If you needed another reminder that modern cars are growing at an alarming rate, here it is: the BMW X3 is now available with 22-inch wheels straight from the factory. Fresh off the M Performance Parts catalogue, these enormous alloys don’t look out of place — mainly because today’s X3 isn't the compact crossover it once was. At 4.76 meters long and 1.92 meters wide, it's now larger than the original X5.

Gaze around, and you’ll see M badges from nearly every angle, along with a quad exhaust system. But don’t be fooled; this isn’t a full-blown X3 M. It's the M Performance version, now dubbed the M50 instead of the old M40i. Those XXL matte black wheels might catch your eye, but it’s the oversized roof spoiler that really steals the show. Made from polyurethane, it borders on excessive for a crossover but can be painted to match the body color if you prefer something a little more subtle.

The M50 will sit at the top of the fourth-gen X3 range since BMW has no plans to release a full M variant. These M Performance Parts are designed to mimic the appearance of an M model, and for the untrained eye, they do a decent job. Up front, there’s a new three-part splitter finished in glossy black, while carbon fiber trims are generously spread across the car — from the side mirror caps to the rear diffuser, and even the fuel filler cap.

The new X3 has big shoes to fill, given that the outgoing model was BMW’s best-seller in 2023 with 350,000 units shifted. If you’re looking for that extra level of personalization beyond what the regular configurator offers, M Performance Parts extend to the interior too. Think floor mats, stainless-steel pedals, anodized aluminum door lock pins, and even an Alcantara-wrapped key case — all the bits you didn’t know you needed.

However, don’t expect any actual performance enhancements. The M Performance Parts are all about aesthetics; there’s no tinkering with the suspension or brake upgrades here. The inline-six still delivers 290 kW and 580 Nm of torque from the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine, enough to launch the M50 version to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h. 

So, if you’re thinking those side decals or aramid antenna will make your X3 any quicker, think again. They’re just for show. The new X3 is set to arrive in the last quarter of the year, bringing with it a bit of bling, a lot of M badges, and yes — those unapologetically massive 22-inch wheels.