NEW CARS

BMW X3 M50 Gets 437bhp and New Motorsport-Inspired Black Package

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BMW is giving the X3 M50 a significant performance upgrade, with the brand’s flagship M Performance SUV gaining more power from its turbocharged straight-six engine. The updated BMW X3 M50 now produces 437bhp, while a new motorsport-inspired Black Package adds a more aggressive visual identity to the range-topping X3.

The revised 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine continues to use mild-hybrid technology, but BMW has recalibrated the powertrain to deliver an additional 44bhp over the current model. Power rises from 393bhp to 437bhp, further strengthening the X3 M50’s position as a high-performance alternative to premium SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

With the additional output sent through BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, the updated X3 M50 can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. That represents an improvement over the current model and gives the X3 M50 performance figures that begin to overlap with some considerably more focused performance SUVs.

BMW X3 M50 Black Package adds motorsport-inspired styling

Alongside the mechanical upgrade, BMW has introduced a new Black Package for the X3 M50. The package is designed to give the SUV a more purposeful appearance, drawing inspiration from BMW’s motorsport heritage.

UK pricing for the BMW X3 M50 Black Package starts at £81,569.

The exterior treatment includes 22-inch black alloy wheels, gloss-black brake calipers and gloss-black BMW and M badges. The combination gives the X3 M50 a significantly darker and more aggressive appearance without changing the fundamental design of the latest-generation X3.

The Black Package continues into the cabin, where BMW has added extensive Alcantara trim. The material is used across areas including the instrument panel and centre-console trim, while the headrests receive new M-logo stitching.

The seats also feature blue stitching, providing a subtle contrast to the predominantly dark interior. Selected controls are finished in BMW Individual’s so-called “Clarity Glass”, adding another premium detail to the M Performance SUV.

More updates for the wider BMW X3 range

The changes are not limited to the X3 M50. BMW is also introducing a series of interior and equipment updates across the wider X3 range, with the revisions becoming available on models from December.

One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of a new soft-touch surface on the section of the dashboard directly in front of the central infotainment display. BMW has also revised the stitching pattern on the instrument panel.

Additional ambient lighting has been introduced around the centre console and door handles, while the glovebox opener has been redesigned.

These changes are relatively subtle, but they are intended to improve the perceived quality of the X3’s interior and give the SUV a more sophisticated cabin environment.

BMW X3 20 xDrive upgraded for Euro 7

BMW is also preparing the entry-level X3 20 xDrive for the next stage of European emissions regulations.

The four-cylinder engine used by the X3 20 xDrive has been upgraded to comply with the incoming Euro 7 regulations. The move is part of BMW’s wider effort to ensure that its combustion-engine models remain compliant as European emissions requirements become increasingly stringent.

While the X3 M50 focuses on performance, the updates to the X3 20 xDrive highlight BMW’s intention to continue developing its combustion-engine technology alongside its growing range of electrified vehicles.

BMW X3 M50 continues to bridge performance and practicality

The updated BMW X3 M50 occupies an increasingly important position within BMW’s SUV line-up. It combines the practicality and everyday usability expected from an X3 with performance traditionally associated with BMW’s M cars.

The increase to 437bhp gives the M50 considerably more firepower, while the 4.4-second 0-62mph time makes it a genuinely rapid family SUV. At the same time, the mild-hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive system are designed to maintain the versatility expected from a premium daily driver.

The new Black Package adds another layer of appeal for buyers looking for a more distinctive appearance, with 22-inch wheels, black exterior details and an Alcantara-heavy interior creating a noticeably sportier specification.

With these updates, BMW is keeping the X3 M50 competitive in a segment that includes increasingly powerful versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and other premium performance SUVs.

