2019 BMW X3 M40i - X3 Finally Gets M-Power

BMW helped start the compact luxury crossover segment with their very first X3 but until now BMW has resisted making performance versions for some reason. The all-new third generation CUV however is different with the addition of the M40i trim, the first time the X3 has received the legendary letter M. As part of BMW's new M-Performance line, the M40i is more than previous M-Sport trims of the X3 but less than a "full-on-M" like the X5M or X6M. While folks looking for an X3M will be disappointed, this model is aimed directly at folks that want more power, high value, and a direct Mercedes GLC 43 AMG competitor.
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[@tompetersen001]

I’ve had my X3 M40i since July. Best BMW I have ever owned. Like a rocket ship, drives and handles great. The 3rd gen X3 is much, much nicer than the 2nd gen I had before (2016). Much BETTER interior, great entertainment system, digital dash, just a great fun car. Always have a smile on my face ...... Oh, and the sound of the exhaust is fantastic. Spend the extra money and get the M 40i.

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

I purchased my X3m40i June 1st. I've been getting around 23mpg average, just like the sticker says. Just did a round trip from Boulder CO to Bristol TN, 3900miles total, average 28.1mpg. For long trips I use ECO mode. This thing is a blast with great pick-up. I'm amazed at the 3D view they generate with the 4 cameras.

[@jhw6540]

Thanks for your sharing, and I would like to know if you meet any malfunction during the daily use? As most of us known, the quality and reliability of bmw was always not as good as their japanese competitors.I really like this suv, the reliability is the only thing I am worry about.

[@matheusborges9969]

@@jhw6540how has it been

[@joedoaks6517]

My 2020 X3 M40i has 382 hp. Picked it up a few days ago. Love it so far.

[@jabajaba15]

This car is 10/10 in every area. Why do you have to sound like one of those critics. It drives amazing and feels amazing.

[@noname-JS]

After test-driving the X2 M35i twice and then jumping up into this, the ride quality was very easy and smooth.

[@richx9035]

Alex always provides excellent overviews and comparisons. The BMW X3 really nails it as a versatile and engaging vehicle. I started with a 30i and am now enjoying an M40i.

[@pej7445]

I've had my 2019 X3 m40i since Nov 2018. It's been excellent! No ragrets. Do a little tweaking with BimmerCode and JB Tuning and it's a remarkable overall SAV/SUV!!

[@RangerAmateur]

8:03 Some people don't realize this. But if you scroll back Alex's previous videos, his song choice while demonstrating the infotainment screen is deliberately done so and very interesting.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Savage Goose lays even better Easter eggs.

[@maxnix346]

@@roots4x I would say sandpaper dry.

[@EletriqueGaming]

Coming to this video in 2024 because first Gen B58 XDrive is gold standard for tuning and these depreciated like a rock in water.

[@coolvideo28]

I just looked at/ tested many luxury vehicles and this 2019 M40i was buy far the best with one exception the Land Rover Velar was a close 2nd but different driving experience. This M40i looks are amazing inside and out the exhaust sounds Ike a muscle car I love it. This thing is fast when you put the petal down it is gone. I love everything about it. I am the type of person who an pick apart things that don’t look right or I feel could be fixed made better. I can not think of one thing I would change on this M40i

[@Godplayzdice]

Land Rovers look good. Drive horrible.

[@Appleseed4]

this was the most thorough review ive ever watched. A+

[@lenivoa2449]

Thanks again Alex for the professional review of this car. I always refer to your reviews when I decide to buy a new vehicle and the way you present the cars answers all my questions. Keep the good work. Regards

[@b.f.378]

This thing is huge. I always confuse this new one for a X5 now lol.. It looks nice tho

[@stevieg3078]

Excellent review. I really appreciate the end where you compare the competition. Thanks.

[@TheAccordingtoyou]

That instrument panel is top shelf and the gas mileage is impressive.

