Ar least an S-Drive version was announced in some markets like Mexico which is more price sensitive.

I've had the 30 as a loaner the few times I've been in for service, and I felt that the power of the 4cyl was more than enough for general driving. I would go as far to say that I didn't notice much of a difference between it and my M50 while driving mellow and not pushing things. It's nothing more than my perspective but where I felt the biggest difference was when you pushed the 30 as it felt like you were making the car work for what you were getting out of it. You could get the same performance from the M50 with far less pedal and what feels like much less effort on the car. Maybe I'm not explaining that clearly but hopefully you get my point. I will also say that at low, around town, speeds, and rough northeast pavement I found that the 30 was a bit more comfortable experience. This was my first vehicle purchase since having children (over 20 years) where I didn't need a third-row vehicle, so I was excited to get into something smaller and more powerful so for me there was no question about which engine I was going with. The fact that I was getting all this power and fun and being in the mid 20's for milage (coming from 19mpg on my Pilot) just made it a no-brainer.

Locotiki wrote

I've had the 30 as a loaner the few times I've been in for service, and I felt that the power of the 4cyl was more than enough for general driving. I would go as far to say that I didn't notice much of a difference between it and my M50 while driving mellow and not pushing things. It's nothing more than my perspective but where I felt the biggest difference was when you pushed the 30 as it felt like you were making the car work for what you were getting out of it. You could get the same performance from the M50 with far less pedal and what feels like much less effort on the car. Maybe I'm not explaining that clearly but hopefully you get my point. I will also say that at low, around town, speeds, and rough northeast pavement I found that the 30 was a bit more comfortable experience. This was my first vehicle purchase since having children (over 20 years) where I didn't need a third-row vehicle, so I was excited to get into something smaller and more powerful so for me there was no question about which engine I was going with. The fact that I was getting all this power and fun and being in the mid 20's for milage (coming from 19mpg on my Pilot) just made it a no-brainer.

Did you ever put the 30 in Sport mode and how did that compare to the M50?

Locotiki wrote

I've had the 30 as a loaner the few times I've been in for service, and I felt that the power of the 4cyl was more than enough for general driving. I would go as far to say that I didn't notice much of a difference between it and my M50 while driving mellow and not pushing things. It's nothing more than my perspective but where I felt the biggest difference was when you pushed the 30 as it felt like you were making the car work for what you were getting out of it. You could get the same performance from the M50 with far less pedal and what feels like much less effort on the car. Maybe I'm not explaining that clearly but hopefully you get my point. I will also say that at low, around town, speeds, and rough northeast pavement I found that the 30 was a bit more comfortable experience. This was my first vehicle purchase since having children (over 20 years) where I didn't need a third-row vehicle, so I was excited to get into something smaller and more powerful so for me there was no question about which engine I was going with. The fact that I was getting all this power and fun and being in the mid 20's for milage (coming from 19mpg on my Pilot) just made it a no-brainer.

We had our M50 on the road to Kingsport and back yesterday. We absolutely appreciated the additional horsepower when merging and passing. I certainly don’t regret spending the extra bucks and I’m getting 30 mpg.

EWL5 wrote

Locotiki wrote

I've had the 30 as a loaner the few times I've been in for service, and I felt that the power of the 4cyl was more than enough for general driving. I would go as far to say that I didn't notice much of a difference between it and my M50 while driving mellow and not pushing things. It's nothing more than my perspective but where I felt the biggest difference was when you pushed the 30 as it felt like you were making the car work for what you were getting out of it. You could get the same performance from the M50 with far less pedal and what feels like much less effort on the car. Maybe I'm not explaining that clearly but hopefully you get my point. I will also say that at low, around town, speeds, and rough northeast pavement I found that the 30 was a bit more comfortable experience. This was my first vehicle purchase since having children (over 20 years) where I didn't need a third-row vehicle, so I was excited to get into something smaller and more powerful so for me there was no question about which engine I was going with. The fact that I was getting all this power and fun and being in the mid 20's for milage (coming from 19mpg on my Pilot) just made it a no-brainer.

Did you ever put the 30 in Sport mode and how did that compare to the M50?

Yes, I did use sport mode. Only thing I could tell it was doing was making the throttle more responsive and shifted a bit more aggressively along with some piped in audio that didn't sound as convincing as on the M50. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't insinuating that the 30 even came close to the M50 as far as overall driving dynamics go. I just meant if someone was driving them very casually, they might not notice a huge difference. For example, my wife, who normally drives an RDX drove both and the only difference she noticed was saying that she thought the 30 was more comfortable which only came down to the tires and slightly softer suspension I believe.