BMW X3 M50: key facts

  • Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid
  • Power: 437bhp
  • Previous power: 393bhp
  • Power increase: 44bhp
  • Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
  • 0-62mph: 4.4 seconds
  • Black Package price in the UK: from £81,569
  • Black Package wheels: 22-inch black alloy wheels
  • Interior: Alcantara, M-logo stitching and blue seat stitching
  • Wider X3 updates: available from December
  • X3 20 xDrive: upgraded four-cylinder engine designed to meet Euro 7 requirements

The latest BMW X3 M50 therefore brings more power, sharper performance and a new visual package to BMW’s premium SUV line-up, while the broader X3 range receives a series of detail and technology improvements. For buyers seeking a fast, understated and practical BMW SUV, the updated M50 strengthens its position as one of the most performance-focused versions of the current X3.

Source: Autocar

NEW CARS

Aston Martin DBX GT Arrives With 717bhp and Bentley Bentayga-Focused Luxury

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Aston Martin is expanding the DBX range with a new DBX GT, a more luxurious and comfort-focused version of its high-performance SUV designed to appeal to buyers who value refinement, craftsmanship and quiet luxury as much as outright performance.

Positioned as a direct rival to the Bentley Bentayga, the Aston Martin DBX GT combines a plush, understated character with the same formidable twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain found in the more aggressive DBX S. With 717bhp, 664lb ft of torque and a claimed 0-62mph time of just 3.3 seconds, the DBX GT is hardly lacking in performance.

However, Aston Martin has deliberately changed the character of the SUV. Rather than emphasizing sporting aggression, the DBX GT is designed to deliver a quieter, smoother and more sophisticated driving experience.

Aston Martin DBX GT Targets the Luxury SUV Market

Aston Martin describes the DBX GT as being aimed at customers who prefer “assured elegance over sporting aggression” and expect a higher level of luxury from their SUV.

That positioning places the new model between traditional high-performance SUVs and ultra-luxury vehicles such as the Bentley Bentayga. The DBX GT is intended to offer the performance associated with Aston Martin while placing greater emphasis on comfort, craftsmanship and long-distance refinement.

Pricing is expected to start at around £207,000, putting the DBX GT firmly into the high-end luxury SUV market.

The model will also help divide the DBX family into two distinct personalities. The DBX S will continue to target buyers looking for a more aggressive, performance-oriented SUV, competing with vehicles such as the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue.

The DBX GT, meanwhile, takes a more relaxed approach.

717bhp Twin-Turbo V8 Delivers Supercar-Level Performance

Despite its luxury-focused character, the Aston Martin DBX GT retains the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 717bhp and 664lb ft of torque.

That is the same headline output as the DBX S, allowing the GT to accelerate from 0-62mph in a claimed 3.3 seconds.

The result is an unusual combination: an SUV designed around quiet luxury that can still deliver genuinely serious acceleration.

Aston Martin has nevertheless made several changes to ensure that the DBX GT feels different from its more sporting sibling. The accelerator pedal mapping has been revised to provide what the company describes as a greater sense of precision and control, while the exhaust has been tuned to produce a quieter soundtrack in Normal mode.

Drivers who want more drama can switch to Sport mode, where the exhaust is allowed to return to its louder “full voice”.

More Restrained Exterior Design

The visual changes distinguish the DBX GT from the aggressive appearance of the DBX S.

At the front, the GT receives a new dual-vaned grille instead of the DBX S’s motorsport-inspired honeycomb design. Buyers will be able to choose between a bright chrome finish and a darker metal treatment.

The side strake is also finished in bright silver metal rather than black, while the lower bodywork is painted to match the exterior. This gives the DBX GT a considerably more discreet appearance than the DBX S, which uses black splitters and side skirts to emphasize its performance credentials.

At the rear, Aston Martin has adopted horizontally arranged quad exhaust outlets rather than the vertically stacked arrangement used by the DBX S.

The design philosophy is clear: the DBX GT is intended to look expensive and sophisticated rather than overtly aggressive.

22-Inch Wheels Prioritize Comfort

The DBX GT rides on bespoke 22-inch wheels fitted with all-season tyres.

Aston Martin says the tyre choice has been made specifically to maximize ride compliance and minimize road noise, reinforcing the SUV’s emphasis on comfort.

