The 2022 BMW X3 M40i Is An SUV You Look Forward To Driving Each Day

Let’s face it, most people buy an SUV because they have a couple of kids and decide they need that extra seating capacity, additional cargo space, and that higher seating position to see the road ahead of them. And while these are all valid reasons to purchase an SUV, what you end up giving up is that fun-to-drive nature that you can only get from small, sporty cars.

But BMW doesn’t think that you should have to choose as they’ve proven with the new 2022 BMW X3 M40i, which delivers the perfect blend of sporty performance and functional utility. And after spending a week with this sporty SUV, I’m tempted to come over to the dark side, as it’s just an all-around fun car that doesn’t make any compromises!

Now you might be asking yourself, how can a 4,000-pound SUV with a high center of gravity possibly be considered sporty? It starts with what’s under the hood, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The X3 M40i rockets from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 155mph.

That’s faster than most cars on the road today, and keep in mind this isn’t even the top-tier BMW X3 M (which makes between 473-503HP depending on trim). This is the same engine found in a number of other BMWs (and the Toyota Supra 3.0), and it’s an absolute screamer of an engine. It also benefits from a 48-volt mild hybrid-system, which can instantly deliver an additional 11HP off-the-line and during acceleration.

An eight-speed automatic transmission delivers power to all four wheels, and there are paddle shifters mounted behind the steering-wheel if you want to manually take over as you carve a few corners. The transmission is ultra-responsive as is though, so I left it in Sport mode for the most part and let it handle the shifting for me. But on one particularly twisty road, I took over to keep the revs up, and the shifts were crisp and immediate.

Of course, it’s not just about big power. BMW paid equal attention to the truck’s handling, and they absolutely nailed it, delivering the perfect blend of agility and ride comfort. The BMW X3 M40i come equipped with an adaptive M suspension, M sport brakes, and an M sports exhaust system. In addition, the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system is tuned for a more rear-oriented torque split. Integrated in DSC and acting on the rear wheels, Performance Control has also been given a new set-up to provide the typical M level of dynamics, agility and traction.

Put it all together, and you’ve got one seriously engaging SUV, which put a smile on my face every time I took it out. Compared to an X5 I drove recently, the X3 is nimbler in the corners thanks to its smaller footprint, and it’s easier to park in tight spaces. I also think it looks a bit better, getting a handful of exterior updates that really freshen up the look of the car and give it a properly aggressive look that stands out among the sea of boring SUVs.

Visually, the BMW X3 gets a redesigned BMW kidney grille, headlights, front & rear bumpers, exhaust trim and rear lights for 2022. The BMW X3 M40i is 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 in black chrome and the striking “Two Teeth” design ensure a distinctive look. Our car was also fitted with 20-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels (19″ wheels are standard).

The interior of the X3 has also been updated, with the center console borrowing heavily from the BMW 4 Series, along with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital display, updated iDrive 7, and greater use of ambient lighting throughout the interior. I’m a big fan of BMW interiors, and this is up there with the best of them. And shout out to the heated steering wheel (part of the Premium Package), which kept my hands nice and toasty on those super cold winter mornings.

After spending a week with the BMW X3, it’s easy to see why it’s the company’s best-seller in the United States. It delivers almost as much fun as a 3 Series does, but with extra space for kids and such, while still holding true to the “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan that they’ve long been known for. If I had a family and was in the market for an SUV, the X3 M40i would most definitely be on my shortlist.

The 2022 BMW X3 M40i has a starting price of $57,800, while our lightly optioned tester came in at $64,290. You can learn more about the new BMW X3 here.