2022 BMW X3 M COMPETITION: The SUV that wants to take your M3 away!

MotoMan trades in all the M3 and M4 BMWs we have been driving as of late for a tall BMW M3 Competition xDrive: The 503 HP BMW X3 M Competition. He attempts to answer the question: Can a smaller, performance SUV be good enough to replace the likes of the BMW M3, Mercedes C 63s and Audi RS5 on which these types of SUVs are based . . . the answer will scare most car folks.


#BMW #BMWX3M #BMWX3MCompetition #X3MCompetition


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MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People

[Dapster]

I had the M40i for 18 months then went for the X3M Competition. M40i was a softer ride and relatively quick. The X3M is a harder ride but the sound and performance puts a grin on your face every time you drive it.

[kabes-us]

Respect the initial opinion of some reviewers and nothing personal against MotoMan, but I have to chime in here. I don't understand how reviews can have such firm positions when keeping a press car for only a few hours. I've had my '22 X3M comp since January and I still don't think it has peaked yet. If you are considering, don't let the harsh teeth rattling ride comments scare you away. The ride feels great if you want a nicely tuned sporty vehicle. Yes, it's firm, but I feel the ride stiffness thing has become a little overly exaggerated by many reviewers. If you drop it in comfort you'll have even a more compliant feel. Who buys an M comp and expects a plush ride anyway. We are practically taking track cars on the street. Not sure I understand the who buys these vehicles comment either. Maybe people just like the way they look and prefer it as a daily rather than a spine breaking sports car. I think when SUVs first came out the demo was geared towards the soccer mom. In 2022 the market has grown beyond that and I find the whole grocery getter type of comments to be very dated at this point.

[davecampise]

After having my license for 24 year and owning over a dozen vehicles from a 4Runner to a 911, this vehicle has everything a driver wants. All these older guys reviewing it have the same thing to say. "I dont understand it, but its incredible"

[bunphettered]

One of the best looking high-performance SUVs on market today. 👍

[Jay-Z-]

I really don’t understand how there is lack of understanding of the performance SUV market. I used to have a designated sports car and baby buggy, but it was an immense expense and a hassle. Two insurance policies, twice the upkeep and maintenance expense, twice the depreciation, twice the work to keep clean, and I only have so many garage spots…so to me, having one car that can do multiple things makes a ton of sense. Plus, 99% or more of sports cars dont actually see the track so the fractional performance that one gives up for immense gains of practicality, like holding a stroller, car seats, and ability to drive in snow make a performance SUV an attractive option for a consumer who has children.
A wagon could make some sense, but they are not as good in snow and most Americans just dont like the looks of them.

[jamisonz]

That frozen paint looks amazing！
I would definitely pick an X4M with this color.

[michaelmesolellaesq]

Best all around car I’ve ever owned. And - the ride isn’t anywhere as near as you have described. It’s far better, and you if you want softer (why are you looking at M cars) put on different rubber for a softer ride. It’s superb. The I don’t get these cars media line needs to just stop. They’ve been out uhhh for quite along time, and for people who need the space and want the fun, that’s all you really need to understand. Build quality? No idea how these guys spend a few hours and want to comment on overall quality lol. This thing is a tank. Tested them all, and the Macan doesn’t have the space or does everything the x3mc can do in every aspect. This isn’t a solid review.

[Markus]

That paint job is absolutely beautiful!

[micraw]

Almost got one of these but ended up picking up an X3 M40i instead. Loving it so far and about to tune it!

[aalberto]

I always love the M3 and always admire the ones I see out on the road. I'm glad that BMW offers the M3 in XM3 version for those who need a more practical vehicle. But ever since I bought 2 electric cars to daily drive (for me and my wife), my 3rd and only gas car (QX80) sat in the garage for almost 4 years. I got rid of it recently and went out car shopping to replace it. Had a strong urge to buy an M3 as a toy vehicle but ended up not justifying it since it defeated the purpose of me selling my gas car and needing an SUV as a 3rd vehicle. I ended up ordering a fully loaded iX 50 SUV instead.

[joesmith]

Nice, you are much smarter than the average car review guy.

[richardstreet]

I own an X3M Competition and the primary reason I chose this over an M3 is the fact that you can option a towbar. I need a towbar for my track car and there are few cars / SUVs that can offset this and the same dynamic performance so I feel it is a great all rounder.

[koopaGG]

Depreciation hit these pretty hard and now I'm starting to consider one. A used M3C xDrive is still around $85K in my area, but you can find these LCI X3MC's between $65-70K easily. Seems like a good deal at that price for what I'm guessing is 80-90% of the fun with more utility.

[claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Best car from BMW! You can always use 20 inch BBS wheels and a KS coilover to lower the centra of gravity…

[richlin]

I test drove the 2020 X3m and found the ride way to bouncy and stiff for a daily, did they fix it in the LCI?

[Whtmt]

Is that "frozen" color aftermarket? I don't see it online when I try to build...

[garyclark]

Kumo’s says you must’ve been running a temperature when you dreamt that dream.😉 So I am to understand that behind the schnoz of this and the M3/M4 is the same engine that requires the same air intake and cooling. 🤔 Ok then, it is a styling decision then.

[factorseries]

Let's see how the next c & glc63 e-performance hybrid change the game when phev AMG

[IceDree]

Pictures don't do that blue any justice, an X6 M was driving in front of me last night was the same color, magnificent. The black wheels are such a turn off though, I can't wait for that phase to die out.

On a side note, kudos for matching your shirt & socks with the X3, M.

[deenoc]

I think "BMW Individual Options" may just disappear and reappear as the "Alpina" version now that BMW have bought the Alpina company. That frozen colour is amazing though. Must be a nightmare to keep clean.