[@ae7459]

Alex, when comparing the m40i to the GLC 45 AMG, you missed to point out that the Benz infotainment is strikingly obsolete, especially in this class. Also the Benz trunk is rather tiny with 19 cu ft vs 28.7 in the beamer.

[@elroz1675]

sharp and informative! good comparison always make it better to grasp the car...

[@clintonamelia6090]

How is it that the Redline Reviews guy says the M40i is softer over bumps than the GLC 43, but you say the exact opposite? Very confusing.

[@alivarfan1009]

A good video as always just one suggestion, for SUVs, crossovers, etc it would be very helpful if you measure the trunk, for example measuring from the trunk door till the base of the rear seat and the front seats when the rear seats are folded.

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Got mine 3 months ago and I am extremely satisfied. A couple of their packages, $58K....I'll be driving this for a very long time. LOTS of cameras. Love the way it does a 3D rendition.

[@tropx8995]

This is a 2018 model he's reviewing. BMW removed the gas shock that holds the cargo cover open from the 2019 models.

[@stubones]

Why do reviewers constantly go on about hard plastic at the bottom of the doors as if the manufacturers made a mistake? The hard, durable plastic at the bottom of the doors from almost all manufacturers is deliberate. Why would you want soft touch plastics along the bottom of the doors? Great review BTW.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I never said the hard plastic lower door sections were either good or bad, I'm just mentioning what is what since viewers ask. As I say in other videos, harder plastics are generally more durable while softer touch materials usually have a more premium appearance. In this category combinations of materials are normal.

[@ktpinnacle]

Alex on Autos A lot of your fellow reviewers cite it as a negative, especially in more premium vehicles. The F Pace is an example. Keep up the good work.

[@normt5463]

I prefer hard plastics and lower section non-touch areas. Just throw a code of dressing on it they look shiny and new with no scratches.

[@LlyleHunter]

In the last series Acura Legend the lower section of the door's were leather lined and the storage pockets invariably wore through on almost every example rendering them useless.

[@stubones]

In this category, all lower door plastics are hard and durable, but practically every reviewer mentions it as if it's a failing to have used these plastics.

[@ericuh14]

Can’t wait for new X3M. I will order one X3M, when go on sale next year.

[@JohnAlex1]

Great review!! Thank you!

[@drewyager4020]

Paved mountain road

[@gordonyz4]

I've seen dyno reports more than 355hp at wheel stock, which means actual HP number is close to 400

[@김동준-t9p]

gordonyz4 lol

[@stubones]

LOL @ you moron. It's quite feasible the engine is producing more than claimed. The F10 and F90 M5 both produce in excess of 600hp, the M3 and M4 produce up to 480hp. The only LOL is you peanut brain.

[@legambaz]

Good review as usual

[@vickiewilliams6230]

Alex made a mistake. Ventilated seats are offered as a separate option on the X3 M40i.

[@awakeaware1639]

Also, he said it's a rear-wheel drive I believe the M40i is all-wheel drive.

[@awakeaware1639]

Also, I believe he is testing is a 2018 model not a 2019 as the title states. The 2019 has an M Sport Steering Wheel upgrade

[@howlingwolf125y]

Wow.. One big disadvantage with low profile tires.. It is true what Consumer Reports mentioned in a recent issue. Those low profile tire make the ride much worse. Also with low profiles, hitting chuck holes can damage the tire and wheel (that's an expensive repair). I am getting standard higher profile files on my next SUV.

[@alliejr]

Riding in recent model year X5s, I am _shocked_ at the uncomfortable, non-luxurious ride (and that customers seem to accept this). I'm sure the tires are a huge contributing factor. My last BMW was a 2000 7 Series (E38 a-la The Transporter) and it was glorious. I doubt I'll ever buy a BMW again.

[@danielsutterby3380]

Runflats are horrible. Nasty ride and extremely delicate. I specced my new X3 with standard tires. Got fed up with spending $600 a tire every time I went through a pothole.

[@tihomirtodorov7201]

Great review as always! When can we expect an x4 m40i one?

[@Trickit10]

Awesome review, thanks

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks for watching! -Travis

[@gregorytrane7828]

Excellent review.

