We wish the additional energy and enhanced tools that comes with the Competitors mannequin. It provides a gloss-black grille and mirror caps and nets a regular sport exhaust system and black 21-inch wheels (versus 20s on the common M). Its inside upgrades embrace distinct “M” badging, extra supportive entrance seats, and richer Merino leather-based. Among the many myriad choices, we might additionally choose the Govt and M Driver’s packages. The previous provides copious luxuries corresponding to a head-up show, a heated steering wheel, gesture controls, a panoramic sunroof, self-parking help, and wi-fi smartphone charging. The latter unlocks a better prime velocity (177 mph versus 155) and sooner or later {of professional} driving classes.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

This crossover’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder is as easy as it’s highly effective. The BMW mill has been massaged by the M efficiency division to make between 473 and 503 horsepower and between 457 and 479 pound-feet of torque. The additional energy is reserved for the Competitors mannequin, which additionally provides a regular sport exhaust system and 21-inch wheels. Each X3 M comes with an eight-speed automated transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that may ship one hundred pc of the engine’s torque to the again wheels when wanted. The 2023 X3 M Competitors we examined was absurdly fast and shockingly agile for what it’s. It ripped to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, closed the hole between 50 and 70 mph in 3.1 ticks, and accomplished the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds at 119 mph. For context, the BMW M3 sports activities sedan is barely slower than the SUV to 60 mph, hitting that mark in 3.5 seconds. The M3 pulls away from the X3 M within the quarter-mile, although. The X3 M additionally stops from 70 mph in the identical 146 ft as that sedan and circles our skidpad with a formidable 0.97 g of grip. The X3 M is likely to be too hardcore for most individuals to understand every single day, as its experience could be very agency even with the usual adaptive dampers of their softest setting. The thick-rimmed steering wheel transmits a decent quantity of suggestions, with the steering by no means stopping us from having fun with the decrease limits of its spectacular capabilities.

Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG

The X3 M with or with out the Competitors package deal is predicted to earn 15 mpg within the metropolis and 20 mpg on the freeway. These figures fall considerably wanting rivals such because the 505-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (with 17 and 23 mpg, respectively). Nevertheless, the Bimmer carried out higher in the true world. On our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy route, which is a part of our in depth testing routine, the X3 M delivered 25 mpg. For comparability, we noticed 21 mpg within the Stelvio QF. For extra details about the X3 M’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The 2023 X3 M shares its up to date inside design with the common X3. The total-blown M model enjoys extra normal options and an assortment of unique particulars. The latter primarily consists of “M” badging, crimson drive-mode buttons on the steering wheel, and aggressively bolstered entrance seats. The Competitors package deal brings entrance chairs with much more bolstering. All through the cabin, enticing supplies showcase BMW’s adherence to upscale aesthetics. Together with this crossover’s normal leather-based upholstery and selectable inside accents, BMW has supplied a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 14-way energy entrance seats, customizable ambient inside lighting, and heated front-seat cushions. Nonetheless not swanky sufficient? Patrons can go for finer leather-based and a number of premium choices, together with a head-up show, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and facet window shades within the rear. There’s loads of passenger house for all, in addition to a beneficiant quantity of cargo room. We managed to suit seven carry-on suitcases behind the X3’s rear seat and 20 with the seatbacks folded. Patrons of the mechanically comparable X4 M will hand over a few of that house to that mannequin’s dramatically sloped rear finish.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each X3 M comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gives myriad management strategies. Along with the contact functionality of the display screen, BMW offers a bodily quantity knob on the middle stack and controls on the steering wheel. There’s additionally a rotary controller on the middle console surrounded by shortcut buttons. Well-liked normal options embrace a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, built-in navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and charging ports all through the cabin. Those that need much more bells and whistles can add gesture controls and wi-fi charging through the excellent Govt package deal.

Security and Driver-Help Options

The compact luxurious crossover has a whole suite of normal driver-assistance know-how in addition to a handful of non-compulsory tools corresponding to self-parking help. For extra details about the X3 M’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Customary blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
• Customary lane-departure warning
• Accessible adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

BMW offers a aggressive restricted guarantee and common powertrain safety plan in contrast with its luxurious rivals. Whereas the corporate’s complimentary upkeep plan is shorter than Jaguar’s, it is considerably higher than what others provide on this class.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs