The decision to forego the multi-powertrain approach and develop a separate iX3 successor seems to have freed up the X3 to focus on excelling as a combustion car – although there is some electrification on offer: a new 30e plug-in hybrid version is on the way, and all other engines are mild hybrids. There are 2.0-litre petrol (badged 20) and diesel (20d) offerings and the M Performance-badged M50 tested here, which will remain the range-topper until the full-fat X3 M arrives. Every model has four-wheel drive, so carries BMW’s xDrive branding.
With 393bhp and 428lb ft of torque, the M50 features what BMW proudly trumpets as the most powerful six-cylinder inline petrol engine yet in an M Performance model, which sounds impressive if you don’t pause too long to ponder all those caveats.
The fourth-generation X3 is 34mm longer than its predecessor (at 4755mm), 29mm wider (1920mm) and slightly lower. The slight changes are intended to give the machine a sportier stance, and BMW claims the wider track will also aid handling. You’d be hard-pressed to really notice much of a difference in its dimensions, though.
But you probably will notice the difference from the old model in terms of design. While the Neue Klasse models will usher in a fresh era of BMW design, this X3 seems to bridge the generations. So it gets a large, upright kidney grille in keeping with those features on the firm’s other recent models, but also showcases BMW’s sustainability-driven ‘reductive’ pledge to cut back on design frippery. There’s no chrome grille surround, for example: on M50 models (and optional on others), the kidneys are framed by a fancy LED light wrap called the BMW Iconic Glow.
The bodywork also has fewer lines, although big wheel arches and a flat rear window play to SUV styling traits. The rear roof lip features a spoiler, and there are also side air deflectors, while you’ll notice new light designs at both ends too. At the back, the exhaust pipes are hidden on all models bar the M50, which features fairly prominent versions to play up its sportiness.
There is a choice of nine standard paint colours, and wheel sizes range from 18in to 21in.