The BMW X3 M50’s straight-six engine will be upgraded to produce 437bhp as part of a range of upgrades to the SUV – including the launch of a new motorsport-inspired Black Package.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six mild-hybrid powertrain that is currently used in the M Performance version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC rival currently produces 393bhp, but has been remapped to offer an additional 44bhp. That trims the all-wheel-drive M3 X50’s 0-62mph time to 4.4 seconds.
The X3 M50 has also gained a new Black Package styling package, which the firm says takes inspiration from motorsport. Priced in the UK from £81,569 it includes new 22in black alloy wheels, gloss black finish to the brake calibers and gloss black BMW and M badges.
Inside, the cabin features extensive use of Alcantara, including on the instrument panel and the centre control trim, new M logo sticking on the headrests and blue stitching on the seats. A handful of controls have also been finished with BMW’s individual clarity glass.
While those styling options will be exclusive to the M50 Black Performance, BMW has introduced a number of alterations to the wider M3 line, which will be available on models from December onwards.
A new soft surface will be offered on the area in front of the central infotainment screen, while there is a new stitching pattern for the instrument panel, along with ambient lighting for the centre console and door handles. BMW has also redesigned the glove box opener.
More substantively, BMW says that the four-cylinder engine in the entry-level X3 20 xDrive has been upgraded so that it is complaint with incoming Euro 7 engine regulations.
