The BMW X3 M40i vs the X3 M

Do you know where BMW M really started? No, not the M1. A little later, when some silly engineers thought it might be a good idea to stuff the good bits of that super car into a sedan. The E28 M5 was born. Aww, so cute. But there was another, less celebrated sibling – the M535i. That’s right, M Performance models were both there from the beginning. Now it’s almost 50 years later, and I’d like to ask a question – what’s the difference between an M Performance model, and a true M? To answer, I pit my BMW X3 M40i vs the X3 M.

The BMW X3 M40i vs the X3 M

BMW X3 M40i vs X3 M — There can only be one.

I’ve done this once before, when I took my old X3 xDrive30i against an X4 M40i. The X4 won – it was a better car that really gave useful performance upgrades. And if you want a famous inline-six under the hood of your X3, then it must have an M badge on it.

The difference between the M40i and the M is much more narrow, something I’ll highlight by grabbing a base X3 M – no Competition here. That means 473 horses vs 382, a 91 pony difference. While we’re at it, let’s mention that the base price of the M is $74,400, while my well-equipped M40i rings the register at $66,725 – a $7,675 difference.

BMW X3 M vs X3 M40i — Unlike some M cars, these two are pretty close aesthetically.

Full M used to mean something different, sharing fewer parts with their lesser siblings. Do you see a bespoke V-10 anywhere here? No matter – the cars are better than ever, and you can still track your X3 M in confidence, knowing it won’t overheat.

But you’re not here for numbers. Does my little ol’ M Performance X3 match up to the big boy?

Second Place: The BMW X3 M

2022 BMW X3 M quick take

Get one:

The S58. Subtle M touches give a stealthy look. You need real speed because the kids are always late.

Don’t get one:

Pretty sure the ride is used as a form of torture. Heavy. Not as nice inside as its cheaper sibling.

Soul Score: 7

Full M. That’s what you asked for in a 4,500-lb truck, isn’t it?

Now wait just a minute before you fire up the emails and start rage-messaging me.

“It’s your car, of course you’ll like it better.”

“If this were an M340i vs an M3, you’d pick the M3.”

“If this were a Competition, it would have won.”

All valid points. But here we are.

Performance Score: 9. M Power

Engine and Transmission

If you think of the X3 M as a tall M3, I think you’ve probably never driven one. Fast SUVs are always going to be weird to me. The high center of gravity and weight means you start life at a disadvantage.

But this is M, and that can mean magic. Right away, you notice the difference the S58 engine makes. It’s like a B58, just more. Sounds better too. Well, maybe louder. Slide the shifter to the right, plant your foot on the throttle and off you go. The official specs say this is a half-second quicker to 60, but they are lying. It feels much faster.

The X3 M does get the cool shifter from an M3 Competition.

While both cars have a ZF eight-speed, the transmission is much more robust here, with quicker shifts and more intelligence. “I knew you wanted that gear!” it always seems to say with confidence. The M40i will do it too, but you must be in sport mode and you must be on it. And it’s not nearly as happy about it as this X3 M is.

X3 M — While M cars used to get specific gauges, the all-digital dash takes away some of that uniqueness. Aside from font, what’s so different?

Suspension and Steering

To combat the giant hole an X3 punches in the air, BMW gave it the Clarkson treatment with more power. But to give it the handling ability you expect of an M car, it needed to firm up the suspension…a lot.

The result is punishment. Pot hole? BOOM. Pebble? BOOM. Pillow…brace yourself. Everything in the road causes you to clench your lower cheeks. The X3 M is actually 300 pounds heavier than the M40i, and it feels it in the way it clomps down the road.

X3 M — Here at least are M buttons for calling up your settings.

Still, there’s goodness here. The M40i feels downright aloof compared to the X3 M. Wider, more aggressive tires help (though the M40i has lower profile rubber), as does a quicker steering rack. Ride height looks to be the same to me, so don’t think your X3 M won’t need some kind of lowering springs.

I’ve spilled enough digital ink about modern BMW steering. Both cars feel the same, which is to say lifeless. I wonder if a Macan is better.

Brakes

X3 M — Red calipers poke out from behind 20-inch wheels.

The X3 M has vented and cross-drilled discs, so they look a bit cooler, but the hardware really is almost identical. I’ll tell you what – we’ll call this a wash because what you really want, no, what you require for serious speed, are a set of carbon ceramic discs. Big boys fade fast.

Features and Comfort: 6. M-issing

Hop into my time machine, and climb aboard an E60 M5. Check out the awesome M-specific gauges that looked like they came out of a chrono-watch factory. Inhale that amazing leather smell. Squish your butt into the supportive seat back. M cars are not made by Alpina, but they should feel as special inside, no?

When you opt for a base X3 M, you get some bargain basement stuff inside. Vernasca Leather, with what feel like very similar seats to the M40i are inside. Opt for Sport Seats out of an M3, and Merino Leather is required, essentially adding $2,000 to the price. You can have carbon fiber trim, but that’s also an option on the M40i (though mine has Aluminum Rhombicle).

X3 M — The seats just aren’t very comfortable.

X3 M — Carbon trim is a nice touch that’s also available on the 40i. And why isn’t is continued on the steering wheel as in the M3?

X3 M — No Shadowline trim looks odd when parked next to an X3 that has it.

They’ve given grille badges to the X3 M40i as well, taking away another point of coolness for the M.

Same steering wheels, no sun roof (feels like a must-have to let some air inside the dark cabin), and no Shadowline Trim either, so the M40i actually looks just as sporty on the outside. Spoiler is a neat look though.

The price of performance

To really get the X3 M experience, you need to go well past $80,000. Equip the M with everything out of the M Performance model, and you have a price closer to 90k.

Is the X3 M faster and more capable than its cheaper sibling? Absolutely. Is it a better car? Not in base form. Either go for a Competition model, or for this…