Locotiki wrote

EWL5 wrote

Did you ever put the 30 in Sport mode and how did that compare to the M50?

Yes, I did use sport mode. Only thing I could tell it was doing was making the throttle more responsive and shifted a bit more aggressively along with some piped in audio that didn't sound as convincing as on the M50. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't insinuating that the 30 even came close to the M50 as far as overall driving dynamics go. I just meant if someone was driving them very casually, they might not notice a huge difference. For example, my wife, who normally drives an RDX drove both and the only difference she noticed was saying that she thought the 30 was more comfortable which only came down to the tires and slightly softer suspension I believe.

Thanks for the feedback! I haven't experience any piped audio in my xDrive30i G01 but maybe that's one of the differences w/the G45?

Locotiki wrote

EWL5 wrote

Did you ever put the 30 in Sport mode and how did that compare to the M50?

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't insinuating that the 30 even came close to the M50 as far as overall driving dynamics go. I

While the 30 doesn't have the same amount of cylinders as the 50, it is no slouch. It's got the same 0-60 time and quarter-mile time as an E36 M3 which was considered a rocket back in the day. It's also weighs 349 pounds less than the M50 which means the 30 has more nimble handling, especially in the corners. It's an amazing SUV, especially for its intended purpose which is to move your kids and groceries.

You may now go back to your regularly scheduled worship of the M50.

toddwalton wrote

While the 30 doesn't have the same amount of cylinders as the 50, it is no slouch. It's got the same 0-60 time and quarter-mile time as an E36 M3 which was considered a rocket back in the day. It's also weighs 349 pounds less than the M50 which means the 30 has more nimble handling, especially in the corners. It's an amazing SUV, especially for its intended purpose which is to move your kids and groceries.

You may now go back to your regularly scheduled worship of the M50.

Just my opinion but the price difference between the 30 and the M50 makes prioritizing the functions of the new X3 fairly simple. If you want a little “snap” when you hit the throttle it will cost thousands of dollars more. That price increase alone makes the X3 30 the most popular choice.

Janjohn wrote

toddwalton wrote

While the 30 doesn't have the same amount of cylinders as the 50, it is no slouch. It's got the same 0-60 time and quarter-mile time as an E36 M3 which was considered a rocket back in the day. It's also weighs 349 pounds less than the M50 which means the 30 has more nimble handling, especially in the corners. It's an amazing SUV, especially for its intended purpose which is to move your kids and groceries.

You may now go back to your regularly scheduled worship of the M50.

Just my opinion but the price difference between the 30 and the M50 makes prioritizing the functions of the new X3 fairly simple. If you want a little “snap” when you hit the throttle it will cost thousands of dollars more. That price increase alone makes the X3 30 the most popular choice.

Many have already remarked how the interior of the M50 doesn't look like one from a $70k car. There's just not much difference interior-wise b/w the 30 and the M50 unfortunately (which made the migration to the X5 that much more palatable).

Having test driven both of these, back to back, a few times over the last month I agree with all the comments here! There is a reason why 90%+ of the cars on the lot, and those being sold, are the 30. Its a great vehicle! So is the 50. To each their own!

Of course there's a reason: the price is much lower. At the same price, not a single one would be sold.

robertml wrote

Of course there's a reason: the price is much lower. At the same price, not a single one would be sold.

Haha! Man, driving this M50 is like piloting a fighter jet! The torque is just insane...even in default mode...I usually have it in Sport tho. Dang, it is FUN!

toddwalton wrote

the 30 has more nimble handling, especially in the corners.

This is inaccurate.

robertml wrote

Of course there's a reason: the price is much lower. At the same price, not a single one would be sold.

Correct. At least it's discounted though. Not nearly as embarrassing as paying top dollar for a base model 4-cylinder Macan.

For me I hate they cheaped out on the base X3 and made it look like an electric with no visible tailpipes...I love the quad setup on the M50...and the exhaust sounds are way cool (those outside the cabin).

RussB wrote

toddwalton wrote

the 30 has more nimble handling, especially in the corners.

This is inaccurate.

You are contending that 349 pounds, the weight of 2 grown male passengers who enjoy fast food, is insignificant?

toddwalton wrote

RussB wrote

This is inaccurate.

You are contending that 349 pounds, the weight of 2 grown male passengers who enjoy fast food, is insignificant?

The suspension on the M50 is designed for sport handling. Bottom line is there is no comparison in handling...esp when driving into corners with speed and accelerating (M sport differential). Personally on corners and turns I think I'm back in my old M3 with the M50. The base 30 doesn't come close.

