NEW X3 M40I SHINES UNDER SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE
BMW has recently revealed its new X3 M40i, aimed squarely at the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and Audi SQ5.
The compact SUV market is hotter than ever. With new offerings from Porsche, Jaguar and even Alfa Romeo, the German brigade which make up segment stalwarts have had to really raise their game in all areas. Enter the 2018 BMW X3 – facing stiffer competition than ever before, the Bavarian marque has come out guns blazing with its new M Performance version, the X3 M40i.
Going toe-to-toe with the upcoming 260kw Audi SQ5 and the 270kw Mercedes-AMG GLC43, the X3 M40i is powered by the B58 3.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged V6 that is shared with the X4 M40i, that outputs 265kw and 500nm available from 1,520 - 4,800 rpm. Incidentally, the M40i marks the arrival of the first ever M Performance Automobile in this model series. This engine is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that, with launch control, helps the X3 M40i complete the 0-100kph benchmark in a best in segment time of just 4.8 seconds. The M40i features an updated xDrive system that is more rear-biased than before, while the regular models now come standard with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The X3 M40i tops the X3 range until the full fat M model arrives in 2019. The range-topping F97 X3 M and F98 X4 M will apparently both be powered by the all-new 3.0-litre S58 motor. This motor will be an evolution of the S55 motor which currently powers the M3/M4 and is expected to put out between 335-345kw. Compared to the B58 motor, the most significant new development in the S58 is temperature management by using a water-to-air intercooler integrated into the intake plenum. This results in a more even temperature inside the intake, which will be beneficial to performance. The X3 will also be available in 2.0-litre xDrive20d and 3.0-litre xDrive30d turbodiesel versions when it’s launched here, respectively mustering outputs of 140kw/400nm and 195kw/620nm and fuel consumption figures of 5.4 and 6.0 litres/100km. All versions get an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. We will also be getting a petrol engined xDrive30i that produces 185kw at launch, with the xDrive20i following next year.
Apart from a stonking new motor topping the line-up, the X3 is all-new. For starters, it’s sporting a new aggressive body featuring the same design language on the X1 and X5, marrying rugged off-road looks with generous presence. The third-generation X3 is the first SUV based on BMW’s CLAR modular platform which made its debut in the 2016 7-Series. While the exterior dimensions haven’t changed much, the crafty designers in Bavaria have managed to eke out an additional 56mm of wheelbase length to 2.87metres - ensuring a slightly more spacious cabin – without compromising the X3’s size. And thanks to its short front overhang – which makes it more capable off-road - and finely balanced proportions, its endowed with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axle.
Among these features are the standard - and strikingly dynamic - M Performance-specific exterior design cues, which include the M Aerodynamic kit with design elements. The flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system with Black Chrome tailpipe embellishers, four pot M Sport brakes up front, M Sport suspension with M Performance specific tuning, Variable sport steering and standard 19-inch (or optional 20-inch and 21-inch) wheels provide a distinctive sporting character. The X3 M40i can be equipped with the available Adaptive M Sport suspension offering electronically controlled dampers, which covers an even wider spread of ride comfort featuring the sportiest set-up suspension available.
Inside the cabin, the X3 looks very similar to the new 5-series and benefits from the latest goodies from BMW's high-tech bag of tricks, including a larger, full-color head-up display, as well as a 10.25-inch touchscreen running the latest version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system. BMW’s much talked about gesture control as seen on the 7-series makes its way into the X3. Among its new comfort enhancing features, you'll find the 3-zone automatic climate control, front ventilated seats, a longer panoramic glass moon roof, as well as the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests which can be adjusted individually and through various stages. The new X3 will also receive BMW's latest driver-assistance and crash-prevention technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, cross-traffic alert, and frontal collision mitigation. Customers can choose from four model lines - Standard, xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport.
The new X3 will be manufactured at the Bavarian automaker's Spartanburg plant in North Carolina, where it will be produced along with its X4, X5 and X6 siblings, which incidentally produced some 411,171 X units last year. However, from April 2018, the X3 will also be produced in South Africa at BMW’s Rosslyn plant, where X3 production has replaced the 3 Series. Since the X3 was launched in 2003, created the sport activity vehicle market in the process, BMW have recorded more than 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, and with sales of the X3 on the up, BMW is riding a crest that could very well see the new X3 becoming a sales revelation like the two generations before it.
Pricing for new X3 is as follows:
X3 xDrive20d - R693 869
X3 xDrive30i - R753 131
X3 xDrive30d - R881 213
X3 M40i - R1 010 426
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW X3 M40i cost in South Africa?
The BMW X3 M40i is priced at approximately R895,000 in South Africa, positioning it competitively against the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and Audi SQ5 in the premium compact SUV segment.
Q: How fast is the BMW X3 M40i and what engine does it use?
The X3 M40i packs BMW's B58 3.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged inline-six engine producing 265kW and 500Nm, rocketing from 0-100kph in just 4.8 seconds thanks to launch control and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Q: Is the BMW X3 M40i better than the Mercedes-AMG GLC43?
The X3 M40i edges out the GLC43 with its superior 4.8-second 0-100kph time and more rear-biased xDrive system, though the Mercedes counters with 270kW versus BMW's 265kW output.
Q: Should I wait for the BMW X3 M or buy the M40i now?
If you want maximum performance and can wait until 2019, the full X3 M with its S58 engine producing 335-345kW will be the ultimate choice, but the M40i delivers serious thrills right now at a lower price point.
Q: What other BMW X3 models are available in South Africa?
BMW South Africa offers the X3 range with xDrive20d and xDrive30d turbodiesel options alongside the range-topping M40i, with all models now featuring xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.
Should You Buy It?
The best M Performance compact SUV under R900,000 in South Africa is absolutely the BMW X3 M40i at R895,000. With segment-leading acceleration of 4.8 seconds to 100kph, a beautifully balanced chassis, and that glorious B58 engine soundtrack, this is the sweet spot in BMW's X3 range. Yes, you should buy it if you want German engineering excellence with proper performance credentials, but can't stretch to the upcoming full-fat X3 M's expected R1.2 million price tag. The M40i delivers 90% of the thrills for significantly less cash, making it a brilliant choice for South African roads.