[@Gilamang]

Huh. Very surprised by the comments on ride. Did this have the optional dynamic/adaptive dampers? I’ve test driven GLC 43 and X3 M40i with 21” wheels and dynamic dampers on literally the exact same test drive loop, and the X3 in comfort mode is worlds better than the GLC 43 in comfort mode. We ended up buying an X3 M40i with 20” wheels and adaptive dampers, and my wife thinks it’s significantly more comfortable than the base prior gen X3 we had.

[@alliejr]

Riding in recent model year X5s, I am shocked at the uncomfortable, non-luxurious ride (and that customers seem to accept this). I'm sure the tires are a huge contributing factor. My last BMW was a 2000 7 Series (E38 a-la The Transporter) and it was glorious. I doubt I'll ever buy a BMW again.

[@zaven3584]

I'd also like to know if Alex teated the adaptive dampers on this X3.

[@SunsetRC]

Was hoping they would update the displays on the 2019 version to reduce the tap delay which can be annoying at times. Still an amazing build.

[@rifleman542]

Can you please explain why you rated the xdrive30i A,A,A in handling, ride and cabin noise as opposed to A,C,B on the M40i? I really want to know whether the xdrive30i performs better than the M40i in ride and cabin noise. Thanks!

[@traquilito20]

In th past 2 years BMW has definitely stepped its game up. Their cars in the last 2 years cannot compare to their cars 5 years ago

[@alliejr]

That blue over brown is HAWT! But the cold (color) aluminum trim clashes with the warm (color) interior upholstery. And the mix of aluminum and chrome bezels sort of clashes also. BMW should have replaced the aluminum with something black or carbon fiber or dark wood.

[@PintlerMedia]

Too much emphasis and focus on categories. Most people don’t decide what category they are shopping in and then stick to it. Also, too much reference to other cars that most of us are probably not familiar with. If your audience is primary other cars reviewers then great, but if its the average consumer then don’t assume we are all experts on every other car a model on the market. That said I appreciate your review and level of detail.

[@martinharman574]

Ive had mine since March and it blows me away, the best BMW I have ever had. Always puts a smile on my face. From new it is averaging 28 MPH, cool

[@Dong]

my 340i is averageing 10.6L/100km after 25000km

[@styner3]

Do you mean MPG?

[@martinharman574]

yes, sorry, I bet that had you worried, it would worry me too :)

[@styner3]

Martin Harman, I figured it was a typo. My buddy has the same vehicle, I might get one next year used. Awesome vehicle.

[@martinharman574]

defiantly recommend it. Like I said, puts a big smile on my face every time

[@TheTransporter100]

With regard to the Audi SQ5 are you referring to the latest version or the one before it ??

[@edbleka8139]

Great video thank u so much!!!

[@Mav0585]

These are great cars - it’s really frustrating that you can not opt for heated AND cooled seats, I don’t understand why BMW does not offer that option. Or do they now?

[@jrcannon8038]

Matthew they do offer a ventilated seat option but the seats are different to accommodate the functionality, and IMO are a bit less comfortable because the seats also don’t have bolster adjustment.

[@firstname7780]

2019 has the badges BELOW the lights this is a 2018 model....and it is THE NON M WHEEL WITH THE 2 tier ZF rack, not the ZF tier 1 with M Wheel. this a a 2018 car, euro versions and a few only in North America had the M steering rack and wheel..

[@raymondwong2521]

BMW X3 M and X3 M Competition are both coming out soon this year. M with 473 horses, M Competition comes with 503 horses. Alex, are you going to review them soon?

[@BobsGT235]

Sorry, but your review is on a 2018 X3, not a 2019 like your title states.

[@Q2r8e7]

Yup, busted. This is an early-mid 2018 X3 M40i. It has a 2018 non-M steering wheel (the 2019s come with the M steering wheel), the badges are in the old locations on the hatch (everything but the roundel were moved lower down towards the end of the 2018MY), and the 2018 hydraulic strut for the back storage hatch was removed in the 2019MY.

