The BMW X3 M50’s straight-six engine will be upgraded to produce 437bhp as part of a series of updates to the SUV that also include the launch of a new motorsport-inspired Black Package.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six mild-hybrid powertrain in the current M Performance version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC rival produces 393bhp but the new version has been remapped to offer an additional 44bhp. That trims the all-wheel-drive M3 X50’s 0-62mph time to 4.4sec.
The X3 M50 has also gained a new Black Package styling option, which, the firm says, takes inspiration from motorsport. Priced in the UK from £81,569, it includes new 22in black alloy wheels, a 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 console trim, new M logo stitching 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 Package, BMW has introduced a number of alterations to the wider X3 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 glovebox opener.
More substantively, BMW says 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.
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