This is the BMW X3, but it’s packing the legendary B58 straight 6 under the hood which makes it the BMW X3 M40i version. And while we’ve had experience with the previous car, this is the LCi or facelifted version – so is it still the best sporty compact SUV on sale? That’s what we’re here to find out
Driving Impressions
And how could we not start with the beating heart, the B58 from BMW
However, there’s a difference between this one and the pre-facelifted version
THIS B58 is now packing a 48V mild hybrid system
That 48V system itself is good for 11 hp, but it’s not exactly intended to boost performance much on its own. The system is intended to take load off the engine by running onboard electronics etc. This allows the engine to better turn its explosions into speed. Interestingly enough, the addition of the 48V system doesn’t alter the 382 hp and 369 lbft claim from the last X3
But here’s the thing. We all know this engine is underrated
It’s making more like 420 hp
AND the 48V system DOES do helpful things like smooth out start/stop and gear changes from the ZF 8 speed transmission
What t results in is 0-60 in just about 4 seconds flat…pretty impressive
There’s no surprise this X3 M40 is quick but as a sports SUV from BMW there’s also an expectation that it can get around corners…
And, no surprise here, it goesa round corners very well
I mean, not as well as a coupe or sedan, but in terms of sport SUVs, behind the wheel this shares a place at the top of the heap with company like the Porsche MAcan GTS
It’s got adaptive suspension
It’s got a nice and progressive steering feel
And it’s got a LSD on the back
I mean even in these wintery February conditions this thing is really rewarding to push hard
HOWEVER, this X3 in M40 guise has been accused in the past of being too narrowly focused on sporting performance and doesn’t split the personality enough to deliver a luxury-level ride…So does that still ring true for this facelifted model?
To address this we have to think about things in relative terms
With the raised ride height of an SUV
And with a highler roofline there’s more weight higher up
And what that results in is the suspension needing to be stiffer to deliver the sporting performance
And yes, this X3 has adaptive suspension, but even dialed back the dampers remain a little stiffer than you’d have in the 4 cylinder X3
But again, you bought an X3 with an M badge on it so you could have seen that coming
And in truth, while the ride isn’t a floaty luxury boat, it’s still pretty comfy even on these terrible West Allis roads
So with that, lets step outside and talk about the more obvious changes for the facelift
Exterior Design
So behind the wheel the changes are subtle but do bring a bit more performance, refinement and efficiency. But as we step outside here the changes are a bit less subtle
Well first of all, we’ve got it dripped in crisp Alpine White paint
And the LCI has addressed a bunch of items on the face
For one, the grille shape is a bit different
The headlights are a more minimal and jagged design
The lower fascia and intakes are a bit more dramatic
And of course all these accents are blacked out with the shadowline package
And then around the side we’re sitting on specific 19 inch wheels
From there we have the typical front fender gill for style accenting
You’ve also got the M wing mirrors for a more aggressive stance
And then simply from profile it’s a nice conventional SUV shape
And then as we get to the rear there another big update
You’ve got the Halo energy sword taillights
You’ve got a more aggressive rear bumper
And of course you’ve got the black finished m-sport dual exhaust
Ultimately, I think it looks nice and aggressive, and aside from the X5, might be the best looking thng in BMW’s lineup
Interior & Features
And then the sporty feeling continues on the interior here with the Tacora red interior AND BMW has some of the best interior build quality in the game today
The design itself isn’t too dissimilar from the pre-facelift, but the center screen is upgraded
It’s still running iDrive 7, but the screen is bigger, brighter, and faster
And that still means you get great stuff like
Wireless car play
360 cameras with augmented reality
You get reverse assist
And overall the system is just really nice and easy to use with touchscreen or wheel control
You’ve also get a digital cluster and HUD
And then you;ve got luxuries like heated seats and heated steering wheels
You can get cooled seats if you want
And you get this awesome and huge pano roof
And the rear seats get a lot of light to make them FEEL bigger which is good because they’re not huge
They’re bigger than the Macan by quite a bit but smaller than the GLC and Q5
And then there’s the trunk which is nice and spacious and the rear seats fold 3 different ways
So the interior is built well, it’s got some style, it’s got great tech, and some relaxing luxuries. There’s not really much to complain about, but with that lets get into the final thoughts
Conclusion
So the BMW X3 M40i – the new changes continue to cement it at the top of the list if you’re looking for getting the most out of a sporty compact SUV without spending Porsche money. With all the performance, features, and style here at an as-tested price of 68,600, it’s not cheap, but it’s most certainly worth it