[BigRam7151]

After driving it over the past week I will say when you look at the total package it’s a better car then the g01. I had the x3m that I used for 6 months or so. It is such a smooth, comfortable car that has power when you need it. Sound system is improved. Seats are more comfortable. If you sit and obsess over minutae like a plastic door handle you lose sight of the bigger picture.

This is a much better car that I believe will age better with time as people actually drive it. Much of the discourse has come down to style disagreements, plastic door knobs, missing ambient lighting and the sunroof. To the vast majority of people this means almost zero in the usability of the car. There have been so many improvements made in other sectors of the car it feels surprisingly luxurious when you’re just using it on a daily basis. The build quality is actually very high. I of course disagree with some of the style considerations and some of the plastic but again take a look at the car as a whole and don’t get to lost in the internet nonsense.

It still remains the best car in its class. Considering I also have a Macan at home it is a much better car then the macan if you care about the tech features, drive feel or the sound system. Yes I believe the new x3 is actually a more pleasant car to drive.

With avi I believe he’s here to troll. Just the amount of comments and time he’s wasted to tell you how terrible the car is. Then he compares it to a Renault is a bit insane. Drive a Kia or a Renault and if you feel this bmw compares because a Renault used metal handles means you’ve lost the plot. My wife now wants this car but doesn’t like the exterior styling.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by BigRam7151

After driving it over the past week I will say when you look at the total package it’s a better car then the g01. I had the x3m that I used for 6 months or so. It is such a smooth, comfortable car that has power when you need it. Sound system is improved. Seats are more comfortable. If you sit and obsess over minutae like a plastic door handle you lose sight of the bigger picture.

This is a much better car that I believe will age better with time as people actually drive it. Much of the discourse has come down to style disagreements, plastic door knobs, missing ambient lighting and the sunroof. To the vast majority of people this means almost zero in the usability of the car. There have been so many improvements made in other sectors of the car it feels surprisingly luxurious when you’re just using it on a daily basis. The build quality is actually very high. I of course disagree with some of the style considerations and some of the plastic but again take a look at the car as a whole and don’t get to lost in the internet nonsense.

It still remains the best car in its class. Considering I also have a Macan at home it is a much better car then the macan if you care about the tech features, drive feel or the sound system. Yes I believe the new x3 is actually a more pleasant car to drive.

With avi I believe he’s here to troll. Just the amount of comments and time he’s wasted to tell you how terrible the car is. Then he compares it to a Renault is a bit insane. Drive a Kia or a Renault and if you feel this bmw compares because a Renault used metal handles means [...]

can you share what is better?

Is it actually faster and corners harder, or is it more comfortable and has less steering feel?

driving experience and how?

interior and how?

I would just call out preference and objectivity are 2 seperate things... i'd like to see a car and driver instrumented test that actually compares the numbers. I have nothing against this car... just seeing it in the flesh as I did, did not inspire me to want one at all.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Vegas Red is actually quite good. I was just looking at one in person earlier today

Again it’s a personal preference, but to me this works better on the G45 than the some other colours, and I can see why BMW is using it on the press review M50’s.

For me Vegas/Fire Red, Black, White, and Brooklyn look ok, as does Skyscraper, but this isn’t an option on the M50, and is essentially the gloss version of Frozen Grey.

I don’t know if BMW is offering individual colours at this point, but I would always want to see a colour in the flesh under different lighting conditions before ordering.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by ASAP

can you share what is better?

Is it actually faster and corners harder, or is it more comfortable and has less steering feel?

driving experience and how?

interior and how?

I would just call out preference and objectivity are 2 seperate things... i'd like to see a car and driver instrumented test that actually compares the numbers. I have nothing against this car... just seeing it in the flesh as I did, did not inspire me to want one at all.

He says he's coming from an X3M. Isn't literally any other X3 (including the cushier suspension G45) going to feel less harsh?

My xDrive30i would probably feel like a Buick or Camry by comparison!

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by EWL5

He says he's coming from an X3M. Isn't literally any other X3 (including the cushier suspension G45) going to feel less harsh?

My xDrive30i would probably feel like a Buick or Camry by comparison!

Right exactly... which is why subjective comparos are always weird... especially when we compared 2 cars that serve a vastly different purpose... of course the m50 will be a better all around car than the x3m... just like the m40i was...

the only valid comparo that can be made is m40i vs m50... and i need to objective comparisons...

i.e. performance metrics, comfort metrics etc...

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by avi66

Again it’s a personal preference, but to me this works better on the G45 than the some other colours, and I can see why BMW is using it on the press review M50’s.

For me Vegas/Fire Red, Black, White, and Brooklyn look ok, as does Skyscraper, but this isn’t an option on the M50, and is essentially the gloss version of Frozen Grey.

I don’t know if BMW is offering individual colours at this point, but I would always want to see a colour in the flesh under different lighting conditions before ordering.

