[DCBmwMD]

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Hi Everyone,

I have viewed this thread for years ever since my first 3 series in 2006. Just went from a 2022 X3 M40i to the new X3 M50. Before that I had the 1st and 2nd generation X4's. Like many here I had some apprehension with this new generation of X3. So I just wanted to share my thoughts for anyone who is on the fence as I can directly compare the previous generation to the new one.

Exterior: Like all new BMW's before it this car looks so much better in person than it does in pictures and videos. It definitely has more visual heft and more visual presence than the prior car. Despite only being an inch longer and wider it looks much bigger. I chose Dune Grey. I have always owned Black, Blue and Grey cars. I wanted to change it up this time. Like Brooklyn Grey its look depends on the light. Bright light it is almost like chalk . In lower light it's more like putty. It is definitely more stealthy than Vegas Red and at the speeds you will go in this car I felt less cop attention is better lol. I wish they had maybe kept more suggestion of the quad corona rings that are so iconic for BMW but this new look is not bad. My one big gripe. Why can't we get the cool horizontal amber turn signals that the Europeans do. All we get is a flashing red brake light. C'mon BMW !

Interior: This issue has been so controversial on these forums so my two cents. Like the exterior it looks and feels a lot better in person. I would almost say it is an apples to oranges in comparison to the old interior as it so different. I would say fit and finish are on par with previous BMW's. It is well put together and everything feels solid without any squeaks or loose pieces. The one weak spot is the instrument cluster on the door and that hard shiny black plastic on the door pull. I went with the Amber/Atlas gray Merino and I feel that it luxes up and warms the interior quite a bit. The dash is in Sensatec and I think would be a lot easier to maintain in the long run. I feel the seats are much softer and more comfortable than the previous generation. I wasn't sure that I would like this new interior but having spent the weekend in it I have grown to really like it. I like the minimalist look. I like the clean, smooth uncluttered surfaces without a sea of buttons/switches. The display screens are clear and sharp. The ambient lighting is really beautiful. My advice is turn it down so it is not so garishly bright. What I miss. Ambient lighting in the back. Metal doors sills. A cover for the jewelry box to hide the contents.

Driving : My biggest gripe with the previous X3 was the ride. Granted I had 21 inch run flats on that car and I live in the city but I felt the ride to be a little harsh at times as was the road noise. Made me yearn for an X5. This car fixes that. I have 21 inchers again but the ride is definitely more luxurious. In comfort the ride is planted and smooth and absorbs sharp impacts ( the prior car's weakness ) quietly with none of the harshness the previous gen had. Sport sharpens things up but is still plenty comfortable and corners as if on rails. The engine. What can I say but the B58 has got to be the best engine BMW makes and paired with this transmission this car is a beast. Power is smooth/instantaneous and just keeps coming.

Infotainment: So going from iDrive 7 to iDrive 9 was quite the learning curve for me. Very different interface and interactivity. This is where people who like physical buttons will have the most issue. Had to actually read the manual and sit down with the car for several hours to program everything. I don't like having to take my eyes off the road to make sure I'm pushing the right button on the screen. Thank god they left the directional control wheel on this model. Big Plus = I don't know that they did but the Harmon Kardon system sounds MUCH better in this car. Maybe they added more wattage or they added more bass woofers but even in the factory setting without fiddling with the equalizer it's sounds was really good. No more muddy bass which was the previous gens weakness. Bass IMO was deep, clear and balanced and seemed to emanate from the rear of the car. As far as I can tell the speaker arrangement is the same so must be added amps or different types of speakers that make it sound so much better.

Having lived with the car for a week I have really grown to appreciate this new X3. If you are sitting on the fence thinking of taking the plunge I recommend you do it. This car is still at its heart a BMW. Sure the interior is different and there have been some content deletions/cost cutting and more use of plastics. Some of this I suggest may not have been solely a cost cutting mechanic but perhaps to not cut into X5 sales if they made it too luxurious. But I can say it still performs and handles like a BMW and that after all is what really draws us back to this marque.

[JoeyO]

Good review. You mentioned the 21” wheels, in both your old and new vehicles. The standard size for the new M50 is 20”. Was that the standard size for the M40 model as well, do you recall?