[@puga4202]

It wont matter if they are exactly the same car.

[@maxnix346]

@@puga4202 But are they? The new B58 in the new Z4 is rated at 382 hp in the us. Suspension calibrations and tire specifications may have changed also. If is an unknown qualifier.

[@planetfabulous5833]

Apparently he doesn't even read the comments on his videos as the title still incorrectly shows 2019. What a crap reviewer!

[@Siggfuggggg2000]

Dope car

[@islandknight6105]

How harsh is the ride compared to the regular X3?

[@RabidHorse]

Hey Alex, great review. I also watched your review in the Ford Explorer ST! I know they’re different segments but they both offer around the same performance. I’m looking at these two 2018 used BMW X3 m40i is the same price as a new Explorer ST. Since you’ve had the privilege driving both what are your opinions? Reliability, performance, quality, fit and finish, etc... what would be the best choice in your opinion?

[@sjtbone83]

rabidhorse if you live in the US you should be able to get a new m40i for about a same price as an ST (both are in the high 50s). The st has much more room but the m40i is quicker and IMO looks better Both are excellent and fun cars to drive.

[@cindythuyloannguyen9729]

Do the ambient lights are standard for this BMW X3 M40i ?

[@jazminethomas3619]

HI Alex, you stated the integration of touchscreen functionality, with this latest iteration of BMW's IDrive, makes it easier to interact with Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Does the 2019 BMW X3 M40i support Android Auto?

[@LilRick96]

No and Apple Care play is bought as a $300 option and is a yearly subscription to have

[@joetacchino4470]

Lilrick96 don’t think it’s both. Pretty sure they are switching to yearly charge only.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

We have a 2011 X5 with multiple oil leaks and a leaking AC compressor. BMW no longer makes vehicles that even pretend to be reliable. The $3800 bill for the leaking AC compressor was as much shocking as it was laughable.

[@DigitalYojimbo]

Take it to an independent mechanic.

[@hellkitty1014]

Is your X5 4.8 V8? Those things are notoriously terrible.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

@@hellkitty1014 no, it's the 6 cylinder. It's been shockingly unreliable and trouble prone.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

@@DigitalYojimbo The independents are much less than the dealer, but this is a known problem area for x5 owners and bmw is not acknowledging the issue.

[@bird271828]

I am sorry for your X5 trouble and high maintenance costs. I love the driving "feel" of BMWs. But I cannot afford their maintenance costs.

[@realrockrolla]

Alex are you all right???This X3 is longer and higher than Q5,GLC and XC60 by faarrrr.What is this graphic??????I m verry disapointed by you

[@ericalexander5697]

When a reviewer cannot even get the model year correct, well.....This is a 2018 X3 M40i not a 2019

[@karunagaranseyon9584]

Are you sure Android auto is available in this car? I thought BMW doesn't how integrate it with iDrive system :-)

[@Q2r8e7]

It's not -- none of the X3s have it. Apple Carplay only.

[@DJBeast_official]

How is this compared to the X3M in terms of performance? I heard they are almost similar. Anyone know?

[@DANYL5Archtop1]

For the '21 versions, the 382hp M40i is only 1 second slower to 60 mph than the true M, and the mileage is much, much better

[@grandmastagrimm8773]

Is the b58 on this SUV?

[@sunilvarmadatla]

I still don't understand why this model is not list under M performance category on BMW Website. Will there be another model under M performance category?

[@ElectricIRA]

Yes, there are reports a 2019 BMW X3M is coming. Purportedly 475 hp

[@joetacchino4470]

Dave Hicks BMW has officially announced it. No spec yet.

[@Q2r8e7]

BMW announced the X3 M and X4 M about a week ago. Details are sparse, though. Just do a google search for "bmw x3 m".

[@sammsmi101]

RDX * not MDX @1:56 Great review as always.

[@AlexIsUber]

Ventilated seats should be a given at this level...

[@dumisanid8733]

I hate the tiny Hazard Button, it makes it difficult to press during emergency situations while driving.

