It seems like everyone wants a piece of the BMW X3 M Competition. The new kid on the block is definitely in high demand and most people are interested in how it compares to its rivals in a straight line. Apparently, BMW delivered as the S58 engine under the hood puts down more power than anyone expected, allowing the M car to be a worthy opponent on the drag strip.
Today we’re taking a look at how the BMW X3 M Competition handles itself against its sole Italian rival, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadtrifoglio Verde. The QV version of the Stelvio is the fastest of the range, as you might expect. Under the hood hides a six-cylinder turbocharged engine some are saying Ferrari fiddled with. The 2.9-liter powerplant has its cylinders displaced in a V unlike on the BMW where we’re dealing with an inline configuration.
Both cars have all-wheel drive systems which means they should launch rather well. They also have nearly the same power outputs, rated at 503 HP and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Furthermore, the two powerful SUVs have 8-speed automatic gearboxes to rely on. The problem here though is the crew that’s doing the testing. Why? Because the guys from The Fast Lane Car are known for having issues with BMW’s Launch Control feature.
Mainly, they don’t know how to activate it. That’s painfully obvious during their first run, where the BMW X3 M driver puts the car in manual mode and forgets to shift. The second race is not a lot better either, but at least he let the car change gears for itself.
It also looks like the Launch Control wasn’t used the second time round either as the result is pretty disappointing. Being more than a second off to 60 mph is a lot, even at 1 mile above sea level.
This is actually terrible! These guys are embarrassing…
That’s what I thought as well. The worst drag race I’ve ever seen. Absolutely terrible. Hell, even Top Gear is much better than this!
lol ….no this is as horrible as top gear…lets just be happy the grand tour exist
The guy that drove the X3 M is a joke lol
He is puppet. Just look at him.
BMW, the CS badge has no identity.
E9.
Sure. The 1st 6 and 8 are having it as well. But I’m not the one who doesn’t know about them.
There’s no link between those and these. If Competition versions are justified by providing a bit more (still no identity), the CS does what? A bit more “a bit more”? Because a CSL has all the weight.
I can’t imagine people dreaming of a CS just because it is a CS and not a good (even if it is expensive) package.
Given the nomenclature BMW have marketed through the years (ti, tii, L, M, Turbo, CSL, 3/15, Isetta, 501, et al…), Club Sport is one of the most recognizable & least likely to be ripped off by Musk, VAG or Mazda.
BMW anticipate X3 will be best-selling M model because they know not only what they’re doing, but that ownership experience (& repeat customers, aka none for Stelvio, or FCA) is more than drag race times – warranty, dealerships, parts availability, lease rates. To name but a few. These 2 aren’t even comparable.
How do they call themselves auto journalist and they don’t know how to use the super simple LC? This is a joke …
I can not believe that in 21st century there are car reviewers, these are people who are supposed to bе car enthusiasts, car gurus, people who know more about the cars than you and me , who can’t just activate a simple LC on a 21st century car. That’s ridiculous . My grandmother can activate LC. Just press M1 button with preset settings on it and there you have it. I am sorry but to me that can only be an imbessils.
I see this way to often its like its impossible to launch a BMW …which i dont understand because its easy …even if you dont have the preset settings
this is how hard is to launch F10 M5 in real life , and I am asking all journalists and BMW blog subscribers to watch it carefully https://youtu.be/VopW6u3V4hY
Alfa romeo Stelvio (brillante con el motor Ferrari), BMW M POWER (fantástico), Tesla… ? pffff valiente mierda eléctrica. Si este es el futuro yo me bajo aquí.
Just as expected, butt hurt BMW enthusiasts.