Yes, of course it’s personal preference. I’ve owned a red car before (Crimson Red, Which I actually loved) and I will never own another Red car… but honestly, it looks pretty good. Definitely better than Toronto Red, which is quite orange in the flash.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Yes, of course it’s personal preference. I’ve owned a red car before (Crimson Red, Which I actually loved) and I will never own another Red car… but honestly, it looks pretty good. Definitely better than Toronto Red, which is quite orange in the flash.

I had a Guards red 911 and I also loved that car.

I do find the size, shape and design elements of the car exterior affects my colour preference.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by avi66

I had a Guards red 911 and I also loved that car.

I do find the size, shape and design elements of the car exterior affects my colour preference.

We have a similar way of looking at things.

I’m not a big fan of colors per se on cars. I’m into contrasts… I like silver, gray, black, white, and red as a rare exception.

I do like a nice blue, but I tend to stick with something in a grayscale or white. And while I love black, it will send my advanced OCD off the charts, but it is definitely fantastic, but it’s basically a parttime job.

[stoked335d]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Right exactly... which is why subjective comparos are always weird... especially when we compared 2 cars that serve a vastly different purpose... of course the m50 will be a better all around car than the x3m... just like the m40i was...

Except for cost of total ownership the M50 nor the M40 never will be better all around car than the X3MC LCI where suspension roughness was tuned vs My20-21.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by stoked335d

Except for cost of total ownership the M50 nor the M40 never will be better all around car than the X3MC LCI where suspension roughness was tuned vs My20-21.

I guess we will disagree on that entirely... given the M40i is still softer, gets better MPGs, has more immediate torque at a lower RPM, the M40i gets the nod from me as a better daily driver. The X3M to me is more of a performance vehicle... but it is by no means a performance vehicle at the level that I'd actually want when G80 M3s are around.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by BigRam7151

After driving it over the past week I will say when you look at the total package it’s a better car then the g01. I had the x3m that I used for 6 months or so. It is such a smooth, comfortable car that has power when you need it. Sound system is improved. Seats are more comfortable. If you sit and obsess over minutae like a plastic door handle you lose sight of the bigger picture.

This is a much better car that I believe will age better with time as people actually drive it. Much of the discourse has come down to style disagreements, plastic door knobs, missing ambient lighting and the sunroof. To the vast majority of people this means almost zero in the usability of the car. There have been so many improvements made in other sectors of the car it feels surprisingly luxurious when you’re just using it on a daily basis. The build quality is actually very high. I of course disagree with some of the style considerations and some of the plastic but again take a look at the car as a whole and don’t get to lost in the internet nonsense.

It still remains the best car in its class. Considering I also have a Macan at home it is a much better car then the macan if you care about the tech features, drive feel or the sound system. Yes I believe the new x3 is actually a more pleasant car to drive.

With avi I believe he’s here to troll. Just the amount of comments and time he’s wasted to tell you how terrible the car is. Then he compares it to a Renault is a bit insane. Drive a Kia or a Renault and if you feel this bmw compares because a Renault used metal handles means [...]

Of course it’s going to be quieter and more comfortable than an X3M, you are stating the obvious. Are you comparing it to a 2.0L Macan with base sound system. Because if your talking about a GTS with Burmester it’s not even close. No one is saying it’s a bad car from an engineering perspective, but if you want a luxury vehicle it clearly isn’t one by the traditional standards given its very clearly been cost cut in terms of interior quality and features. If that doesn’t matter to you then great, and that is exactly what BMW is gambling on.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by stoked335d

Except for cost of total ownership the M50 nor the M40 never will be better all around car than the X3MC LCI where suspension roughness was tuned vs My20-21.

Originally Posted by ASAP

I guess we will disagree on that entirely... given the M40i is still softer, gets better MPGs, has more immediate torque at a lower RPM, the M40i gets the nod from me as a better daily driver. The X3M to me is more of a performance vehicle... but it is by no means a performance vehicle at the level that I'd actually want when G80 M3s are around.

Agreed, especially when you consider the cheap quality on the X3M’s rear suspension

[PhantomOpera]

Originally Posted by BigRam7151

After driving it over the past week I will say when you look at the total package it’s a better car then the g01. I had the x3m that I used for 6 months or so. It is such a smooth, comfortable car that has power when you need it. Sound system is improved. Seats are more comfortable. If you sit and obsess over minutae like a plastic door handle you lose sight of the bigger picture.

This is a much better car that I believe will age better with time as people actually drive it. Much of the discourse has come down to style disagreements, plastic door knobs, missing ambient lighting and the sunroof. To the vast majority of people this means almost zero in the usability of the car. There have been so many improvements made in other sectors of the car it feels surprisingly luxurious when you’re just using it on a daily basis. The build quality is actually very high. I of course disagree with some of the style considerations and some of the plastic but again take a look at the car as a whole and don’t get to lost in the internet nonsense.

It still remains the best car in its class. Considering I also have a Macan at home it is a much better car then the macan if you care about the tech features, drive feel or the sound system. Yes I believe the new x3 is actually a more pleasant car to drive.

With avi I believe he’s here to troll. Just the amount of comments and time he’s wasted to tell you how terrible the car is. Then he compares it to a Renault is a bit insane. Drive a Kia or a Renault and if you feel this bmw compares because a Renault used metal handles means [...]

