2021 BMW X3 M40i Review
April 05 2021,
The M Division is well known for building some of the most exciting cars in the past 40 years. Only in recent years, however, there has been an extension of the M products to be more accessible to a larger audience of BMW customers. These vehicles are known as M Performance cars, they are representing a middle ground between the core BMW products and the much more focused M products. In the case of the X3, BMW’s successful compact crossover, the M Performance variant is known as the X3 M40i.
From the outside, the design differences between the M40i and the normal X3 are slight but noticeable. For example, bronzed satin elements around the grille and air intakes distinguish the M40i as well as blacked out rectangular exhaust tips. Other features like available 21’’ rims, the upgraded M brakes painted in blue, and the badging will help the M40i stand out. The powertrain is radically different to the X3 though. This M Performance vehicle features a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0L straight-six engine with an 8-speed automatic and the rear-bias xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This motor produces 382 horsepower and 365lb/ft of torque; 2021 models have a slight power increase over the previous model years of the X3 M40i.
The driving experience of the X3 M40i is seriously fun. With a single button press, the M40i changes from a tame and approachable compact crossover to an apex predator. The steering has lots of road feel and the manual shifting of the 8-speed auto sharply responds to the drivers inputs and strikes each upshift and downshift with real authority. The sound of the straight-six engine encourages you to downshift just so you can hear the charm of a smooth inline engine. The 0-100km/h time is quoted at 4.4 seconds and you’ll start to wonder if BMW is being quite conservative with those claims. With this driving attitude, the M40i has all the character of full-blown M car without the compromise of day-to-day livability.
Everyday use of the X3 M40i is a joy. The latest BMW technology is integrated neatly and works flawlessly. Features like the 3D camera system with augmented reality is always a crowd pleaser and the digital instrument cluster is now a standard feature with the M40i. Trunk space is intelligently engineered with a low loading floor, individually folding seats and a space under the false floor for the security cover are smart solutions to improve practicability and versatility that any X3 owner will love.
The X3 M40i is a very impressive vehicle. It’s fun and engaging side that easily be mellowed when a smooth and calm drive is needed from its operator. There is so much more to discover about the X3 M40i so head over to BMW Gallery in the Northwest Auto Mall to learn more about this desirable performance compact crossover!