The 2025/2026 BMW X3 M50 features a performance-focused suspension with Adaptive M Suspension, providing a balance between sporty handling and comfort. It uses electronically controlled dampers to manage body roll and adapt to road surfaces. While often described as firm, particularly on rough roads, it offers enhanced precision over standard models.

EDIT: M50 also gets...M Sport differential, and variable sport steering.

Where can I find more information on whether the 2027 ICE X3 production is being pushed back to late 2026? Any recent insights or 'leaked' dealership bulletins would be hugely appreciated!

gohawks23 wrote

toddwalton wrote

You are contending that 349 pounds, the weight of 2 grown male passengers who enjoy fast food, is insignificant?

The suspension on the M50 is designed for sport handling. Bottom line is there is no comparison in handling...esp when driving into corners with speed and accelerating (M sport differential). Personally on corners and turns I think I'm back in my old M3 with the M50. The base 30 doesn't come close.

The 2025/2026 BMW X3 M50 features a performance-focused suspension with Adaptive M Suspension, providing a balance between sporty handling and comfort. It uses electronically controlled dampers to manage body roll and adapt to road surfaces. While often described as firm, particularly on rough roads, it offers enhanced precision over standard models.

EDIT: M50 also gets...M Sport differential, and variable sport steering.

I understand this fully, and the 30 can be optioned with Dynamic Damper Control which is the same as the Adaptive M Suspension on the 50.

I contend that the 50's 349 extra pounds over the nose is not offset by the differential or VSS while cornering, we've had that conversation in the 3/4 Series forum multiple times. That said, I haven't driven both X3's so I have no firsthand experience. I'll take a 50 test drive to see for myself.

toddwalton wrote

gohawks23 wrote

The suspension on the M50 is designed for sport handling. Bottom line is there is no comparison in handling...esp when driving into corners with speed and accelerating (M sport differential). Personally on corners and turns I think I'm back in my old M3 with the M50. The base 30 doesn't come close.

The 2025/2026 BMW X3 M50 features a performance-focused suspension with Adaptive M Suspension, providing a balance between sporty handling and comfort. It uses electronically controlled dampers to manage body roll and adapt to road surfaces. While often described as firm, particularly on rough roads, it offers enhanced precision over standard models.

EDIT: M50 also gets...M Sport differential, and variable sport steering.

I understand this fully, and the 30 can be optioned with Dynamic Damper Control which is the same as the Adaptive M Suspension on the 50.

I contend that the 50's 349 extra pounds over the nose is not offset by the differential or VSS while cornering, we've had that conversation in the 3/4 Series forum multiple times. That said, I haven't driven both X3's so I have no firsthand experience. I'll take a 50 test drive to see for myself.

No it's not the same. The adaptive M suspension on the M50 starts, where the adaptive suspension ends in Sport Mode on the X3 30. Complete different setup.

BS like this can only come from someone who's never driven both in comparison. And your 245 19" square setup doesn't help when cornering at higher speeds.

toddwalton wrote

RussB wrote

This is inaccurate.

You are contending that 349 pounds, the weight of 2 grown male passengers who enjoy fast food, is insignificant?

The suspension setups are different.

Ravenous666 wrote

toddwalton wrote

I understand this fully, and the 30 can be optioned with Dynamic Damper Control which is the same as the Adaptive M Suspension on the 50.

I contend that the 50's 349 extra pounds over the nose is not offset by the differential or VSS while cornering, we've had that conversation in the 3/4 Series forum multiple times. That said, I haven't driven both X3's so I have no firsthand experience. I'll take a 50 test drive to see for myself.

No it's not the same. The adaptive M suspension on the M50 starts, where the adaptive suspension ends in Sport Mode on the X3 30. Complete different setup.

BS like this can only come from someone who's never driven both in comparison. And your 245 19" square setup doesn't help when cornering at higher speeds.

Per BMW Genius and my SA, the Adaptive M and DDC on the X3 are identical. And unlike my prior 11 BMW's, the G45 handles so well and rides so comfortably, it's the first one I can honestly recommend one can easily buy without it.

I'm not defending my wife's SUV or justifying her purchase. It's a great, fun to drive, people-moving minivan replacement which is all it is designed to be. I am speaking to prospective buyers so they don't feel obligated to buy an engine they don't need in real world conditions.

349 pounds over the nose hurts cornering on the 50 wheras the lack of 349 pounds helps the 30. You can't argue with physics.