- BMW is returning to the Rebelle Rally with a specially modified X3 M50 designed for off-road challenges.
- The crossover is equipped with skid plates, Rotiform wheels, and all-terrain Falken Wildpeak tires for durability.
- Packing 393 hp from a straight-six turbo, it will navigate 1,553 miles across harsh desert conditions without GPS assistance.
The redesigned BMW X3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this month and it will also have a starring role in the Rebelle Rally. The competition challenges teams to navigate the old fashioned way without smartphones or GPS.
While that might not be too hard on short trips, the Rebelle Rally will see competitors travel 1,553 miles (2,500 km) across deserts in California and Nevada. Those aren’t exactly forgiving conditions, so the X3 M50 has been given an off-road focused makeover.
More: 2025 BMW X3 Gains Hybrid Power And New Curved Display
The updates are fairly limited, but the premium crossover has been equipped with custom skid plates and Rotiform wheels that are wrapped in Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires. They’re joined by a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack, Wolfpack storage boxes, and auxiliary lights from Rigid Industries. The X3 has also been ceramic coated and wears a satin paint protection film.
The automaker didn’t release interior pictures, but said the model has custom “storage solutions fabricated by BMW Manufacturing Talent Factory students.” The team can also expect to find a BMW Curved Display, although navigation is persona non grata.
Like the standard model, the modified X3 M50 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48V mild hybrid system that sees an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the crossover 393 hp (293 kW / 398 PS) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. That’s enough to allow the regular variant to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of up to 155 mph (250 km/h).
The soft-roader will be driven by Rebelle Rally veteran Rebecca Donaghe. She’ll be joined by navigator Syndiely Wade and they’ll be competing in the X-Cross class.
