Beneath its completely revised exterior is a 3.0-litre, inline-six, turbo-petrol engine, generating a potent 293 kW between 5 200 and 6 500 r/min, along with a substantial 580 N.m of torque available from 1 900 to 4 800 r/min. This power is channelled through a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of outright acceleration, our tests revealed impressive figures. The sprint from standstill to 40 km/h took a mere 1.38 seconds, with 60 km/h arriving in 2.29 seconds and 80 km/h achieved in 3.42 seconds. The benchmark 0-100 km/h dash was completed in a brisk 4.61 seconds. Continuing through the gears, the X3 M50 reached 120 km/h in 6.42 seconds and 140 km/h in 8.28 seconds. Further analysis of its straight-line performance showed a 400-metre time of 12.63 seconds with a terminal speed of 174.17 km/h, and the kilometre mark was reached in 23.49 seconds at 217.05 km/h.
Related: Review: BMW X3 M50 xDrive
The in-gear acceleration figures further highlight the vehicle’s responsiveness for everyday driving and overtaking manoeuvres. The 40-60 km/h increment was dispatched in just 0.81 seconds, followed by 1.20 seconds for 60-80 km/h, 1.37 seconds for 80-100 km/h, 1.71 seconds for 100-120 km/h, and 2.03 seconds for the 120-140 km/h range. Equally important is the vehicle’s ability to shed speed effectively. Our braking tests from 100 km/h resulted in a best stopping time of 2.80 seconds and a worst of 2.94 seconds, yielding an average stopping time of 2.86 seconds and an average stopping distance of 37.08 metres.
Road Test Figures: BMW X3 M50
Posted April 10, 2025
By: Siyavuya Mbaduli
The BMW X3 M50 sits as a potent offering within the popular mid-size SUV segment. To determine just how potent it is, we put a test model through our regiment – here are the impressive results!
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Beneath its completely revised exterior is a 3.0-litre, inline-six, turbo-petrol engine, generating a potent 293 kW between 5 200 and 6 500 r/min, along with a substantial 580 N.m of torque available from 1 900 to 4 800 r/min. This power is channelled through a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of outright acceleration, our tests revealed impressive figures. The sprint from standstill to 40 km/h took a mere 1.38 seconds, with 60 km/h arriving in 2.29 seconds and 80 km/h achieved in 3.42 seconds. The benchmark 0-100 km/h dash was completed in a brisk 4.61 seconds. Continuing through the gears, the X3 M50 reached 120 km/h in 6.42 seconds and 140 km/h in 8.28 seconds. Further analysis of its straight-line performance showed a 400-metre time of 12.63 seconds with a terminal speed of 174.17 km/h, and the kilometre mark was reached in 23.49 seconds at 217.05 km/h.
Related: Review: BMW X3 M50 xDrive
The in-gear acceleration figures further highlight the vehicle’s responsiveness for everyday driving and overtaking manoeuvres. The 40-60 km/h increment was dispatched in just 0.81 seconds, followed by 1.20 seconds for 60-80 km/h, 1.37 seconds for 80-100 km/h, 1.71 seconds for 100-120 km/h, and 2.03 seconds for the 120-140 km/h range. Equally important is the vehicle’s ability to shed speed effectively. Our braking tests from 100 km/h resulted in a best stopping time of 2.80 seconds and a worst of 2.94 seconds, yielding an average stopping time of 2.86 seconds and an average stopping distance of 37.08 metres.
Beyond performance, we also noted several key measurements. The X3 M50 has a tested mass of 1 991 kg, with a weight distribution of 54% at the front and 46% at the rear. Interior dimensions include a front headroom range of 800 to 870 mm, a rear headroom of 830 mm, and a rear knee room of 620 mm. The loading height is 765 mm, and the tailgate height measures 2 065 mm. The boot offers a capacity of 312 litres, expanding to 1 192 litres with the rear seats folded. The steering lock-to-lock requires 2.5 turns.
Related: Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
Finally, our speedometer error testing revealed the following: an indicated 60 km/h was an actual 57 km/h, 80 km/h indicated 77 km/h, 100 km/h indicated 96 km/h, and 120 km/h indicated 116 km/h. With a starting price of R1 545 446, the BMW X3 M50 presents itself as a potent and well-equipped contender in its segment.
