The ‘BMW X3 On Steroids’ Is Here!

• BMW X3 M comes to India as a completely built unit (CBU).
• Prime rivals are the Porsche Macan S and the locally assembled Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe.
• The X3 M is powered by a 3.0-litre straight six developing 480PS and 600Nm.
• 0-100kmph comes up in a blisteringly quick 4.2 seconds!

BMW India has launched the X3 M performance SUV at Rs 99.90 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the first time BMW is offering a faster version of the X3 in India and that too a day ahead of its arch-rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe’s debut. 

The X3 M’s piece de resistance is under the hood. A mighty 3.0-litre in-line six engine replaces the standard model’s 2.0-litre engines and puts out 480PS and 600Nm of thrust! Nought to 100kmph comes in a blisteringly quick 4.2 seconds with an electronically limited 250kmph top speed. This is no doubt helped by the quick shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drivetrain. 

The X3 M’s chassis and underpinnings have gone under the knife as well. For starters, it comes with three drive modes: Comfort/Efficient, Sport and Sport+ that alter various parameters including the electronic dampers for a better driving experience. You can customise these parameters individually and access them by pressing the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel. Last but not least, you can set the all-wheel-drive system to be more rear biased so as to let the tail slip out. 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Then there are the M-specific styling upgrades that complement the additional performance. The X3 M comes with a sportier set of bumpers and ‘M’ branded 20-inch alloy wheels. A peek beneath them reveals sweet looking ‘M’ branded brake callipers. You can also opt for a dark theme which replaces the shiny bits with a stealthier black finish. 

The M-specific upgrades continue on the inside with an M-branded steering wheel and sports seats with thick side bolsters to hold you in place. But my favourite bit, without a doubt, has to be the M-branded seatbelts with red and blue stitching. It looks exquisite! 

Some of the feature highlights are a 10.25-inch i-Drive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker infotainment system, ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, three-zone climate control, a digital instrument display, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitor. 

Sports SUVs ain’t as appealing as supercars, but they are more practical and offer almost similar thrills. The X3 M’s arch-rivals are the Porsche Macan S and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe. While you certainly get the thrilling driving experience of a BMW in the X3 M, the Mercedes could offer better value as it’s locally assembled. It’s likely to have a starting price of Rs 80 lakh, almost Rs 20 lakh cheaper than the fully imported X3 M.