2022 BMW X3 M40i Review: From Strength to Strength

This is the Goldilocks version of the X3.

Sitting smack dab in the middle of the refreshed 2022 BMW X3 lineup is this, the M40i. With the plug-in hybrid retired for the facelift—in the US, though not in Canada—this diet M model sits between the entry-level four-cylinder, and the hardcore X3 M.

That could result in a luxury crossover that falls between two seats: not as frugal and comfortable as the lower trims, lacking the supposed excitement of the top ones. Thankfully, the X3 instead blends the best attributes of BMW’s best-seller together. This is a compact SUV that does darn near everything well, with the frisson of driving enjoyment the brand once staked its reputation on.

We got our first taste of the 2022 X3 late last year, when we drove the four-cylinder model in California. The whole family sees subtle styling changes, mostly down to reshaped lighting elements and an enlarged, conjoined kidney grille. Redesigned LED elements within the taillights make for a much more unique look at night. It gives off a kind of hammerhead vibe, like the headlights on the new 2 Series Coupe—but maybe that’s just the shark gray of the tester?

More aggressive front and rear bumpers make it clear this is a sportier X3. Just in case it wasn’t clear, a smattering of M badges erase any doubt. The exterior chrome trim is all blacked-out here, as well. A set of spindly, attractive 20-inch wheels round out the package; 19s are standard, and 21s are also optional. The latter were specced for this tester, but swapped out on account of the winter rubber.

A redesigned center stack is the big news inside the X3. There’s now more distinct separation between the climate and audio controls, the former all grouped together with the air vents themselves. Since BMW has stuck to physical buttons here, it’s easy to operate on the move. That said, we lament the loss of the temperature dials, which were easier still.

Overall, the interior is much like any modern BMW: ergonomic, high-quality, and possessing excellent sight lines. This tester’s red-and-black leather interior gives it a welcome sense of occasion too, and the red doesn’t distract when driving. M models get a unique steering wheel, which is great to the touch but the rim is bratwurst-thick. Maybe that’s why the heated wheel only ever got moderately warm?

The X3 interior feels spacious because it is—okay, the big panoramic sunroof helps. Front-seat headroom is a huge 41.1 inches (1,044 millimeters), and there’s still 38.5 inches (978 mm) of the stuff in the back. Legroom is a fine 40.3 and 36.4 inches (1,024 and 925 mm) front and back. There are others in the class that eclipse those figures, but not by much. The front seats are comfortable at first, but I couldn’t find a setup that didn’t have my lower back sore on longer drives. My fiancée had a similar problem, but without the wait. It’s a puzzler: I didn’t notice any issues with the (admittedly shorter) four-cylinder X3 drive, and the seats appear to have the same basic design.

Trunk space is generous, with 28.7 cubic feet (812 liters) of storage and a low load floor. Drop the 40/20/40 second row and there’s 62.7 cubes (1,775 L) of space.

There are few surprises on the tech front here. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen runs iDrive 7.0, which is nice and snappy in its responses. It’s looking a little simple these days, but the pay-off there is a reasonably low learning curve. The spinning, nudging, and poking of the rotary dial is pretty natural. The only real complaint I have with this UI is how often I need to dive into sub-sub-menus.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional remains a slick setup. This encompasses a second 12.3-inch screen nestled behind the steering wheel. The dials are super crisp and easy to read, and users can tailor the central information to their choosing. Two stand-out features: Apple Maps navigation support via the (wireless) CarPlay, and the very detailed adaptive cruise control screen. The latter shows the X3’s placement within its lane, and the surrounding traffic. Nice. A head-up display provides even more information right in the line of sight.

The adaptive cruise control works seamlessly, with natural acceleration and deceleration. It also works well with the lane centering, avoiding the ping-ponging other systems might commit. This M40i comes with the (optional) advanced driver assistance package, which bundles the afore-mentioned features with a lane change assistant, front cross-traffic alert, and BMW’s drive recorder. We’re also big fans of BMW’s Parking Assistant Plus, which includes a 360-degree camera that also offers third-person views around the X3, making parking a cinch. Standard kit includes auto high beams, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.

Apparently the X3 M40i weighs 4,392 lb (1,992 kg). This comes as a surprise because it certainly doesn’t feel that hefty to drive. Even in its default drive mode, the X3 is positive and responsive, with quick steering helping it slice through the urban grind. The steering is confidence-inspiring, light yet consistent. The damping is well-judged, slightly firm but not harsh. Bumps are more noticeable than they’d be in the big-sidewalled xDrive30i, but the X3 settles quickly after it encounters any.

The drivetrain is the star of the show. BMW’s inline-six is a best-in-class superstar, blessed with a wide powerband, right-now torque, and a sweet singing voice. It does double duty with panache, smooth on a cruise yet full of character when the road gets squiggly. The eight-speed automatic transmission is an excellent pairing too, seamlessly shuffling between the ratios on its own. Take matters into your own hands with the wheel-mounted shift paddles, and it responds nearly as fast as a modern DCT, just without the jerkiness.

On highways, the X3 is impressive, rock-solid and surprisingly quiet. Around town, the aggressive start-stop might catch newcomers off guard at first, shutting the engine off well before the X3 rolls to a stop at a light. But it’s easy to appreciate its work when you see the fuel economy. Officially, BMW quotes 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Canadian figures are 11.3, 8.7, and 10.1 L/100 km. Even though our week skewed more city than highway, we still sat at 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km).

Stepping up to the X3 M40i requires at least $58,795 ($69,470 CAD), including destination. That’s a pretty substantial $12,100 ($14,000 CAD) hike over the xDrive30i. The visual changes are a matter of taste, but I’ll wager the 50-percent power upgrade is far less divisive. Especially since the M40i is barely thirstier in day-to-day driving.

This being a German luxury car, the starting MSRP is only the beginning. Our Canadian-spec tester checked a few option boxes, such as the Fiona red/black merino leather ($3,000 CAD, unavailable in the US), which locks out the option of ventilated front seats. It also includes a chunky $7,900 CAD enhanced Premium Package, which throws in adjustable rear seats, second-row sunshades, the head-up display, a Harmon/Kardon sound system, BMW Drive Recorder, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and more. There’s no equivalent in the US market, and in fact some of those features aren’t even available south of the border. Matched as well as possible, the X3 M40i comes in $66,840, but realistically it’d probably be closer to $72,000. The Canadian tally is a reasonable $86,815 CAD.

The 2022 BMW X3 M40i is quintessential modern BMW. It’s a crossover because that’s what the market demands, but not so big it sacrifices agility. That superstar engine provides bags of character, yet drinks barely more than the entry-level four-pot. Underpinning it is a chassis that’s pointy and malleable, yet steers clear of the brittle ride found on the top-level X3 M. There are no major weak spots, other than perhaps those seats, though your mileage may vary.

This is the best version of BMW’s best-seller. That makes it “just right” to us.

FAQs

How much does a 2022 BMW X3 cost?

The 2022 BMW X3 M40i starts at $58,795 ($69,470 CAD), including destination. A rear-drive four-cylinder model starts at $44,695 ($55,470 CAD, with AWD the only option).

What’s the difference between the 2021 and 2022 BMW X3?

BMW has tweaked the design inside and out, while fitting a larger standard infotainment screen. There are new tech options as well.

Is the new X3 bigger than the old X3?

No. Since this is a facelift, it carries the same interior dimensions as before.