BMW X3 M40i rockets in from $99,900 plus ORCs

BMW has announced pricing and specification for its first M-tuned X3 variant, the 265kW X3 M40i, that is set to rocket into Australian showrooms in July from $99,900 plus on-road costs.

The pricetag makes it $15,000 dearer than the current range-topper, the diesel xDrive30d, although its extra cost is offset by the inclusion of a number of go-fast goodies from BMW’s M division.

Powering the M40i is BMW’s signature 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 265kW of power at 5500-6500rpm and 500Nm of torque at1520-4800rpm, teamed with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

This places it in direct competition with rivals such as the Audi SQ5 (260kW/500Nm), Mercedes-AMG GLC43 (270kW/520Nm), Jaguar F-Pace S (280kW/460Nm), Porsche Macan Turbo (290kW/550Nm) and Volvo XC60 T8 R-Design (300kW/640Nm).

Price-wise, the X3 M40i sits in the middle of the pack – more affordable than the GLC43 ($102,111), F-Pace ($104,827) and Macan Turbo ($133,500), but dearer than the XC60 ($92,990) and SQ5 ($99,611).

Power is sent to the road via an M Performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system, with fully-variable torque split, M Sport differential, dynamic stability control and launch control.

The zero-to-100km/h sprint is completed in 4.8 seconds, while combined fuel economy is rated at 8.9 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions at 204 grams per kilometre.

Contributing to a sporty performance are adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes with blue callipers. An M Sport performance exhaust gives the inline six a distinctive bark.

Wheels are 21-inch light alloys in choice of two styles The M40i is also differentiated from the outside by the M Aerodynamics package, Cerium Grey body trim elements, Black Chrome tailpipe embellishers and high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trims and roof rails.

Inside, the M40i gets Vernasca leather upholstery, anthracite headliner, M leather steering wheel, aluminium trim and vinyl-covered instrument panel.

BMW’s iDrive 6 infotainment system has a customisable 10.25-inch touchscreen display, while the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also can be customised to suit each of the driving modes – Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

Sound is piped through a 16-speaker harman/kardon sound system, while BMW ConnectedDrive services offer real-time traffic information and intelligent emergency calling.

Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, front cross-traffic warning, steering and lane control assistant with lane change warning, parking assistant, front and rear sensors, and cameras with surround view, panorama view and 3D view.

Launched in all-new guise in November last year, the X3 has started 2018 on a positive note with 511 sales in January, representing a 99.6 per cent increase over the 256 it sold in the first month of 2017.

It leads the $60,000-plus medium SUV segment for sales ahead of the Mercedes-Benz GLC (471), Audi Q5 (321), Lexus NX (288), Land Rover Discovery Sport (287) and Porsche Macan (285).

2018 BMW X3 pricing*

sDrive20i (a)	$65,900
xDrive20d (a)	$68,900
xDrive30i (a)	$75,900
xDrive30d (a)	$83,900
M40i (a)	$99,900

*Excludes on-road costs