2022 BMW X3 M40i review: What’s Not to Like?

Auto123 reviews the 2022 BMW X3 M40i.

There’s an embarrassment of riches in the luxury SUV and crossover segment these days, specifically if your shoe size is sub-compact or compact. I recently got behind the wheel of the 2022 edition of the BMW X3 M40i, technically the second version of the third generation of the model. Like a fine wine, the SUV - which has roughly the same dimensions as the very first BMW X5 from the 2000s - has aged well. Very well indeed. In fact, this specific version of the 5 is possibly my favourite pick of the compact luxury SUV litter.

Some people will say to me: “Vincent, you're going for the compromise choice again with this M40i version”. Well yes, it's true that the X3 tattooed with the little "M" fits between the 4-cylinder X3 and the explosive 503-hp X3 M Competition. I admit, I often end up preferring the middle child, and for good reason, in my mind: our road network is not very welcoming to performance beasts like the X3 M, no matter that they glue smiles on their drivers’ faces. I don’t relish the prospect of having to have my tester towed back to HQ on the bed of a tow truck…

Besides, there are speed limits on every Canadian highway, which obviously puts a damper on my enthusiasm when I'm behind the wheel of a super-sporty beast.

By the way, as alluded to above, my experience with the X3 included a BMW ski/snowboard rack on the roof, which I mention because it did increase the decibel level in the cabin quite a bit due to the increased wind noise.

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