THE REVISED BMW X3 range is that there’s a powertrain to suit virtually every need.
We tested an X3 M40i with its striking Blue finish- pure class, as it complements the brand’s performance-orientated derivatives well and drew many positive responses from onlookers, from young to old…
The 21-inch bi-colour wheels is one of its attractions, and add to the vehicle’s kerb presence. There’s no mistaking the M40i for anything else in the range, thanks to its subtle M badges on the grille, flanks and rear… and don’t forget those trademark big-bore exhaust ends. Impressive.
At a funeral of a friend in NW- mourners and church leaders were so disturbed I had to tone down its revving system. But was forgiven during after-tears “your car Mr Morweng is a problem, but we understand,” they clutched, as I sipped my traditional beer appeasing ancestors.
Interior, the M40i offers a great blend of sportiness and luxury, and featured the standard black sport seats, with blue contrast-stitching, a black M logo embedded in each of the front headrests, as well as M-branded seat belts. The updated X3’s infotainment system offers expanded functionality – it now supports both wireless Android Auto compatibility and over-the-air software upgrades.
The M40i’s 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol motor is a legendary powerplant and it’s easy to see why – the single-turbo motor’s 285 kW and 500 Nm translate into stunning performance.
BMW claims the M40i can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.5 sec and a quick test of the launch-control function suggested the Bimmer can comfortably eclipse 100 kph in under 5 sec.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is smartly calibrated with the engine’s power/torque delivery. As a result, there’s minimal lag and maximum aural satisfaction as the revs climb.
The X3 M40i trim is equipped with Harman Kardon audio system, wireless phone charging, USB ports for the rear passengers, heated seats, head-up display, panoramic roof, reclining rear seats, tyre pressure sensors, adaptive dampers, parking sensors, parking cameras and the previously mentioned safety tech. All that connectivity/app integration is also included.
For the uninitiated it’s not a sportscar; but I could not help but wonder spacious, practical luxury family car with a sporty bent it comes, as it delivers quite astonishing in-gear acceleration and performs 80-120 kph overtaking. Onlookers can attest to that…
But be warned, with petrol on a rise, I emptied its 65-litre tank to test its reserve. BMW claims an optimal range of 730 km, but we were lucky if we got around 550 km from a full tank with computer indicating 10.2 L/100 km (claim: 8.9 L/100 km).
It retails for R1 415 042
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image supplied (The latest BMW X3 M40i ‘head turner’).
