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By Jonathan Crouch

The mainstream part of the fourth generation X3 model line-up is topped by this sporting M50 variant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 50

With the X3 M50, BMW aims to show rivals from Audi and Mercedes what a proper sporting mid-sized premium SUV really should be. This G45 generation model does the family bit slightly better too - ride, refinement, media tech - but there's a price to pay for all the improvement.

Backgroundword count: 106

'M50' is an emotive-looking badge on the back of an X3. But this isn't a full-fat X3 M car - of the M3-engined sort that could be had in the previous generation range. Instead, it's replacement for that older G01 generation design's under-rated and excellent M40i, which sold alongside a diesel M40d variant. It's petrol only for this 'M-lite' model this time round. As we've seen with lesser versions of this G45 X3, there's a meaner look with this generation and it suits the lightly bespoilered lines of the M50. But will it be enough of an M car for you? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 171

The 3.0-litre B58 twin turbo six cylinder petrol engine in the X3 M50 is carried over from the old M40i model, but now has 398hp of power (16hp more than before). Which is just as well because it's hefty 1,980kg kerb weight is 135kg heavier. Shorter gear ratios for the 8-speed sport automatic aim to make it feel quicker, but a less emotive engine soundtrack undoes much of that good work, despite BMW's efforts to embellish the noise with 'IconicSounds' augmentation through the audio speakers. There's 580Nm of pulling power and 62mph is reached in 4.6s en route to an artificially limited 155mph maximum. Gearshifts are always swift and decisive and the engine has a pleasing preference to rev. Plus there's reassuring AWD traction through the turns from the xDrive system. Cornering agility is improved over the previous generation model thanks to wider rear track, increased rigidity and kinematic changes at both axles. Plus the ride is a bit more supple (even on big 21 inch rims) and refinement's been improved.

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