But weren’t SUVs made to rule the extreme terrains rather than fighting the air? It could have been that way in the past, but the current scenario is far from what we would have imagined. Just look back at the history, and you will find that’s how new products came into existence, and of course, that is how the inception of performance SUVs happened.
BMW is one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, and in case you know, the Munich headquartered automaker is known for giving cutthroat competition to its rivals. This time, India gets the BMW X3 M40i, a performance SUV capable of tackling extreme conditions but with top-notch on-road performance, as a part of portfolio expansion.
Want to learn more about it? Let’s have a look at the SUV below.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- BMW X3 M40i has made its debut in India.
- Powered by a 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
- Price of the SUV starts at Rs.86.50 Lakhs.
BMW X3 M40i
Exterior & Design
The latest version of the BMW X3 boasts a sportier design, with a sleek gloss black M grille that is accompanied by sharper LED headlamps. These headlamps incorporate Matrix Technology, which enhances their performance and makes them one of the best in the class. To improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce weight, BMW has made some revisions such as the M exterior mirrors, 20-inch light M alloy wheels, black tailpipes and M Sport Brake callipers. These updates enhance the overall look and feel of the new X3 M40i and are expected to surely grab a lot of attention.
Interior & Safety
Not much has changed inside the cabin but since, it is a performance SUV, the standard equipment has been replaced by M specific kit.
For starters, the standard steering wheel has been replaced by a sportier one. Similarly, changes in the form of edition-specific seats and seatbelts can also be witnessed inside the cabin.
BMW also boasts several best-in-class features on the new X3 M40i. The list includes a massive 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, wireless charging and a 360-degree camera with Park Assist among others.
German cars are known for their sturdy built and world-class safety features and the new X3 M40i is no less. To name a few, it comes equipped with 6 airbags, brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and ABS as standard.
Engine, Transmission & Performance
Under the hood, it will be using BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder M TwinPower turbocharged engine. Capable of producing 360 horsepower and 500Nm of peak torque, this power unit can push the X3 M40i to clock a triple-digit speed in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed limited at 250kmph.
Currently, this setup is available with an 8-speed automatic Steptronic Sport transmission.
For superior grip, X3 M40i gets the xDrive all-wheel drive system. Other than this, the SUV also features an M Sport differential to offer added stability, especially on the corners.
Price
BMW X3 M40i is priced at Rs.86.50 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and will land in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).