BMW X3 M40i 2018 new car review
- Great engine.
- Sharp handling for an SUV.
- Roomy cabin.
- Interior design could be more interesting.
- Firm ride.
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The BMW X3 has replaced the 3-Series as the Bavarian brand’s best-selling model in Australia, so it only makes sense that it would get its own performance variant.
The X3 M40i isn’t a fully-fledged M Division offering like its iconic M3 but it has been given some M Sport upgrades to add more a bit of zing as well as a sportier look.
It gives BMW a rival to the popular Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 as more and more luxury SUV buyers look for increased driving pleasure.
What do you get?
Given the M40i is up against two direct rivals, BMW has had to ensure it comes generously equipped to justify its $99,529 (plus on-road costs) asking price. So standard gear includes 21-inch M Sport alloy wheels, M aerodynamic body kit plus M Sport brakes, differential and adaptive M Suspension.
It also comes with adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, power tailgate, leather trim, heated front seats, head up display, navigation with live traffic updates, Bluetooth and a Harman/Kardon surround sound system. However, BMW doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as standard - instead you need to pay a three-year subscription if you want to properly integrate your iPhone.
BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus package is also included and brings forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed limit information and a 360-degree parking camera.
What’s inside?
This new generation X3 has grown in size and quality, now bigger than the first generation X5 externally it feels a more mature and family friendly SUV inside as well.
There’s good room front and rear now, with generous headroom and more-than-adequate knee- and toe-room for back seat occupants.
There’s also a good sized boot, with a square load area and the wagon-style body of the X3 means it will swallow bulky loads easily.
The design is typical BMW, with all the controls falling easily to hand, and while it may lack the style of the Q5 the finish is excellent. Good quality materials, including aluminium and pearl chrome trim highlights make the M40i feel special. It may be an SUV but with the thick-rimmed M Sport badged wheel it feels sporty from the driver’s seat.
Under the bonnet
The key performance item of the M40i, and what ultimately truly separates it from a full-blooded M Division machine, is the engine. The 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine produces 265kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
To wear the X3 M badge would mean an even more powerful version of the same engine - the twin-turbo one found in the M3 - but in this instance it’s not necessary. This engine offers up plenty of performance to make the M40i feel quick.
There’s a smooth delivery of pulling power whenever you put your foot down, thanks to all that torque being available down low in the rev range. So it can cruise effortlessly when you’re just commuting but when you want a surge of speed you only need put your foot down and the engine responds with a bark and kick of power.
It’s a great engine that is matched to a really good gearbox too. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and is adept at both gentle and spirited driving, adapting accordingly.
Claimed fuel use of 8.9-litres per 100km is an impressive return for such a potent engine but you’re unlikely to see that in the real world, especially if you let the engine off the leash on a regular basis.
On the road
This is the other element that separates this from a true M Division offering. The M Sport adaptive suspension, differential and brakes all help make the M40i the sharpest and most engaging X3 to drive, but it’s still an SUV so it ultimately lacks the precision and responsiveness of a M3 or even an X5 M.
What it does possess though is very impressive handling amongst its SUV peers. The steering is quite sharp and direct, the brakes bite hard and it corners relatively flat. There’s obviously some body lean when cornering hard but the tyres hang on tightly so it feels athletic.
While the handling is good the level of comfort could be improved, as it ride is quite firm in order to be so responsive. It lacks compliance, particularly over sharp-edged bumps, which is a common trait for BMWs.
Verdict
BMW may not call it the X3 M but in reality it comes pretty close - combining the luxury we expect from a BMW with the performance we know from M Division.
With two direct rivals from Audi and Mercedes, the X3 M40i needed to very good in order to compete, which it is.
2018 BMW X3 M40i pricing and specifications
Price: From $99,529 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 265kW
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.9L/100km
The Competitors
Mercedes-AMG GLC43
Price: From $110,630 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 petrol turbo
Power: 270kW at 5500-6000rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 2500-4500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.8L/100km
Our score: 7.5/10
Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI
Price: From $99,611 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 260kW at 5400-6400rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1370-4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.7L/100km
Our score: 7.5/10
Porsche Macan S
Price: From $95,500 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 250kW at 5500-6500rpm
Torque: 460Nm at 1450-5000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 9.0L/100km
Our score: 7/10