Very Good
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive review
A glorious six-cylinder engine sings a sweet symphony in the top-spec, go-fast version of the new BMW X3 mid-size luxury SUV.
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Matt Campbell
BMW X3 vs Land Rover Defender Comparison
BMW X3
Land Rover Defender
2025 BMW
X3
vs
2026 Land Rover
Defender
Select Variants...
How they stack...
CarExpert Rating
CarExpert Rating
Very Good
Read the 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive reviewThis rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.
CarExpert Rating
Very Good
Read the 2025 Land Rover Defender 90 reviewThis rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.
Based on the BMW X3 M50 xDRIVE
Based on the Land Rover Defender 90 D250 S (183kW)
Best suitable for...
Driving the family
Luxury
Long distance drivingFuel Efficiency
50L - 68L
80 to 728 km
85L - 90L
289 to 1179 km
ANCAP Safety Rating
Warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
5 year
warranty
warranty
MSRP
$83,100 - $178,000
$97,384 - $325,532
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CarExpert's Take
Matt Campbell
Senior Contributor
Matt Campbell drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Terrific engine
- Delightfully potent
- Decent value for money
Misses
- Some interior fit and finish qualms
- Bouncy ride in urban driving
- Complex and layered media menus
James Wong
Marketplace Editor
James Wong drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- SWB body is a total looker
- D250 inline six is a peach
- Still a rugged 4WD at heart
Misses
- Expensive options
- Updated MY26 range incoming
- No ANCAP safety rating for 90
Colours Available
The 2023 BMW X3 is available in the following exterior paint colours, depending on the variant.
- Alpine White
- M Carbon Black
- Black Sapphire
- Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect
- Mineral White (not available on M40i)
- Phytonic Blue
- M Brooklyn Grey
- M Sao Paulo Yellow (M Competition only)
- M Marina Bay Blue (M Competition only)
- M Toronto Red (M Competition only)
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People Typically Compare to
Ready To Buy
Specs
| Type | ||
| TURBO, TURBO PETROL DIRECT INJECTION | TURBO, SUPERCHARGER, ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR & SUPERCHARGER | |
| Size (cc) | ||
| 1995 - 2998 | 1997 - 4999 | |
| Size (L) | ||
| 3.0L, 2.0L | 4.4L, 5.0L, 3.0L, 2.0L | |
| Cylinders | ||
| 6, 4 | 8, 6, 4 | |
| Camshaft | ||
| DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | |
| Valves/Ports per Cylinder | ||
| 16 - 24 | 16 - 32 | |
| Power | ||
| 135kW - 375kW | 183kW - 467kW | |
| Power RPM | ||
| 4000 - 6250 | 4000 - 6000 | |
| Torque | ||
| 300Nm - 670Nm | 550Nm - 750Nm | |
| Torque RPM | ||
| 1500 - 2600 | 1250 - 2500 | |
| Bore Stroke | ||
| 90 | - | |
| Compression Ratio | ||
| - | - | |
