Tested: 2025 BMW X3 M50 Discovers a Softer Side

First glance: Is this product still M?

To be honest, when I first saw the 2025 X3M50, I was a little trance. The double kidney grille is bigger-of course, this is BMW's ancestral "change plan"-but the entire front face is actually less aggressive and more... warm? It's like a muscular guy in the gym suddenly putting on a cardigan. The tail lines have also converged, and the exhaust pipe has changed from four outlets to a more low-key dual outlet (actually, there are four outlets in both sides, but half of them are hidden). Oh, by the way, that iconic M exhaust sound? It was cut, it was really cut. The engineers probably thought the person who bought the car wanted to keep the neighbors quiet. Alas, times have changed.

Sit in: Luxury? Wait, is this really a BMW?

As soon as I opened the car door, I almost thought I was in a new force. The entire interior has been renovated beyond recognition: curved dual screens, hidden air outlets, crystal texture iDrive knobs... the luxurious atmosphere is directly filled. But wait, what about those hardcore M-style sports seats? Into larger, softer "comfort" seats-yes, even BMW is beginning to flatter the butt rather than the waist. The steering wheel feels thinner, and the heating button is hidden in the secondary menu on the screen-every time I want to warm my hands, I have to poke it on the touch screen for a long time. Is it annoying? However, the 31-inch rear entertainment screen was a surprise, although I think the person who bought this car most likely drove it himself.

Open it up: The violence is still there, but it is much gentler

Ignition, the 3.0-liter straight six twin turbocharged emitted a low purr-at least 30% quieter than before. Step on the accelerator, and 393 horsepower and 428 lb-feet of torque will instantly push you into the seat, but the feeling of pushing your back is no longer a "fierce beating" level, but a smooth "push your back" style. The 8-speed automatic transmission changes gears like a tissue, but you can hardly feel the setback. Where's the chassis? Adaptive suspension is standard. When it is adjusted to the softest mode, it actually has the illusion of Lexus walking on the ground when crossing the speed bumps! God, did I drive the wrong car?

But wait, the exercise mode is still alive

If you are a stubborn M fan like me, don't be disappointed. Turn the driving mode knob to Sports Plus, and all disguises are instantly removed: the exhaust valve is fully open, although the sound is still not as powerful as the old model, at least it has some burst feeling; the suspension becomes hard, and the road feeling goes straight through the steering wheel to the palm; The gearbox is ready to downshift three gears in a row at any time, and the speed pointer is as red as chicken blood. That's when you remember, oh yes, it's also an M Performance model. It's just... the sense of division is confusing: Do you want a comfortable luxury SUV or a grumpy road beast? BMW says "I want it all", but the actual experience is that neither end can reach the extreme.

Daily Opening: This is its home field?

To be honest, after a week of test driving, I found that the ones I use most are Comfort Mode and ECO Pro Mode. Walking around the city, the chassis is unbelievably soft, the sound insulation is good enough to make quiet calls, and the fuel consumption can even reach about 9 liters-it is already decent for a 400-horsepower SUV. Moreover, the 48V light mix makes automatic start and stop almost senseless. The old X3M40i simply cannot give you the calmness during traffic jams. I even began to understand BMW's intentions: this car is no longer just for running mountains and corners, but also wants to be your first choice for commuting every day. It has become "soft", but not weak, but mature.

Summary: It betrayed M, but found more friends

Opening the window, gently tapping on the M Sports steering wheel, looking at the ordinary consumers in the parking lot who were aiming at the GLC and Q5-the 2025 X3M50 was like a street gangster with a high degree and suddenly decided to find a serious job. It lost some of its pure hardcore feel, but won back a wider audience. If you want a luxury mid-size SUV that can be driven comfortably every day and occasionally agitated, this is definitely a good choice. But if you pursue the madness of pure-blooded M... sorry, please pay more for the X3M Competition, or check out the Audi RS Q8 next door. Anyway, BMW gives you multiple choice questions, and the answer depends on whether the beast in your heart wants to be tamed or wants to be released to bite.