No. 6 import car without discount..BMW's New X3 Popularity Peak

May 10, 2025

Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)



If you look at the sales ranking of imported cars, there are some vehicles that stand out. Tesla Model 3 and BMW X3, which are electric vehicles but have high sales, stand out.Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, which are called the strongest imported cars, are showing steady popularity in the top three sales rankings. The characteristic of these vehicles is that a high discount of around 10 million won is applied.

However, the BMW X3 is one of the German cars that has unusually no promotion conditions or has low discounts. Nevertheless, it is enjoying high popularity, ranking sixth in sales. The BMW X3 advantages were identified through a test drive at Motor One, an overseas automobile media outlet. The X3 has several powertrains, of which the M50 test-drive with a high-performance gasoline engine was applied.

The 2025 X3 is a fourth-generation model. The iX SUV-inspired avant-garde design is boldly applied.It may seem a little awkward in pictures, but when you see it in real life, the charm is doubled.Unlike elegant and understated previous models, the new X3 reveals its presence in a color called 'Vegas Red'.




The new X3 is very slightly longer and wider than the existing model, but I can't feel much difference.A familiar and much-loved B58 turbocharger with a 3.0-liter serial six-cylinder engine from BMW sits under the bonnet. A new mild hybrid system helps improve strong torque and fuel efficiency.The total output is 393 horsepower and the maximum torque is 50.6 kg·m. As with the previous model, it is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It is no exaggeration to say that this power train is flawless. The combination of this engine and transmission has always been great. BMW has further refined this and achieved the highest level.Throttle response is noticeably fast and you don't even notice that this engine is a turbocharger.

It exerts tremendous torque from low speed and boasts a strong output of up to 7,000 rpm. The softness of the serial six-cylinder engine needs to be emphasized once again. The eight-speed automatic transmission accurately conveys the desired shift in any driving situation.




This engine alone is a good enough reason to buy a new X3.To achieve better performance, you need to compare it with the V8 engine that is installed on vehicles that cost close to $100,000 (about 140 million won).

The new X3 is fast enough.The reason why BMW does not release the new X3 M is not a big problem in that the M50 performs all the performance perfectly.

There are other reasons to choose the X3 M50. It's handling. Even in a relatively high garage, you can feel the increased grip when you turn a corner.BMW's rear-wheel drive-based xDrive all-wheel drive system is more complete than ever. The X3 has a good ride like BMW, but when you choose the optional 21-inch wheel, it feels a little hard.I recommend the basic 20-inch wheel.




It's a bit of a shame that the interior has been noticeably reduced in cost everywhere.It's a little bit better than X1.The center console was decorated with nice aluminum, but why didn't it even apply the door or dashboard. The sheet is excellent. The steering wheel's tricolor stitching is also cool. BMW's latest iDrive 9 infotainment system is spectacular, but you can see that it has been steadily improving to reduce complexity.

Overall, the interior feels a little backward. The old X3's physical air conditioner and concise infotainment system feel better. The ride and handling are similarly good as before, but the engine and transmission are definitely better.

The X3 M50 is not an affordable vehicle. But it will be hard to find a better engine in a cheaper SUV.

Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan S's V6 engines are regrettable compared to BMW's six-cylinder series. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 uses a four-cylinder engine with a rough and powerful turbocharger. Although the X3 reflects the current cost-cutting trend in the automotive industry, the disadvantages are not greater than the advantages. The X3 can be evaluated as a great car just with the power train including the engine.

The starting price of the new X3 in Korea is 68.9 million won. Compared to rival Mercedes-Benz GLC, it has an advantage of cost-effectiveness that is more than 10 million won lower. In the case of the M50, the highest trim is 99.9 million won.

Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.