BMW X3 M40d - ABC Leasing

Car & Driving
The independent definitive BMW X3 M40d video review
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    BMW'S BLACK EDITION(some text hidden)

    By Jonathan Crouch


    Ten Second Review word count: 64

    The BMW X3 M40d isn't a full M car but it's a full-on performance SUV that's also a remarkably frugal electrified diesel-engined family conveyance. Sixty mph flashes by in under 5 seconds and on a twisting country road, that hot hatch rapidly receding in your rear view mirror will get a bit of a shock. 340hp beneath the bonnet will do that for you.


    Background word count: 134

    BMW's famous M motorsport division makes a full Motorsport-tuned version of their X3 mid-sized SUV. This isn't it. This X3 M40d variant is instead, an uber-fast and potentially rather desirable performance version of the standard model, most recently updated with the Munich maker's efficient 48V mild hybrid tech and a series of visual, cabin and media updates. If you don't naturally equate the word 'performance' with 'diesel', then you'll need a mental reset here because the M40d really is very fast indeed, yet it's capable of reasonably frugal returns, even if you give in to the urge of regularly thrashing its 340hp 3.0-litre straight six engine about. Only Audi's SQ5 TDI can rival this combination in this class. But this M40d claims to be a sharper driver's device. Is it? Time to find out.


    Driving Experience word count: 248

    We've seen this M40d model's 'B57' M Performance twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six cylinder engine before in various black pump BMWs mated, as here, to xDrive 4WD and an 8-speed paddleshift auto transmission: there's lots to like about it. Power output is a healthy 340hp and there's a healthy 700Nm of torque that you can access from as low as 1,750rpm, so when you put your right foot down, this car simply storms towards the horizon. 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. 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 M40i petrol variant also uses a 3.0-litre six cylinder engine, that one putting out 360hp, and replicates this car's performance figures exactly. Both variants require you to accept a fairly firm standard of ride, but you can ease things by playing with the settings of the standard M Adaptive Suspension. The steering isn't quite as sharp and feelsome as we'd hoped it might be and there's a bit more body roll than you might hope for through the turns, but the M Sport Differential means that cornering traction is impressive. Overall though, this is a very complete package.


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    Scoring

    Category: Compact Car

    Performance
    80%
    Handling
    70%
    Comfort
    70%
    Space
    80%
    Styling
    70%
    Build
    80%
    Value
    50%
    Equipment
    80%
    Economy
    70%
    Depreciation
    60%
    Insurance
    50%
    Total
    69%
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