Yes even the way the door closes and sounds is more hefty. You have to apply more force for the door to close compared to the LCI. The fit n finish is better on the 2025.

[PhantomOpera]

Originally Posted by ASAP

can you share what is better?

Is it actually faster and corners harder, or is it more comfortable and has less steering feel?

driving experience and how?

interior and how?

I would just call out preference and objectivity are 2 seperate things... i'd like to see a car and driver instrumented test that actually compares the numbers. I have nothing against this car... just seeing it in the flesh as I did, did not inspire me to want one at all.

Comfort mode in the 2025 feels like sport mode in the LCI. There is so much torque in regular mode noticeable difference from comfort mode in LCI. The vehicle also handles better and feels more planted in corners with heavy acceleration. You guys just have to drive it. I’m telling you I just traded my 2023 m40i, and the 2025 is a definite improvement. The heads up display is better, the navigation has been improved. There’s so many small things. The middle console has been widened.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by PhantomOpera

The headlights are notably brighter then on my 2023 m40i. But I also don’t yet have my windshield tinted.

How is the auto high beam, does it have transition that gradually illuminates to the sides like m40i?
How about cornering lights?

[PhantomOpera]

Originally Posted by hyde

How is the auto high beam, does it have transition that gradually illuminates to the sides like m40i?
How about cornering lights?

Yes it transitions when the steering wheel is turned and the auto high beam is seamless. The illuminated grill also makes everything generally brighter.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by hyde

How is the auto high beam, does it have transition that gradually illuminates to the sides like m40i?
How about cornering lights?

Can you clarify what you mean by cornering lights i.e. low speed manoeuvring light or turning to follow bends at speed etc ?

From the VIN I looked at, BMW US continues to disable selective beam masking highbeam, so I guess will need a Euro assessment when cars ship here.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Right exactly... which is why subjective comparos are always weird... especially when we compared 2 cars that serve a vastly different purpose... of course the m50 will be a better all around car than the x3m... just like the m40i was...

the only valid comparo that can be made is m40i vs m50... and i need to objective comparisons...

i.e. performance metrics, comfort metrics etc...

I think you will need to compare yourself as there is lots of contradictory info, and the danger is we will see the “it’s better what’s the question” type stuff, without any real objectivity.

HB comments on the suspension etc in this video around the 4 minute mark, and describes M50 comfort mode as being softer than an M40. The review is obviously limited duration, but seems balanced to me based on the bits I can verify personally. However, as always this info is worth what you paid for it….

[PhantomOpera]

Another thing I noticed was I believe my car was spec with floating center caps and came without floating center caps. Bummer.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by PhantomOpera

Another thing I noticed was I believe my car was spec with floating center caps and came without floating center caps. Bummer.

Don’t sweat the details focus on quiet luxury there are other ways to customize your car without it looking stupid or trendy

🤩

By the way, Congratulations… ‼️

[BigRam7151]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Of course it’s going to be quieter and more comfortable than an X3M, you are stating the obvious. Are you comparing it to a 2.0L Macan with base sound system. Because if your talking about a GTS with Burmester it’s not even close. No one is saying it’s a bad car from an engineering perspective, but if you want a luxury vehicle it clearly isn’t one by the traditional standards given its very clearly been cost cut in terms of interior quality and features. If that doesn’t matter to you then great, and that is exactly what BMW is gambling on.

Burrmeister sound system is in another league and I don’t feel it’s fair to compare. I had that sound system in a prior Mercedes and miss it. Mine is a gts with the Bose sound system. I am saying it is better then the 2020 bmw m3 Harmon Kardon system. That was the car I lived with for 3 years. The x3m was for a short period. It was my buddy’s car that I used often. In my opinion the Bose sound system is terrible. The handling on the car is better and it feels substantially more responsive on turn in. It feels more stiff in terms of lack of body roll closer to the x3m. But when driving on a bumpy road as we so often have in Los Angeles it feels surprisingly smooth on the 21 inch tires, which are good year eagle f1.

I believe the door handles are not quite cost cutting but a design decision.its very cheap to make aluminum door handles. I believe the car is a better daily driver then a gts. In terms of cargo space and the drive feel is comparable. It’s not substantially better. Although I always liked how heavy the Porsche doors feel. My point is assess the car as a whole and get in it and drive it. The stuff that people are focused on is not so important. It was mentioned in the hb review purely because it was discussed so much. The interior is a design direction love it or hate it as is the exterior. For the price it’s a very good package at around 70k. For 50k at the base x3 it’s also a great overall package. The car feels very well thought out.

[texvette]

what dont like over the 24, the front end or the m50, the grilles and headlights
shapes. Too generic looking like so many other suv today. The slab sides,
very plain. Back end ok. Why got the 24 over the 25 was, no fan of
those large screen dashpods, like the old style separates. Lighting dont
need a light show, what turned me off of the 25 mercedes e class. Size
increase, wanted a smaller suv for the 7 inch difference would just go with
a X5