Customers can also specify optional 23-inch wheels for a more imposing appearance.

While larger wheels can often compromise ride comfort, the DBX GT has received suspension revisions intended to offset that effect and provide a more compliant ride over uneven surfaces.

A More Luxurious Aston Martin DBX Interior

Inside, Aston Martin has concentrated heavily on craftsmanship and comfort.

The seats have been redesigned and feature an additional memory-foam layer intended to improve support and provide a more luxurious feel on longer journeys.

The same philosophy extends to the second row. The outer rear seats have been reshaped and are now treated as individual luxury seats, similar in concept to the front seats. A central seat remains available, allowing the DBX GT to accommodate a fifth passenger when required.

Aston Martin has also upgraded the appearance and tactile quality of the cabin with anodized metal finishes for the drive selector and other switchgear.

The company describes these details as providing a “jewellery-quality finish”, while a selection of GT-specific multi-colour upholstery combinations gives customers greater scope for personalization.

Aston Martin Focuses on Quiet Luxury

One of the biggest differences between the DBX GT and the DBX S is not immediately visible.

Aston Martin has modified the body structure and increased sound deadening in an effort to reduce unwanted road and powertrain noise.

The company claims these changes deliver a 13% improvement in its “articulation index”, essentially making it easier for occupants to hold a conversation or make a phone call while travelling.

That detail highlights the role Aston Martin sees for the DBX GT. Rather than simply being a softer version of a performance SUV, it is designed as a luxury grand tourer with the ability to cover long distances at high speed while keeping occupants isolated from the outside world.

The suspension has also been softened to improve compliance over rough surfaces.

DBX GT Revives the Original DBX Philosophy

The new model also represents something of a return to the philosophy of the original Aston Martin DBX.

The original DBX was discontinued in 2024 when the more powerful DBX 707 became the sole version of the SUV. That model was subsequently replaced by the DBX S, which pushed the performance envelope even further.

The arrival of the DBX GT effectively restores a second personality to the DBX family.

Where the DBX S is engineered around performance and aggressive styling, the GT brings the focus back toward luxury, comfort and understated design.

That makes the new model particularly relevant in a segment where buyers increasingly expect an SUV to combine high performance with limousine-like comfort.

Aston Martin DBX GT vs Bentley Bentayga

The DBX GT’s positioning makes its rivalry with the Bentley Bentayga particularly significant.

Both SUVs target customers looking for luxury, exclusivity and strong performance without sacrificing everyday usability. The difference is largely one of character.

The DBX GT uses Aston Martin’s sporting heritage and 717bhp powertrain as the foundation, but deliberately tones down the visual and acoustic aggression normally associated with a high-performance SUV.

The result is an Aston Martin designed to appeal to buyers who want extreme performance available when required, but who do not necessarily want their luxury SUV to advertise it at every opportunity.

That places the DBX GT in a different part of the market from the more overtly sporting DBX S.

Orders Open for the New Aston Martin DBX GT

Aston Martin is already accepting orders for the new DBX GT, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin toward the end of the year.

With an expected starting price of around £207,000, the DBX GT enters one of the most exclusive areas of the luxury SUV market.

Its formula is straightforward but ambitious: take the 717bhp performance of the DBX S, add greater ride comfort, improved sound insulation, more luxurious materials and a more restrained exterior, then position the result against the Bentley Bentayga.

The Aston Martin DBX GT therefore isn’t simply a softer DBX S. It is a deliberate attempt to create a high-performance luxury SUV for customers who would rather arrive in comfort and silence than make a statement with aggression.

Source: Aston Martin

Tuning

MANSORY Vincerò: Bugatti Mistral Transformed Into a Bespoke One-Off Hypercar

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MANSORY has unveiled the Vincerò, an extraordinary one-off creation based on the Bugatti Mistral, taking one of the world’s most exclusive open-top hypercars into an even more bespoke and visually dramatic direction.

