BMW to attend FOS with the X3 M50 xDrive world debut

At the top of the list is the global debut of the X3 M50 xDrive, the fourth generation SUV promising greater versatility, sporting appeal, and more visual impact than ever.

This new X3 is fitted with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six linked to a 48V mild hybrid system producing 404PS (297kW). An eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive deliver the performance for 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. BMW says this is the “most powerful six cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M performance model,” and we can’t wait to see it for ourselves when the X3 M50 xDrive is revealed on the BMW stand on Thursday, 11^th July at 10:30 UK time.

BMW will also be running several cars, both modern and historic, up the Hill. These include the M Hybrid V8 Hypercar, fresh from running in the Le Mans 24 Hours this year – an occasion which marked BMW’s return to the event’s top category 25 years after the historic V12 LMR’s won in 1999. The V12 will also participate in the Hillclimb, alongside the 318i touring car driven by Johnny Cecotto, and BMW2002 TIK, driven by HRH Leopold Prince of Bavaria.

There will be opportunities to learn more about the V8 art Hypercar, designed by Julie Mehretu, centre-stage at the trackside display, which will also feature the latest BMW M models including the M135, the M3 Touring, and the “facelifted” M2.

Over at the Stable Yard, luxury and technology will be showcased courtesy of the likes of the Vision Neue Klasse, which demonstrates BMW’s future model lineup, the Concept Skytop – an open top two-seater we first got a glimpse of in May, and the i7 saloon which combines both luxury and technology with what BMW describe as “new levels of electrification and digitisation.”

These will be joined by the i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, a one-of-a-kind model featuring colour-changing technology BMW developed with the “artistic language” of South African artist Esther Mahlangu, as well as the i5 Touring, and the CE 02 and CE 04 e-vehicles from BMW Motorrad.

There’s so much to experience at the Festival of Speed, and we can’t wait to take in all that BMW has to offer throughout the four days. But if all that’s not enough for you, there are a couple more BMW models you can check out as part of First Glance presented by heycar.

The 2024 Festival of Speed takes place on 11^th-14^th July. Only Thursday general admission tickets remain, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets now sold out, although a limited number of hospitality packages for all days are still available. Tickets and packages can be purchased from £70.