2025 BMW X3 M50 in Dune Grey
BMW is making a bold statement at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show with the all-new X3 M50. This high-performance crossover commands attention with its quad exhaust system, a first for the X3 lineup. Painted in an elegant Dune Grey, it stands out as the most aggressive X3 to date, signaling BMW’s push to differentiate its top-tier models from lower trims.
The redesigned kidney grille gives the X3 M50 an unmistakable sporty identity, complemented by oversized M badging. While the exterior styling might remind some of a heavily refreshed G01 X3, BMW has implemented substantial upgrades under the skin. This fourth-generation X3 aims to blur the lines between luxury and dynamic performance.
Inside, significant updates set the X3 M50 apart from its predecessor. BMW has fused iDrive 9 with a rotary dial, a unique combination unlikely to be seen in future models due to the upcoming Neue Klasse platform shift. The center console, dubbed the “jewelry box,” houses cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and USB ports, ensuring both style and convenience.
The interior embraces a more minimalist approach, continuing a trend seen in recent BMW concepts. Fewer physical buttons remain, reinforcing BMW’s digital-first philosophy as it transitions towards fully integrated touch and voice controls. Expect future EVs and combustion-powered models to adopt a similarly streamlined interior.
Performance lovers will appreciate that the X3 M50 is no longer the only six-cylinder variant in the lineup. BMW has reintroduced a 3.0-liter diesel engine with the European-market 40d xDrive, though it does not replace the former M40d. However, BMW has confirmed that an X3 M with a combustion engine will not be part of its future plans, marking a shift towards electrification and alternative powertrains.
