Car Test Brilliant BMW BMW X3 M50 (G45): The Six-Cylinder SAV Masterpiece


The BMW X3 M50 represents the high-performance zenith of the fourth-generation G45 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) family. Stepping into the shoes of the highly successful M40i, this new iteration introduces a radical, minimalist design language and a heavily overhauled chassis ar- chitecture. Built to lock horns with the Porsche Macan and MercedesA- MG GLC 43, the M50 serves as a crucial halo model for the UK market. It keeps the glorious straight-six petrol engine alive for driving enthusiasts who are not quite ready to commit to a pure electric future.


Step inside, and the G45 X3 leaves its predecessor far behind. The dashboard is dominated by the spectacular BMW Curved Display, which seamlessly merges a 12.3-inch driver info cluster with a 14.9-inch touch- screen running Operating System 9. While the elimination of traditional physical buttons for the climate control will irritate some traditionalists, the system responds instantly to voice commands and crisp touch in- puts. A striking new feature is the BMW Interaction Bar—a crystalline, ambient-lit element sweeping across the dash that flashes actively to warn of incoming calls or safety hazards.


The sporting character of the M50 is highlighted by a chunky, flat-bot- tomed M leather steering wheel with a red 12-o’clock marker, alongside deeply contoured sports seats wrapped in a mix of Veganza synthetic leather and Alcantara. Interior space has expanded slightly thanks to a wider track. Passengers in the rear enjoy excellent knee-room, and the boot provides a generous 570-litre cargo area that easily swallows golf bags or family luggage, complete with a standard powered tailgate. Under the muscular, sculpted bonnet lies BMW’s absolute masterpiece: a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six engine, now enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid technology. It pumps out a combined 398hp and 540Nm of torque, deploying that power via a razor-sharp eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. Floor the throttle, and this family SAV rockets from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds, accompanied by a rich, authentic mechanical exhaust note.


On demanding British B-roads, the M50 defies its upright SUV propor- tions. It comes standard with Adaptive M suspension and an M Sport dif- ferential on the rear axle, which work together to deliver sports-car-like cornering flat control and tremendous mid-corner grip. The steering is exceptionally direct, making the car feel agile and smaller than it actually is. The trade-off for this high-speed composure is a noticeably firm low- speed ride; over broken urban tarmac, it can thump over sharp potholes, though it settles beautifully into a refined, quiet cruiser once you reach motorway speeds.


The BMW X3 M50 is a phenomenal all-rounder. While the ultra-modern interior tech requires a brief learning curve and the ride is unapologet- ically firm, its sensational powertrain and elite handling dynamics rein- force its position as the ultimate driver’s premium mid-size SUV. Prices open at just over £73,795 on the road. For more information please visit www.bmw.co.uk.


Masterful MINI MINI Cooper SE (J01): The Electrified Go-Kart Revolution


The MINI Cooper SE (internally designated J01) marks a massive turning point for the iconic British brand. Unlike its predecessor, which shoehorned an electric powertrain into an old petrol chassis, the J01 is engineered from the ground up on a dedicated electric vehicle architecture. It strips away excessive exterior trim lines to embrace a clean, minimalist “Charismatic Simplicity” aesthetic. Built to defend its premium city-car crown against the Alpine A290 and Fiat 500e, this hot hatch targets drivers who want zero-emission efficiency without sacrificing an ounce of MINI’s legendary personality. The interior of the J01 Cooper SE is an absolute design triumph, throwing a nostalgic nod to Alec Issigonis’s original 1959 masterpiece while packing cutting-edge technology. The entire dashboard is wrapped in a unique, 2D-knitted recycled textile pattern that houses hidden ambient lighting elements. There is no traditional instrument cluster ahead of the driver; instead, all vital information is displayed via a clear Head-Up Display and a world-first, ultra-thin 9.4-inch circular OLED central touchscreen.


Running MINI Operating System 9, this beautiful display is incredi- bly vibrant and fast. It allows drivers to switch between distinct “MINI Experience Modes” (such as Go-Kart, Timeless, or Balance), which instantly change the ambient lighting, throttle response, and synthetic driving soundtracks. Beneath the screen, a tactile physical toggle bar houses the start switch, gear selector, and volume knob. Front-seat space is excellent, with highly supportive sports seats. The rear seats, however, remain strictly a short-trip zone for adults, and the boot is a compact 210 litres, though it expands usefully when you drop the rear benches.


The Cooper SE features a front-mounted electric motor delivering a punchy 218hp and 330Nm of instant torque. Fed by a 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds.


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Because electric torque arrives instantaneously, the Cooper SE feels deceptively fast from a standstill, effortlessly spinning its front wheels if you bury your foot on a damp morning. MINI has preserved its signature “go-kart handling” by mounting the heavy battery packs flat under the floor, lowering the center of gravity significantly. Through tight roundabouts and twisting country lanes, the J01 corners with absolute flatness and tenacious grip. The steering is heavily weighted and incredibly direct, providing instant feedback. The suspension is undeniably stiff, meaning you will feel every ripple on scarred urban roads, but the structural rigidity ensures it never feels unrefined. Crucially, the larger battery bumps the real-world range up to a highly practical 190–210 miles (with a 249-mile official WLTP rating), while 95kW DC rapid charging handles a 10% to 80% top-up in 30 minutes. The MINI Cooper SE (J01) proves that the electric shift hasn’t killed the brand’s soul. It looks sensational, packs industry-leading screen tech, and delivers a deeply engaging driving experience that makes daily commuting genuinely fun. Prices start from £29,905 OTR. For more information please visit www.mini.co.uk.


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