The MANSORY Vincerò combines the unmistakable design DNA of the Bugatti Mistral with MANSORY’s signature approach to personalization, extensive use of exposed carbon fibre and a completely reworked interior. As a one-off commission, the Vincerò is designed not simply as a modified Mistral, but as an individually tailored hypercar created around the preferences of its owner.

MANSORY Vincerò brings a new interpretation of the Bugatti Mistral

The Bugatti Mistral already occupies a rare position in the hypercar world, combining extreme performance with the experience of an open-top grand tourer. MANSORY has used that foundation for the Vincerò project, introducing a series of newly developed exterior components while retaining the fundamental proportions of the original car.

A major focus of the Vincerò is its extensive use of coloured exposed carbon fibre. The lightweight material is applied across numerous newly developed body components, giving the one-off hypercar a highly customized appearance while reinforcing its performance-oriented character.

At the front, MANSORY has developed a redesigned front apron that gives the Vincerò a more assertive visual presence. The changes continue along the sides, where new aerodynamic elements and redesigned mirror housings further distinguish the car from the standard Bugatti Mistral.

The rear section has also undergone a comprehensive redesign. MANSORY says each component was engineered to integrate with the Mistral’s original design while emphasizing its distinctive proportions and exclusive character.

Extensive exposed carbon fibre defines the Vincerò

Carbon fibre is central to the MANSORY Vincerò’s visual identity. Rather than simply adding aftermarket styling elements, MANSORY has developed an extensive collection of bespoke carbon-fibre components specifically for the one-off project.

The coloured exposed carbon fibre provides a particularly distinctive finish, allowing the material itself to become an important part of the vehicle’s design rather than being hidden beneath conventional paint.

The result is a Bugatti Mistral that maintains its recognizable silhouette while gaining a considerably more individualized appearance.

For MANSORY, the project also demonstrates the company’s broader philosophy of creating highly personalized vehicles in which virtually every major design element can be tailored to an individual customer.

A completely bespoke Bugatti Mistral interior

Inside, the transformation is even more extensive. MANSORY has completely redesigned the cabin using premium leather, exposed carbon-fibre trim and numerous handcrafted details.

The interior can be specified with individually tailored colours, embroidery and bespoke equipment, allowing the customer to create a cockpit that reflects personal tastes rather than following a fixed factory specification.

MANSORY’s approach means that personalization extends to virtually every interior detail. This is particularly significant for a one-off vehicle based on a hypercar as exclusive as the Bugatti Mistral, where individuality becomes an essential part of the car’s appeal.

The combination of handcrafted leatherwork, carbon fibre and bespoke detailing is intended to create an environment that matches the Vincerò’s extensively modified exterior.

MANSORY Vincerò is designed as a true one-off

Unlike a conventional tuning package that can be applied to multiple vehicles, the MANSORY Vincerò has been created as a unique automobile.

That distinction is important. MANSORY’s one-off projects are built around extensive customer involvement, with the specification tailored to individual requirements. Colours, materials, embroidery and equipment can therefore be selected to create a vehicle unlike any other Mistral.

The Vincerò represents this philosophy in its most exclusive form: a Bugatti Mistral transformed through bespoke carbon-fibre bodywork, a fully personalized cabin and extensive handcrafted detailing.

Bugatti Mistral meets MANSORY design philosophy

The MANSORY Vincerò demonstrates how far bespoke automotive design can be taken when the starting point is already one of the world’s most exclusive hypercars.

Rather than replacing the fundamental identity of the Bugatti Mistral, MANSORY has concentrated on enhancing its visual impact through new bodywork, aerodynamic elements, exposed carbon fibre and a completely individualized interior.

With only a single Vincerò being created, the project also becomes an exercise in automotive exclusivity. Every design decision contributes to a car intended to stand apart not only from conventional Mistral models, but also from other highly customized hypercars.

The MANSORY Vincerò is therefore less a traditional tuning project and more a bespoke interpretation of the Bugatti Mistral—one that combines Bugatti’s distinctive design heritage with MANSORY’s uncompromising approach to personalization and craftsmanship.

Source: Mansory

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