Would you spend the extra cash for the X3M or is the X3 M40i enough?
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This is the BMW X3, but it’s packing the legendary B58 straight 6 under the hood which makes it the M40 version. And while we’ve had experience with the previous car, this is the LCi or facelifted version - so is it still the best sporty compact SUV on sale? That’s what we’re here to find out

And how could we not start with the beating heart, the B58 from BMW

However, there’s a difference between this one and the pre-facelifted version

THIS B58 is now packing a 48V mild hybrid system

That 48V system itself is good for 11 hp, but it’s not exactly intended to boost performance much on its own. The system is intended to take load off the engine by running onboard electronics etc. This allows the engine to better turn its explosions into speed. Interestingly enough, the addition of the 48V system doesn’t alter the 382 hp and 369 lbft claim from the last X3

But here’s the thing. We all know this engine is underrated

It’s making more like 420 hp

AND the 48V system DOES do helpful things like smooth out start/stop and gear changes from the ZF 8 speed transmission

What t results in is 0-60 in just about 4 seconds flat…pretty impressive

There’s no surprise this X3 M40 is quick but as a sports SUV from BMW there’s also an expectation that it can get around corners…

And, no surprise here, it goesa round corners very well

I mean, not as well as a coupe or sedan, but in terms of sport SUVs, behind the wheel this shares a place at the top of the heap with company like the Porsche MAcan GTS

It’s got adaptive suspension
It’s got a nice and progressive steering feel
And it’s got a LSD on the back

I mean even in these wintery February conditions this thing is really rewarding to push hard

HOWEVER, this X3 in M40 guise has been accused in the past of being too narrowly focused on sporting performance and doesn’t split the personality enough to deliver a luxury-level ride…So does that still ring true for this facelifted model?

To address this we have to think about things in relative terms

With the raised ride height of an SUV
And with a highler roofline there’s more weight higher up

And what that results in is the suspension needing to be stiffer to deliver the sporting performance

And yes, this X3 has adaptive suspension, but even dialed back the dampers remain a little stiffer than you’d have in the 4 cylinder X3

But again, you bought an X3 with an M badge on it so you could have seen that coming

And in truth, while the ride isn’t a floaty luxury boat, it’s still pretty comfy even on these terrible West Allis roads