[@arvind50]

So many things are wrong in this video. The X3 is the longest in its class (And also in every dimension) and still they show it to be smaller than GLC, Q5, XC60, QX50 and even the stelvio. Go check the data. I stopped watching after 1:35

[@michaelodonnell7626]

'Only $65,000'. For a compact crossover that has a harsh ride, and is good for

[@alliejr]

Agreed!

[@mauricemotors8207]

I think you are wrong ive driven a 4 series grand coupe and its amazing

[@nickspondike5014]

Michael O'Donnell You’re delusional.

[@minethnz]

Where’s the disco sport at?

[@r56mini]

GLC looks awkward. Appearance is just as important as performance to me.

[@HaKa1noSensh1]

This is the same exact car Matt Maran did a review on. Pretty sure it's a 2018 not 2019

[@Alex.AL_26]

1:36 what is a Lexus UX?

[@Soorma1988]

Alex - the wannabe competitor to the bmw x1

[@dr.g7898]

At 2:00. It not RWD. You need get your facts right

[@keiserious]

Bmw new turbo engines have more power and better mpg compared to the old NA engines...🤔

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Unless you feather the throttle, Real world mpg numbers on boosted cars hover right at the city rating.

[@maximua78]

Correction: it has no android auto, like any other BMW on the planet...

[@quant-trader-010]

This is no 2019 model, this is 2018 model.

[@damone3331]

I think so too as it does not have the M sport wheel.

[@HaKa1noSensh1]

I watched a video with the same exact car in it ( I can tell because it has the same license plate😂😂)

[@shivap202]

Please review 2019 Macan S

[@2BXD]

7:37 Tablet Computer...

[@MrHav1k]

Everything in this segment is nice, but will bankrupt you once it's out of warranty and probably isn't a smart financial move for most people watching. You're better off paying cash for a used Toyota or Kia and being done with it.

[@ctchrisf]

kinda apples and oranges isn't it?

[@MrHav1k]

How so? They both get you from point a to point b with similar amounts of utility. Only one will bankrupt you and the others won't.

[@ChazR25]

@@MrHav1k One is fun to drive and one isn't? Who would want to drive a Kia if you can swing the powerhouse m40i?

[@MrHav1k]

@police_state, that's my point, most buyers of luxury vehicles can't truly "swing it." Financing/leasing the car impacts their lifestyle and is a huge opportunity cost for them doing actually productive things financially.

[@damone3331]

I own one. Buying 10 years service with rim protection was cheap for me as well. Paid all cash at time of purchase so I agree with you comment cash is not an issue. It was the car I wanted. I dont like larger SUVs. This was the best last year as it was first introduced in MY2018. On another note sad to hear the M sport wheel and the M sport diff where not seen or mentioned. for MY2019.

[@AviationDirection]

Alex, do you read viewer comments? This is not a 2019!

[@jondevansky186]

Thats a lot of extra money for a .3 second 0-60 improvement over the Stelvio.

[@swanblake]

Stelvio does 60mph in 4.4 seconds? Car and driver got X40i at 60mph in 4.4 seconds while the Stelvio did it in 5.4 seconds. Not sure what you are making up with. 3 seconds but good try. Stelvio is also dimensionally much smaller but FCA fanboys seem to make up facts anyways www.caranddriver.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-bmw-x3-m40i-test-review

[@Soorma1988]

BMW is the benchmark or very close second place to the benchmark in every automotive category. Enough said, stop comparing to inferior competitors.

[@jondoe1310]

GLC43 AMG 0 to 60 4.3 second car and driver

[@jeffdone5466]

Jon Doe, that’d be 4.5 sec for Car and Driver on the GLC43 AMG. I own this car and have test driven the GLC. This is a noticeably quicker car, especially on the hwy. www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-amg/glc43-4matic-glc63-4matic

[@JrBangY]

Why not put m steering wheel on it?

