BMW returns to the Rebelle Rally with the X3 M50, specially modified for off-road use. The modified X3 M50 had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system in which the electric motor was integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This setup gives the crossover 393 liters and 580 Nm of torque. This is enough to enable the regular version to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in 4.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.

At Rebelle Rally, teams navigate the terrain the old-fashioned way, without smartphones or GPS. They have to travel 2,500 km through the deserts of California and Nevada.

The premium crossover is equipped with special skid plates and Rotiform wheels fitted with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires. Added to these were a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack, Wolfpack storage bins, and Rigid Industries auxiliary lights. The X3 also has a ceramic coating and uses a satin paint protection film.

Interestingly, the facelifted BMW X3 M50 will arrive in US dealerships later this month, but its price has not been announced yet.