A Minor Update
After all the new metal BMW has been putting out, the company is turning its attention back to its moneymaker: the X3. Unveiled in 2024 for the 2025 model year, the fourth-generation model has since continued to be the brand’s global best-seller. Now, it’s getting a few updates for 2027.
We reported on it just a month ago when it was first shown for the German/European market. It was only a matter of time before BMW made the same announcement for North America. Some of these include interior enhancements that throw in more soft-touch materials, along with the addition of the Black Package.
BMW
The Big News for ’27
If you’re in the market for an X3 right now, particularly the M50 model, it’s probably worth waiting for the ’27 models to arrive on the lot this December. That’s because it gets a healthy dose of extra power, not that the current one needed any more unless you’re coming from the previous-generation X3 M.
The major update for the X3 M50 is that it now packs 437 hp, although torque is retained at a still impressive 428 lb-ft. This horsepower bump is largely thanks to the M350, which has the exact same rating. Instead of keeping the crossover as is, it’s nice of BMW to give the X3 the same amount of power as the new 3 Series.
For reference, the one sitting in showrooms right now makes 393 hp, so the 2027 update brings with it a 44 hp upgrade. Those extra horses mean BMW claims 0 to 60 times in 4 seconds. Knowing the brand, however, the numbers are conservative, and we wouldn’t be surprised if instrumented testing shows a 0 to 60 figure in the high-threes.
BMW
How Much?
One would think that the significant power hike brings with it a much higher price. The X3 M50 currently retails for $66,500 plus $1,350 for destination charge. The punchier 2027 model is priced at $67,500, a relatively modest increase of $1,000.
To put that into perspective, that’s about $23 for every additional horsepower. That’s not too bad considering it shaves off a good amount of time from acceleration times. Some folks pay more to get the same amount of gains. You don’t even have to order the Black Package to get the extra power, but if you prefer your X3 blacked-out, that’s an extra $3,800. Yes, the cosmetic package is more expensive than the power upgrade.
What about the X3 30 for those who think 437 hp is too much for a crossover? Well, BMW is quiet about it, so we’re assuming the outputs are still the same.
BMW
About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor