One of my absolute favorite cars on the road right now is the BMW X3 M40i. For my personal lifestyle, the X3 M40i is the near-perfect machine (a 3 Series wagon would be absolutely perfect). With a small family of my own, having the space to fit a child seat w/child, dog, baby jogger, diaper bag and all of the rest of the seemingly endless gear they require is massively helpful. But to have that space in a car that’s fast, fun to drive and luxurious? Perfection. Which is why I’m personally incredibly jealous that Motor Trend will be getting the Hot X3 as part of their long-term test fleet.
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Not only did MT get one of my favorite cars currently on sale but it’s in my perfect color combo; Phytonic Blue with black interior. What a car.
Under the hood of that metallic blue family hauler is a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine, dubbed B58 internally. That B58 mill makes a very healthy 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. But, more importantly than that, it sounds and feels like a proper BMW I6. It’s growly and metallic sounding, while also being turbine smooth. Oh, and the shove. How could I forget the shove. The BMW X3 M40i is feels faster than its numbers suggest.
But more importantly that even all of that, the X3 M40i feels like a proper BMW. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven it but I still remember the feeling of shock when I first turned the wheel. “This feels like an old-school BMW”, I thought. It’s remarkable that a tall-riding X3 feels more like the BMWs we remember so fondly; cars like the E46 and E39; than the F30 3 Series or even F32 4 Series.
The BMW X3 M40i is a fantastic driving machine and one that blends performance, fun, comfort and practicality into one good looking and usable package. Of all the cars on the market to choose from, if I could, the X3 M40i might be my choice. So damn you, Motor Trend. Damn you.
[Source: Motor Trend]
It actually makes 355 hp
That is correct. Typo. Will fix.
My Volvo XC60 T8 puts this thing to shame … 400 HP, 472 lbs-ft of torque and way more space; the X3 seats do not compare and neither does their infotainment system. The T8 can tow 5,000 lbs and doesn’t have those stupid nostrils. And it’s a plug-in hybrid, so my wife no longer pays for gas on her commute.
Enjoy yr. Chinese 4 cyl.
And then there’s the AWD and air suspension which is best in class. Voted 2018 Car of the World … A new benchmark has been set BMW. I really wanted the X3 M40i but I could not pay the same money for so much less value.
Apparently Daimler were unaware Volvo’s owners were becoming one of their largest shareholders in pursuit of BEV tech. (BMW had already rebuffed Geely). As I said, enjoy your Chinese 4 cyl., not only do I want a true luxury sport vehicle (NOT a 4 cyl.), I ‘m not going to help bankroll the Chinese to take over the world by buying established brands.
Michael is spot on.
Michael doesn’t exist, he’s a trollbot.
Are you sure? I am sure he does exist. It is after all 2019 and I am the world’s greatest commentator on cars and bleach.
blech.
When Swedes and Belgians are called Chinese, it only speaks to the ignorance behind the comment. I guess my Ford Focus RS was built in Germany by Americans, lol.
I love German cars by the way … https://youtu.be/howdr-2poo0
I am real and my friend’s tires were very worn 😉
Of course you are real. Don’t let this “cnet ….”attacker bully you. He has been persecuting me for months without success. Long live freedom of expression and nonsense.
Not on bmwblog to read about American or Chinese 4 cyls.
Stop being a bully. As I have always said, there are alternative ways of seeking therapy.
Until your comments relate to the subject of the blog?
Stop typing.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1dd4ba55b9ae76427aab7d7d33e970a97c4abcf15ca815b0c56085ce3f8dca36.png
American owned. Just as Geely own Volvo, Jaguar Rover are Indian Tata, BMW are MINI & Rolls-Royce. South China Morning Post reported in March Geely are going global with their purchased existing brands, since their own brand has no value. Seems to be working. On some.
So no Germans, Swedes, or Belgians are making any money? From these sales? Wow, just how myopic your view is.
BMW pay their Spartanburg employees, profits go to Munich. What part of corporate don’t you understand?
BMW will make zero profits if it does not step up it’s game. Even Apple fan boys are waking up.
The co. that’s investing billion$ expanding factories, building new ones, investing in BEV, autonomous, ride sharing, planned 50% increase in volume after already doubling volume & model range this century? BMW have NOTHING to do with Apple, you have NOTHING to do with reality.
My work is done here, drowning swimmers will always grab on to you and drown you too. I am sad for BMW … You are not helping them.
You come to bmwblog to an article about a twin turbo I6 SAV in its 3rd. generation that has already sold well over a million units to claim superiority for a Chinese owned 4 cy., troll elsewhere.
I never said anything about comparing a 4 to a 6. That argument is moot. On all other fronts, BMW has some serious shortcomings to face. Please help them because I would like to buy one and feel good about it. The BMW looks rediculous compared to the XC60. http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9912ec53820fe3aaec9a8ff9e333d31d855dbb810e1e5e1c7d83ddf5c088dd80.jpg
The article is about an inline 6, you type about a 4 cyl., quit while you’re behind. Like your Chinese Volvo. Take your ugly unrelated downloads with you.
Car of the World … So sad BMW didn’t even make the list.
The one thing why I didn’t buy the BMW was that I felt like I was sitting in a Ford.
ridiculous.
benchmark? Hah!
Johnny hex
BMW have multiple hybrids, BEX iX3 imminent.
I mean I’m sure the Volvo is nice, but its still an unrefined 4 cylinder, not as fun to drive or hear as an X3 M40i, and looks like reliability isn’t good either. Why come onto a BMW dedicated website to brag about your Volvo anyways, you realize some of us don’t care right?
driven this car, with m performance brakes and mppk it is a stunner SUV outdone only by porsche. but much pricier is that porsche.
This X3 is great,,I dunno why someone will throw a Volvo in the mix and use colourful languages as “put this to shame”. First, that’s a hybrid, then it’s a 4 cylinder. Volvo is not known to be smoothie, and it’s turbo lag is quite noticeable, so if it’s a bit rough, it should be sporty. Well this Volvo is not even sporty, so what it is? It’s probably a spec machine, but driver wants a complete package, the X3 is still way more complete.
Unless they’re comparing 4 cyls., Volvo are not even in the mix, Car and Driver have already called X2 best in class.
Which class? Please be clear so we can understand and engage constructively.
Yours, i.e. none.
Exactly BMW chose baseline eco turbo to mate with electric. Volvo chose agressive turbo 4 with electric, exactly the opposite approach
Ever since people are allowing to express their opinions, many couldn’t resist expressing their thoughts that has either nothing to do with the subject, or they deliberately make a case that seems to make sense, only if the comparison is equivalent, but in actual reality, it’s Apples vs Oranges. I couldn’t believe the Volvo supporter has to go all out here. I will instead ask him to take a detailed look on the X3, and take a 10 minutes drive. I am sure he will appreciate the smooth delivery power of BMW Inline 6, he will probably appreciate the fit and finish, along with the right balance of ride comfort and handling, even the control layout, and the placements of all switches have been well thought out. That’s why the X3 has received many favourable reviews, BMW did an excellent job in product execution and the X3 is one of many.