I like your 21” wheels on the M50. They look better than the standard 20”. But I’m worried about living with the harsher ride.

[DCBmwMD]

I believe on the M40i the standards wheels may have been 19" with all seasons but don't quote me on that. I think this may have been the first time the X3 M's came standard with 20". Honestly I have almost always run 21" wheels and the difference in ride is negligible and I drive on mostly city streets. I think the difference would be even less so on this new model as BMW is not running run flats tires on the 21" rims and they have retuned the suspension. My suggestion is to test drive one with the 21" wheels. You will be surprised how supple the ride is. it is much better then my last cars 21" wheels which were runflats.

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

Good review. You mentioned the 21” wheels, in both your old and new vehicles. The standard size for the new M50 is 20”. Was that the standard size for the M40 model as well, do you recall?

I like your 21” wheels on the M50. They look better than the standard 20”. But I’m worried about living with the harsher ride.

I believe on the M40i the standards wheels may have been 19" with all seasons but don't quote me on that. I think this may have been the first time the X3 M's came standard with 20". Honestly I have almost always run 21" wheels and the difference in ride is negligible and I drive on mostly city streets. I think the difference would be even less so on this new model as BMW is not running run flats tires on the 21" rims and they have retuned the suspension. My suggestion is to test drive one with the 21" wheels. You will be surprised how supple the ride is. it is much better then my last cars 21" wheels which were runflats.

[PhantomOpera]

I have ur same exact vehicle and owned ur previous LCI m40i. and one thing I’ve noticed lately; can we both agree the interior is definitively more quiet and luxurious. I remember my sunscreen always making a whooshing noise because with the sunroof. Also the power just seems catapulted on the b58 to even greater heights. I do believe it’s improvements to the mild hybrid because there’s instantaneous power from a stand still that seamlessly is interconnected with the lag in turbo spool so u feel zero lag, so it can’t be all the combustion engine. The power of the mild hybrid b58tu 2 has been even more refined and the iconic sounds revitalized to make for the most prolific driving experience yet in the X3.

[MidnightLight]

The non-runflats do seem to make a huge difference. I test drove an M50 with 21" wheels and was pleasantly surprised like the OP at how much smoother the ride was in Comfort mode compared to the previous gen. BMW did a great job tuning the suspension on the new G45 M50.

[PhantomOpera]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

The non-runflats do seem to make a huge difference. I test drove an M50 with 21" wheels and was pleasantly surprised like the OP at how much smoother the ride was in Comfort mode compared to the previous gen.

Those 21s with that Goodyear asymmetric 6 have sound deadening foam in the inner carcass. That tire is amazing I just wish they made it in our specific size in an all season spec.

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by PhantomOpera

I have ur same exact vehicle and owned ur previous LCI m40i. and one thing I’ve noticed lately; can we both agree the interior is definitively more quiet and luxurious. I remember my sunscreen always making a whooshing noise because with the sunroof. Also the power just seems catapulted on the b58 to even greater heights. I do believe it’s improvements to the mild hybrid because there’s instantaneous power from a stand still that seamlessly is interconnected with the lag in turbo spool so u feel zero lag, so it can’t be all the combustion engine. The power of the mild hybrid b58tu 2 has been even more refined and the iconic sounds revitalized to make for the most prolific driving experience yet in the X3.

Agreed. With that much power on tap why would you need a V8 ? It is common knowledge that BMW under rates its engines actual horsepower so I’m sure we’re getting more than the stated 393 hp. I think the beauty of this new gen X3 is that you get more of the composed, quiet luxury ride quality of the X5 without losing any of the athleticism of the previous gen X3. Kinda the best of both worlds.

[blackpear]

Originally Posted by DCBmwMD

[ATTACH]3576440[/ATTACH
Attachment 3576451

Hi Everyone,

I have viewed this thread for years ever since my first 3 series in 2006. Just went from a 2022 X3 M40i to the new X3 M50. Before that I had the 1st and 2nd generation X4's. Like many here I had some apprehension with this new generation of X3. So I just wanted to share my thoughts for anyone who is on the fence as I can directly compare the previous generation to the new one.

Exterior: Like all new BMW's before it this car looks so much better in person than it does in pictures and videos. It definitely has more visual heft and more visual presence than the prior car. Despite only being an inch longer and wider it looks much bigger. I chose Dune Grey. I have always owned Black, Blue and Grey cars. I wanted to change it up this time. Like Brooklyn Grey its look depends on the light. Bright light it is almost like chalk . In lower light it's more like putty. It is definitely more stealthy than Vegas Red and at the speeds you will go in this car I felt less cop attention is better lol. I wish they had maybe kept more suggestion of the quad corona rings that are so iconic for BMW but this new look is not bad. My one big gripe. Why can't we get the cool horizontal amber turn signals that the Europeans do. All we get is a flashing red brake light. C'mon BMW !

Interior: This issue has been so controversial on these forums so my two cents. Like the exterior it looks and feels a lot better in person. I would almost say it is an apples to oranges in comparison to the old interior as it so different. I [...]

Great review, it’s very helpful - thank you very much.
Can you post a pic of your interior please?

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by blackpear

great review, it’s very helpful - thank you very much.
Can you post a pic of your interior please?

Here you go. Sorry about the side ways pics. I can't seem to get them right side up lol

[Zirnitra]

Hi. Thank you for posting this, makes me feel a little easier now, as I did own a X5 and was planning to downsize as just missus and me now, and was nervous looking at the M50 due to the noise of it being a poor man's car, crap interior etc.

Like you, I was surprised as it looked and felt better in person than pics did suggest. The test drive I was blown away, engine was responsive, handled very well. Even with the iconic sounds turned off it still sounded pretty good for the power level not being a V8.

The dune color looks much better in person than on screen. I opted for frozen pure grey but am very scared as reading some views from the other car communities it is a pig if you scratch it or match.

Nice ride !

[RussB]

I’m on the fence with ordering an M50 and the interior is holding me back. It is surprising that all pillar covers are hard flat plastic, the door panels lack trim, the dash trim isn’t very nice, there is no soft touch material on the sides of the center console, and there is no door sill trim. There was a 2025 X4 30i parked next to the M50 in the showroom and the X4 looked much nicer inside.

I liked the way it drove and I like the exterior styling.

[driveseeker]

I too appreciate OP's thoughtful observations. Having previously driven the GO1 M40i for 6 years, I find the M50 to be a big upgrade in every way: performance, comfort and design.

The incessant criticism of this car's appearance seemed to me rather mean-spirited and backward-looking . BMW needs to move forward with its design language, as with its engineering, and build a car that will compete worldwide within a changing market for the rest of this decade, and one that's also fun to drive. I believe they've done a great job.

[RobM2]

As an X3 M50 owner I am biased, but I can also say from experience: The performance and drive of this car is great, I love the exterior, and the interior isn't bad. Expect the plastic on the doors.

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by RussB

I’m on the fence with ordering an M50 and the interior is holding me back. It is surprising that all pillar covers are hard flat plastic, the door panels lack trim, the dash trim isn’t very nice, there is no soft touch material on the sides of the center console, and there is no door sill trim. There was a 2025 X4 30i parked next to the M50 in the showroom and the X4 looked much nicer inside.

I liked the way it drove and I like the exterior styling.

There has definitely been some de contenting and some of the finish choices are questionable. Ultimately this does not affect how the car actually drives. Whether it be cost savings, making the interior more sustainable, wanting to appeal to a younger demographic I think BMW is trying to differentiate this car more from the X5. Perhaps hoping that the current X3 owners that are bemoaning the lack of luxury and content will move on to the larger more expensive more luxurious X5. IMO this car is luxurious enough for me as a daily driver. If I wanted a truly luxurious car I would have gone for the X5 or X7.

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by driveseeker

I too appreciate OP's thoughtful observations. Having previously driven the GO1 M40i for 6 years, I find the M50 to be a big upgrade in every way: performance, comfort and design.

The incessant criticism of this car's appearance seemed to me rather mean-spirited and backward-looking . BMW needs to move forward with its design language, as with its engineering, and build a car that will compete worldwide within a changing market for the rest of this decade, and one that's also fun to drive. I believe they've done a great job.

It does seem excessive. Not just on this forum but YouTube comments and social media as well. I get it. Change is hard especially this much change. The G01 design is almost 7 years old now and long due for an over haul. BMW is definitely took a risk with its number one seller. Only time will tell if it pays off. I am very interested in how they will carry forth this new design aesthetic into the the new X5 which is due out in 2026.