[@danielc1231]

Nan Li Some BMW forum members have contacted BMW NA and their answer is due to low supplies. BMW NA confirmed for North American market (US and Canada), except for 5 and 7 series, all other G-chassis M-trimmed models will get a “normal” steering wheel until at least the end of 2018.

[@Q2r8e7]

Real 2019 X3 M40i models do have the M wheel (in the US, at least). The 2018 M40i did not have it, and this video clearly shows a 2018 M40i (and there are other tells that show this , too).

[@MatrixDiscovery]

M Performance line is the same as when Chevy has a LTZ model.

[@colelockridge5816]

Not really....

[@davidgarcesarias9849]

I think the x3 is longer than the q5

[@Dave-dj4ee]

Of course it is. Even an X1 is longer (and possibly better) than a goddamn Q5.

[@Mavpire]

I thought the BMW M3 was bigger than the Q5

[@stubones]

You mean X3...

[@Mavpire]

@@stubones Yes X3M

[@DaGenius99]

3 Series wagon > This.

[@jeffw9652]

Correction, android auto not an option, also, if you choose ventilated seats (2019), for whatever reason, BMW took away the adjustable bolsters, STUPID!

[@srt4turbo1]

You can get ventilated seats..Also, the review compares the car to others WAY too much. We get it, it's not as good as the Maserati and others more expensive, that;'s a given,, Just review the car itself and stop comparing it please.. It really makes this a depressing/boring review.

[@dwhumans]

Why do some M40i’s have the rear emblems at the bottom and some at the top? I’ve seen 2 of them with different emblem placements

[@thebonefletcher]

dwhumans half way through 2018 model year they started putting them on the bottom. Now (2019) are all on the bottom.

[@therealgratefulhiker]

This is not an M engine..

[@pabloconiglio4251]

JOAQUIN. BMW3

[@killacamfoo]

M should be reserved for cars only.

[@Notsure00700]

Killacamfoo O.G. It’s not an M.. it’s an M Performance (which is midway between normal and M

[@coolvideo28]

@@Notsure00700 I have heard several people say this is not a real M car. I am looking at getting one and I am really curious of what the difference is. What does an M have that the M40i doesn't have?

[@overcooked123]

Soccer mom vehicle gets pointless big engine. Bring the M340 please

[@quietguy1948]

I'll come back when you review something affordable...

[@LilRick96]

Bye 👋🏾

[@stubones]

Moron, better you stay away lol

[@gtkona1608]

Extremely stiff suspension even in so called comfort mode. Wish I had not purchased it.

[@brandonmitev6972]

0-60 time is so off 5.1 seconds my ass

[@bismarchiavelli]

Dude needs new jeans. The stressed fabric around his junk is...obscene.

[@Great_America]

With a power-to-weight ratio of .09 hp/lb, the X3 M40i should not be called a M-class vehicle.

[@richarddawson5836]

The Audi sq5 has a much nicer interior that the BMW. This review is so biased. All he did was bash Audi and pump up the BMW.

[@sweoff]

He seems to communicate the facts as if he thinks are facts, but he misinformed on a lot of facts and his opinions seemed very bias. Next time he needs to research ALLOT more before talks about something he dosesn't understand.

[@colelockridge5816]

Nah. Hes all good

[@romn7]

Piece of junk! Quality of these 2020 are junk level. My 2020 broke down 3 weeks after I got it from dealership, leaking oil from defective gasket. Dealer can not even order right part yet. I am stuck with brand new 2020 expensive piece of junk.

[@ikeo8666]

who buys an X3M with beige seats?

[@joetacchino4470]

It’s not an X3M.

[@sethn8021]

They aren't beige they are Cognac.

[@ganuv]

The steering is not M. I wouldn’t take it just for that

[@marcioceia3608]

You are right . In europe is full M. 😢 .

[@miranosmanylmaz2698]

B

[@miranosmanylmaz2698]

Sxdd

[@therealgratefulhiker]

I will not subscribe to you just because you categorised this as an M car. Have a good day, bro..

[@legambaz]

Sounds like a mediocre machine.