5 Facts You Should Know About Soon To Be Launched BMW X3 M40i

BMW is planning to inject more of its sportier DNA into the X3. Yes, you heard it right,  the sportier X3 with the "M40i" suffix will be launched soon in India, with the same powerhouse as the M340i . Mind you, this isn’t a full fledged X3 M that we got with the pre-facelift car, but still a car with all the ‘M’ elements to have you excited about.  We've gathered five important facts regarding BMW's upcoming SUV:

Sportier Exterior Design Elements

The addition of the M moniker brings more appeal to the looks of the X3 with its sportier design touches. It now gets blacked out kidney grilles, blacked out headlights and of course, a new set of 20-inch M alloy wheels, dialling up the aggression. If this isn’t enough for you, the SUV also gets M-Sport brakes with red painted callipers, and also, the dual exhaust pipes finished in black.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: BMW India’s 2023 Launch Plans Revealed

M-Sport Specific Interior

The sportier appeal continues as you get inside the cabin of the X3 M40i. It features an all black dashboard with Sensatec black upholstery and splashes of carbon fibre elements. Aside from that, the changes from the standard car includes an M-Sport specific steering wheel and seat belts, which further appeals over the standard version of the X3.

More Power Under The Hood

The X3 M40i has the same powertrain seen on the M340i, which is a 3.0-litre inline six cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 360PS and 500Nm. Despite having the same engine, the X3 M40i makes 14PS less power than M340i, however the torque output remains the same. This difference also translates to the acceleration time from zero to 100kmph, the X3 M40i takes 4.9 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds slower than the M340i.

Upgraded Mechanicals

More power means more fun, but what it also requires is the ability to handle all that rush. This version of the X3 comes with an adaptive M-suspension system which has electronically controlled dampers which adjusts itself according to the road conditions for tighter handling.

That’s not it. The X3 M40i is also equipped with M-differential, which directs power to the wheel with better grip, allowing for better exits, especially when attacking a set of twisties.  And not to forget, the steering rack has been tweaked for faster turn in and precise handling.

Expected Price & Rivals

BMW could price the X3 M40i at around Rs 85 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on the X3, the sportier version of this SUV will take on the likes of Porsche Macan and Mercedes-AMG GLC. Its bookings will commence from April 19, and the launch is expected soon.