[MidnightLight]

I'm sanguine about the criticism. Having followed the new generation launches of several car models now (including non-BMWs), I've seen a consistent pattern: existing owners will tend to pooh-pooh the new design while new & prospective owners will tend to gush over it. Neither side is completely wrong nor completely right. But just give it time. The overall mass sentiment always converges in the end.

In the meantime, just enjoy your new car if you've already committed to the G45. Or enjoy your existing car if you've sworn to never get the new generation. And enjoy the entertainment of the back and forth on the forums. We can all be happy here.

[DCBmwMD]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

I'm sanguine about the criticism. Having followed the new generation launches of several car models now (including non-BMWs), I've seen a consistent pattern: existing owners will tend to pooh-pooh the new design while new & prospective owners will tend to gush over it. Neither side is completely wrong nor completely right. But just give it time. The overall mass sentiment always converges in the end.

In the meantime, just enjoy your new car if you've already committed to the G45. Or enjoy your existing car if you've sworn to never get the new generation. And enjoy the entertainment of the back and forth on the forums. We can all be happy here.

Agreed ! It always happens lol. Looking back at all the previous X3 generations I would say have the changes have been evolutionary. This one has been more revolutionary hence the added backlash.

[DocWeatherington]

Congrats

[RCtennis3811]

One thing I’ve noticed about this forum is that people hate change initially. While a lot of the criticisms are valid, ownership of the vehicle over time changes people’s views. For example, I hated the amount of LEDs removed from the LCI G20 vs the pre-LCI model. However, 2 years later, I could care less about that now. The core product is just that good. And I think the same applies here - yes, some things from the G01 are gone, but the core product of improved yet still fantastic driving dynamics, will make people overlook these things as more and more people start owning them.

[AventurinG26]

My biggest gripe about the looks of the new X3 is the cheap looking interior. How much money would it have cost them to at least carry the dashboard trim/ambient lighting across to the passenger door panel instead of just ending it abruptly mid car and then picking it back up on the door card?

Also, after having iD7 and 8.5 (and using 9 a couple of times which feels largely like 8.5 with a few minor tweaks), my opinion is they have got to fix the software. There’s bugs everywhere. Our i7 has the expanded phone key support. It’s checked to not lock or unlock when the phone walks up while at home. Does that work? Nope. It still locks and unlocks every time I walk by with my phone which is ridiculous, and it makes the mirrors unfold/fold and seat change position countless times daily for no reason. I also hate that the WiFi hotspot is tied to each individual bmw profile vs. the car itself. Why do I need to pay for individual 5G plans to have working internet in the car just because it is synced with a different driver profile? I also don’t understand what benefit the phone number cloning offers me. My phone is always paired to the car’s BT so I don’t need to have an eSIM cloned in the car for my cell number. There’s no way to manually correct the location of saved locations in the navigation, such as your home or work address. My address shows up 500 feet down the road on the BMW even though every other car gets it right. I had to make up an address that would get the pinned location close to where my house actually is. The new drive modes are such a cluster. Just give me Eco, Comfort, Sport. I don’t need weirdly named themes like “Live Art” and Expressive or Personal. My M440i GC could display the torque split and MHEV battery regen display regardless of drive mode. It also would show HP/torque and other important things in any mode. On the newer iD software you have to be in Sport mode for the car to even show these things and it’s hidden under “adaptive content” for no reason. I long for iDrive 7 and feel like the cars felt and looked more expensive when they had nice physical buttons with knurled metal instead of having to rely on the display for everything.

I also hate this new “Boost” thing they’re doing on the EVs and ICE cars. If I put my foot to the floor I want max power. I don’t want to first have to think about pulling the left paddle. Just give me all she has when I stomp the accelerator pedal please.

Lastly, BMW removing the curve following headlights is the worst thing they’ve done. The new LED lights on our $140K G70 suck compared to my $70K G26’s lasers. They don’t follow the curves, they don’t shine as brightly and the light produced isn’t scattered as evenly on high or low beam. They’ve eliminated curve following across every new model and LCI introduced in the last couple of years, even the flagship 7-series.

[Mavus]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michael...25-bmw-x3-suv/