SUVs make sense for our roads or even globally where they are now the most popular genre but interestingly even performance SUVs are now common. For BMW, it has been a no-brainer because they are known for making performance-focused cars and its SUVs also get the same treatment. Hence, the popular X3 now has petrol but one that is a proper performance SUV.
The X3 M40i gets the same engine as the M340i sedan but with an SUV you get more ground clearance while it could make sense as the perfect performance SUV. It is, in other words, a very fast BMW SUV which is brought in as a CBU. While the diesel X3 starts at Rs 68 lakh, the X3 M40i comes in as a much more expensive option being a CBU and having a much bigger engine.
Priced at nearly Rs 88 lakh, is the X3 M40i worth it? Well, as a fun, performance SUV it has no rivals but it is for those who want performance. The talking point is the engine here being a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbo petrol which develops 360hp. It is slightly less than the M340i sedan but performance is strong with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. In the real world, it is very fast and brings in a smile as it rapidly throws up big numbers.
Acceleration is strong and the 8-speed auto as standard does a good job while you get paddles of course. Unlike the M340i, the exhaust is more muted though but sport mode does make the engine louder. The bigger change over a regular X3 is the driving experience with a heavier steering feel and a much sharper handling focus. It feels like a sports car honestly but does not make you pay for it with a hard ride. Again unlike the M340i, the ride here is much better and you can comfortably use it every day along with good ground clearance of course. Despite massive 20-inch wheels, the ride was surprisingly decent and only the sharpest of potholes thud through but it is easily usable. Even the fuel efficiency is quite decent.
You can change the various settings with adaptive suspension, M Sport differential and M-specific brakes which gives the confidence to push more. The styling is not loud but is different enough with a M styling kit with a more aggressive design for the bumpers and even the ORVMs are a work of art! Inside, it is not the usual new-age BMW layout of the twin joined screens but it does have a large 12.3-inch display while packing in features like gesture control, 3-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof plus a premium audio system.
The X3 M40i is more expensive than the M340i but is vastly more practical while in terms of SUVs, it is a pure driver's choice that you can also use every day. The suspension, and ground clearance mixed with the fantastic performance makes it an ideal sports car alternative plus for our roads, it makes a lot of sense.
What we like -- Performance, practicality, handling
What we do not like -- Slightly expensive as CBU
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