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BMW X3 M40i

M&Ms (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

BMW X3 M40i offers arresting performance in an upper mid-sized SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the improved version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 64

The BMW X3 M40i isn't a full M car but it's a full-on performance SUV. Sixty mph flashes by in under 5 seconds and on a twisting country road, that hot hatch rapidly receding in your rear view mirror get a bit of a shock. 360hp beneath the bonnet will do that for you. Here's the improved version, complete with 48v mild hybrid tech.

Backgroundword count: 128

Will BMW's famous M motorsport division ever make a full Motorsport model that's also an SUV? Some would say hopefully not. Over the years, it's got close with uber-versions of the X5 and X6, but has never quite been able to bring itself to engineer a proper M car crossover with a fully-fledged M engine. Instead, we have M-derivative BMW SUVs which at core aren't really proper M cars at all. That doesn't mean they can't be fast and desirable of course - and this car, the X3 M40i definitely is. It's in the range to take on quick class rivals like Maserati's Grecale, Porsche's Macan GTS and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. All of these are models we really like, so this one needs to bring it's A-game.

Driving Experienceword count: 200

We've seen this M40i model's 'B58'-series twin turbo straight six cylinder engine before in BMWs like the M240i and the 440i Gran Coupe and there's lots to like about it, particularly now that 48v mild hybrid tech is included for a bit of extra efficiency. Power output is a healthy 360hp, courtesy of single twin-scroll turbo and variable cam timing technology. And it's mated to xDrive 4WD and an 8-speed paddleshift auto transmission. The 62mph from rest sprint occupies just 4.9s en route to a top speed that has to be artificially limited to 155mph. You get all of this to the accompaniment of a crisp, muscular soundtrack that's emphasised if you select the provided 'Sport' mode. That opens a flap in the M Sport exhaust which gives you plenty of pops and crackles on the over-run as well as sharper throttle response and more eager kick down. Lowered M Sport suspension with adaptive damping firms up body roll. Plus M Performance-specific variable ratio steering sharpens corner turn-in, while beefier M Sport brakes enhance stopping power. The alternative M40d diesel variant uses a 3.0-litre six cylinder engine putting out 326hp and is also capable of the 62mph sprint in 4.9s.

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Statistics (subset of data only)

Min

Max

Price:

£55,370.00

Insurance group 1-50:

40

CO2 (g/km):

209

225

Max Speed (mph):

155

0-62 mph (s):

4.8

Combined Mpg:

28.5

30.7

Length (mm):

4716

Width (mm):

1897

Height (mm):

1676

Boot Capacity (l):

550

1600

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
80%
Handling
70%
Comfort
70%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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