OPINION | The BMW X3 M40i might be the best SUV for executives looking to downsize
- 285kW and 500Nm 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine is one of the best you can buy right now.
- Surprisingly light on fuel and comes with several driving modes to help you get the best out of it.
- Luxurious levels of standard equipment in M40i trim, but you can make it bespoke with several options.
Overall summary
We mentioned that the X3 M40i might be an ideal replacement for X5 drivers, and similar, to consider as a cost-effective solution. You can still enjoy the thundering performance you're used to in this car without having to fork out lots of money. For instance, an X5 M50i with a V8 engine will set you back around R1,8 million, and while it's 'only' R400 000 more than the X3 M40i, the V8 will use much more fuel and minimal performance benefit. Sure, you'll get slightly more space in an X5, but the X3 is also quite generous in terms of area.
We enjoyed the wide-opening doors that made it easy to get the kids in and out, and it was elementary to move child seats in and out of the car and just live with it as a daily driver. When BMW's fleet guys came to fetch the vehicle from the Wheels24 test car garage, I noticed we'd been averaging 10 litres per 100 kilometres, which was fantastic considering we used its performance when it was safe to do so. BMW says it will sip as little as 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres, and we don't doubt that. Seriously, if you're looking for a premium car that will suit your executive lifestyle, there's no need to stretch to an X5 anymore because the X3 has everything you will need, particularly in the M40i guise.
All BMW X3 models come with a five-year or 100 000km BMW Motorplan. The X3 M40i currently sells for R1 415 042.
The new BMW X3 M40i is so good that it makes us question the need for an X5 in the driveway.
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