BMW is probably the best at naming cars with letters and numbers.
I give you the 2022 BMW X3 M40i.
It’s mid-size luxury SUV to you and me. But it’s called a “Sports Activity Vehicle” per the venerable German automaker. Either way, it’s all-wheel drive and a keeper in my book.
The popular model receives meaningful enhancements in exterior design, drivetrain, infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems and available equipment and features. The six-cylinder X3 M40i engine also gains the benefits of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The star of the show is BMW’s 3.0-liter, twin-powered, turbocharged, inline, six-cylinder , 24-valve engine which now includes eBoost 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the combination generates 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes 4.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on the tire specification chosen. Magically, it also garners 26 miles per gallon fuel economy in combination city/highway driving.
X3 comes with a third-row seat, making it equipped to transport up to seven adults. With the rear seat folded flat, it was able to hold my daughter’s and her girlfriends luggage with room to spare when picked up at SeaTac.
The M Sport Package gives the BMW X3 a sportier and more aggressive appearance. The front bumper features significantly larger air intakes, inserts which are finished in a high-gloss black, as well as more pronounced air curtains. My tester came with 20-inch wheels and M Sport brakes with red brake calipers.
M40i further differentiates itself with a specific BMW M kidney grille and M double grille bars in high-gloss black and an M logo. Aerodynamically optimized M exterior mirrors in high-gloss black and free-form tailpipe trim create a distinctive look.
Standard features would take up all of the remaining space, and then some. Highlights include the navigation system, dual-zone climate controls, panoramic sunroof, satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alarm system, privacy glass , USB, Bluetooth and heated front and rear seats.
The X3’s “Driving Assistance Professional” package includes active Driving Assistant which combines active cruise control with stop & go-function, and active Lane Keeping assist with side collision avoidance. The radar-based system keeps you in your recognized lane and keeps your preselected distance from the vehicle ahead with autonomous braking, if needed. Also included in the package are front-cross traffic alert, active Lane Keeping assist with side collision avoidance, and evasion aid.
To give this a test, I took my hands off the steering wheel for an extended time, (but at the ready) and the BMW seemed to drive itself. It managed turns in the road and maintained centering within the lane. Pretty cool.
Completing the BMW X3 M40i’s exceptional package is more advanced safety technology to ensure your family stays safe on the road. Standard systems include cruise control with braking
function, as well as front collision warning with braking function for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, lane departure warning and active blind spot detection.
Base Price: $58,790
Price As Driven: $64,990
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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