2023 BMW X3 M40i - Don't Bother With The Full M

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

[mikedot]

M40i is a beast. No better performance at that value in that class.

[Investor]

I've watched hundreds of X3 M40i reviews, and this is the first one on 19" tires discussing comfort and quietness. Thanks.

[kyler]

Completely agree the little suv is amazing. It has plenty of power and drives more than a sports car than a luxury SUV. Did you know that with the red interior you can’t get the cooled seats? That’s why that car doesn’t have them. Only thing I’ve noticed so far is the stereo system could use some help. And additional woofer somewhere in the back would do wonders. Other wise petty well perfect. Can’t thank Mike and the guys at international enough.
And thank you for the great video !

[pej]

I have a 2019 m40i with about 51k miles on it. It's been the best, most reliable, fun car I've ever owned. I'm considering upgrading to a 2023 before they stop making them. They want a lot of $$ to move up 4 years, so I may just wait and buy a used 2023 in a couple of years.

[Snaproll]

I took delivery of my '23 M40i in December, my third BMW since 2011, and it's a blast to drive on the winding country roads where I live. I was surprised to get 30.9 mpg while averaging 78mph on a long trip. My only negative is there is no tach display on the HUD. For potential buyers: I made the mistake of not upgrading to the Harmon-Kardon speakers. The standard speaker is a bit lame.

[miata]

This is nearly an identical M40i to the one we will be picking up in Greer at the Performance Center next month. Alpine White over Tacora Red Sensatec with the carbon fibre trim; but non-shadowline. I really appreciate seeing that tacora sensatec/carbon fibre interior! I totally agree with you on the benefits of iDrive 7 that retains the functional buttons now buried in the multi-level iDrive 8. One more reason we purchased this 2023 vrs the upcoming refresh. Thanks for posting!

[drewyager]

2018 here. I like the blue calipers better than the red ones

[johnevans]

I just love my X3 M40d, it the nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned with all the performance you’ll ever need. Don’t forget to spec “adaptive suspension “ for UK driving.

[edwindavidson]

Got the real (S58) M and am glad I did. That roar under heavy throttle was worth the price

[TonkaF]

UMMMM. FOR SURE "Bother" with the full M version!!!! I have the X3M Comp and its WORTH it for sure!

[JimHinCO]

Purchased my 2024 X3 M40i three weeks ago and love it. I thought I would miss my 2016 435ix grand coupe, but I don’t :)

[preoksaha]

Have a base 30i and it still does 0-60 in 5.5s. I can only imagine how amazing the m40i feels! One day baby!!

[dezrok]

Great review! Just took delivery of 2023 X3 M40i in Brooklyn Grey and tecora red seats. I'm loving the sound, drive, style and the fun. Wish there was a subwoofer in the back!

[gbrianjohnson]

I have the 2018 X3 M40I and its older and does not have the mild hybrid but I have added a Carbahn Tune so now its running close to 450 HP and 445 Lb Ft. Makes the need for a proper M car not as prominent. The new LCI looks good. Perhaps when mine is up there on miles in a few years I will pick up a 2023 used X3 M40I

[FastRedPonyCar]

I drove one of these last year when I was shopping around and I really liked it and also really liked the M340i but then I drove the X3M Comp and it was just game over. The X3M improves on every aspect of the driving experience in the same way the M3 does vs the M340i. Also, the X3M's can be found for crazy deals these days. Mine originally left the dealer with a 93k window sticker and I got it with about 8k miles for $73k.

MOST people don't need the full M but for the price they go for now, it's hard to recommend the M40i unless you really want a more comfortable ride and have no plans to drive sporty but if that's the case, just get the base X3.

[mydogbella]

My daughter has the 2020 x3 m40i stage two tune with downpipes, fastest car I've ever been in. Crazy!

[jsupreme]

I have the 2018 X3 M40i. I've had it for 5 years now. I test drove the X6M Competition at the BMW Exclusive AutoCross and it's a must that I get the X3M Competition. What a machine!

[Mr.Lambert]

I love my 2023 x3M40i, I have the black sapphire w. Shadowline pkg, black wheels w. Hi perform non RFT, tacora red interior..few opts an ofc the rear sports diff $1300 charge 😬. Excellent review! I love the sportiness. I enjoy it everyday

[essray]

Your videos on the m40i iced the decision for me. Picking up my ‘24 next week. I’ve had a 335i coupe and x1 35i. Ready to get my hands on the last of the great x3’s

[oldgoat]

I think the 22 and 23 are the best model years with iDrive 7. I tried out iDrive 8 but hated the less physical buttons and more glare under the sun. I’m guessing the next gen BMW will not put in B58 and will go with 4 cylinder only like what Mercedes does with its GLC.