2018 BMW X3 M40i Review
The family SUV that wants to be an M3
By Shahzad Sheikh
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This is the third generation BMW X3 – here as the range-topping M40i. All new, better styling – less mumsy, more butch, befitting its personality at the wheel.
An aggressive and sporty steer this time, thanks less weight and a 50:50 weight distribution. And under that bonnet sits a 3.0 Twin Turbo straight-six cylinder motor putting out 360bhp and 369lb ft of torque from 1450-4800rpm.
Hit 100kph in 4.8 seconds from rest – quicker than most hot hatches – and hit a limited top speed of 250kph with your foot planted. An 8-speed divvies up torque to all four wheels, resplendent in 21 inch rims. There’s M-Sport suspension, braking, exhaust and a logo on the steering wheel.
You’ll pay AED320,000 ($87k) to be one of the quickest families around. Will the kids get sick in the back though? Well their car seats will be locked down to ISOFIX, and they have great space, comfort and their own A/C controls, plus you throw a ton of stuff in the back and hide some extra things under the boot floor.
But you’ll chuck them around as you exploit the car’s remarkably competent handling – which is verging on outright sporty. This is what a BMW SUV should be like though. So it makes sense. As the turbos scroll up you get a good thrust of performance.
Reassurance comes in the form of strong anchors, and surprisingly well composed handling with understeer immediately quashed should it even dare to raise its head above the apex.
Way better than any X3 before it, this is more like the keen driver’s family runabout it always should have been with that blue and white badge on it. Costly though.
