a travesty, if this sells well expect even cheaper materials and layouts in the future.

Darn good point - this is precedent setting. If it sells, BMW will likely to continue to cascade the cost-cutting to other platforms/models.

[hufington]

Looks too round at every angle to make me think it's a sporty car despite the great engine underneath the long bonnet.

Looking at it from the rear, it looks like a giant fist smashed it down from above. Holly..!

[GOLFFRR]

thats a nice spec. I def think they look pretty good in person. Looks a little like a range in a way also IMO

[hrf]

I saw in person as well. One ugly car, will never consider it looks like appliance.

[car_fan]

One positive thing to add is they upgraded the tire widths 255/fr & 285/rr on the M50i. Side note: Matt Black pics for reference. Jury is still out for me. I’m sticking with my F98. I’ll wait to see what happens with the next gen X5M or look for a lightly used XB7 down the line.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

Looks a little like a range in a way also IMO

I guess....perhaps...a bit...if I squint...

Originally Posted by hrf

One ugly car, will never consider it looks like appliance.

I guess he agrees with you.