BMW is giving the X3 M50 xDrive more power and a sharper appearance with the introduction of a new Black Package.
The M Performance SUV’s 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine, paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, now produces 326 kW. That’s an increase of 33 kW.
BMW says the updated X3 M50 xDrive can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Using the one-foot rollout method, that figure drops to 4.1 seconds.
The engine also meets the requirements of the Euro 7 emissions standard.
A darker look for the X3 M50
The new Black Package is available exclusively on the X3 M50 xDrive and adds a series of exterior and interior changes inspired by BMW’s motorsport heritage.
The exterior gets 22-inch Polygon 1134 M Black light-alloy wheels, while the M Sport brake callipers are finished in high-gloss black with a monochrome M logo.
The M logos and model badges are also finished in high-gloss black with a silver outline.
Inside, BMW has gone further with the dark theme. Alcantara is used extensively across the cabin, including parts of the dashboard, the area around the central display, the smartphone tray with inductive charging, door trims and the centre-console armrest.
The black Alcantara and Veganza seats feature blue stitching and piping, while the M logos on the headrests are embossed into the Alcantara.
The package also includes an M aluminium-carbon structure interior trim and BMW Individual CraftedClarity glass elements on selected controls. The M steering wheel gets a leather airbag impact absorber, while the black floor mats feature blue piping and an M-colour flag detail.
The power increase is standard
While the Black Package and engine upgrade are being announced together, the additional performance is not exclusive to models fitted with the package.
All BMW X3 M50 xDrive models receive the 33 kW increase, taking output to 326 kW.
The Black Package is instead focused on appearance and interior specification.
It will also remain exclusive to the X3 M50 xDrive. BMW says other X3 models will receive targeted enhancements, but the Black Package will not be offered on them.
South African availability
The Black Package is scheduled to become available in South Africa during the third quarter of 2027.
BMW has not yet announced local pricing for the package.
For the X3 M50 xDrive itself, the more significant change is arguably the extra performance. The Black Package simply gives the M Performance SUV a considerably darker way of showing it.
