"Benchmark" Doesn't Always Mean The Best, But In This Case It Might | 2022 BMW X3 M40i

[@tedpark5146]

Traded in our 2020 x3e plug in for a nice profit in this market and traded up to a 2022 x3 m40i at a fantastic deal. We sometimes miss the electric range with gas hovering at $5/gallon but the growl of the inline 6 makes us forget about it after taking off from the first red light. Been averaging right at 23mpg with mixed 50/50 city highway driving.

[@Dashcamfailz]

What about the suspension? Because they removed the adaptive button

[@mogradme8535]

What kind of deal were you able to get on the m40i?

[@tedpark5146]

@@mogradme8535 got 10% off + incentives but that was last october, no discounts to speak of at the moment.

[@Mark-rt6fy]

That was my last car and I only got 20mpg due to city heavy commute. On pure highway roadtrips I've reached 30mpg couple times. But none of these matters, it's a smiles per gallon car with modern comfort and technology. I do miss it from time to time.

[@Onthercks07]

Love my 2021 M40i....practical, hugely fast and decent mpg. Top notch electronics too. Hard to beat

[@brianb7844]

The lack of lumbar and bolster for the passenger are due to a chip shortage issue. You can still get it but have to upgrade, in some cases, to leather.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

So glad Alex is back. Really need to stop calling brands that sell products with fewer luxuries than a pickup “luxury”

[@moeharri]

PERFECT timing. I pick up my M40i tomorrow! Thanks, Alex.

[@preoksaha4504]

Recently got a 2020 x3 and I don’t think I can drive a non German vehicle now 😅 this things drives amazingly!

[@miata1370]

You have been the only KZbin x3 reviewer who mentions the convenient boot feature of storing the sliding tonneau cover under the boot floor. I really appreciated that feature in our former 2014 328 xi Touring and glad to see it'll be on our 2023 x3 M40i.

[@ARentz07]

I like that you mentioned that about the tires on the vehicle. With BMWs in particular, run-flats make a big difference in ride quality. It's important to check what tires you're riding on.

[@Onthercks07]

Agree I switched to continental extreme contact nonrun flats after the bridgestones and ride quality is definitely better and quieter

[@ARentz07]

@@Onthercks07 nice. I've coincidentally been eyeing those Continentals as well.

[@davidalenick1246]

Wheel size makes a huge difference as well. I recommend either the 20” wheels with non-runflats or the 19” wheels with runflats. Also, your gas mileage goes up with the smaller wheels.

[@garydumas3148]

Switched wife’s M40i run flats after 22K miles and nearly $3 in tire replacements (no repair on run flats and wife drives very slooow). I personally hated them - also switched to Continentals extreme contact+ - wow what a positive difference! BMW tried to sell me 2 more run flats and would convert to the neon’s so we took our business elsewhere and buy buying 4 BMW list $sales and a customer. I drive a truck but if I was buying this kind of vehicle would not hesitate buying m40i - sweetest engine(drivetrain) - we drove all the competing models Alex mentioned.

[@richx9035]

Alex always provides a comprehensive overview and comparison. I have a 21 X3 M40i. A wonderful everyday driver. Had the X3 30i previously - also an excellent engine and great when fully optioned. I’ll consider electric for my next car, but will miss the wonderful BMW petrol engines.

[@justinfontaine5539]

Why do we need to force electric cars? The world has plenty of oil that we will continue to use for everything. Do we think airplanes are going electric? NO. We need to get of the greenie stuff. Its all political and Europe is going to find a hard lesson soon

[@richx9035]

@@justinfontaine5539 the price of oil is increasing. If you travel large distances the cost will become prohibitive. Obviously too the reduction in fossil fuel pollutants is essential.

[@justinfontaine5539]

@@richx9035 Tell that to China, India and everyone else who does not care about a " carbon footprint".. BTW I dont care either.. If your worried about ho the air is going to be 60 years from now don't have kids.

[@richx9035]

@@justinfontaine5539 really? sorry to hear that you don’t care about the future. We will all be living with gradual and extreme climate change effects as we are already.

[@mantan_rtw]

Ridiculous to not have Adaptive Cruise Control at $63k.

[@justinwehland]

We were shopping this category but just a couple years used. Chose the BMW X3 m40i for a couple reasons. Inline 6 b58 seems to be an amazing drivetrain with lots of tuning available later if We so decide. And second the towing capacity right at 4500lbs makes it very useful for small trailers, campers, where as most others top out at 3500lbs!

[@joellarrysr9977]

I bought a new 2020 pre pandemic pretty much loaded for for 56k. It still the fastest SUV at this tier and price. I wish I had the adaptive suspension but I was happy to replace regular shocks for less money down the road. Switching to regular tires helps the ride too.

[@WULFMA5TER]

Would this be the bmw X3 m40i you bought? Out the door

[@joannemarkus4019]

Just sold my 19' Volvo S60 Sedan for the 22' X3 M40i in Adventurin Red and LOVE it. SO sporty and fun to drive and yet I can use it for practical purposes like carpooling etc. SO happy with my choice and I'm the only one I know with my exterior color to date!!!

[@miata1370]

I saw an x3 M40i in Adventurin Red just this past week and it is a great color...and might have been our choice too if BMW didn't want an extra $1,500 for that paint. Imagine it'd look fabulous paired with Cognac interior.

[@justinfontaine5539]

There is no argument that the B58 engine and ZF 8 speed is a phenomenal drive train and the best in this segment. However that's where the new Genesis takes over with more features and unique luxury. The BMW has a manual tilt wheel the GV70 is powered. The seats in the GV70 have more features and come vented/cooled. BMW no vented seats unless special ordered. Run flat tires on the BMW and the Genesis comes with a spare instead. The BMW M340i is great but with the chip shortage you will be hard pressed to get one fully optioned for less than 75k. I've had my GV70 for 8 months and it's a worthy competitor.

[@user-fx7tc9uj8y]

Awesome and thorough review...great job! Ashamed to admit I have the 2021 BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid (the one every reviewer disliked and BMW discontinued in the US). However, after owning it for over 1 year, I have only bought gas 3 times and 91 gas is now $5.79/gal in Southern CA! Unfortunately the vehicle is "Dead" to BMW and they will not fix any of the software problems in the vehicles (bluetooth problems, weird system reboot problems for no reason, a horrible mobile app) and my dealer just confirmed iDrive 8 will not be coming to this "ugly duckling" model as promised last year. On the plus side, the carpool sticker is worth its weight in the extra cost of the plug-in model and the $6k tax credit was a huge bonus. The BMW dealers say everyday buyers come in and want an X3 Plug in Hybrid but interestingly the trade in value has been awful for some reason?

[@trevorsutherland5263]

California really is another country. Every benefit you document has nothing to do with the vehicle itself, but in how it navigates the Byzantine regulatory environment of that State. You should move somewhere else where you can be Free...

[@falkin42]

@@trevorsutherland5263 Buying gas only three times in the last year doesn't constitute a benefit from the vehicle itself? No one needs your political opinion.

[@peterkalmeta7545]

Excellent review, as we have come to expect from Alex who, in my opinion, is one of the very best automotive journalists in N. America.

[@rmyAddison]

Shopped them all, owned Germans and Jags in the past, came very close to buying the BMW X3 M40i, but fell in love with the looks of the GV70, and a test drive in a 3.5 Sport Prestige sealed the deal for me. I agree, this segment is full of great vehicles, but the Genesis warranty and concierge service (I buy, not lease) was important. I've had very expensive repairs with BMW and Jaguar was even worse, so warranty counted a lot. The X3 M40i was quicker, but the GV70 was nicer, more MB level on the inside. Buy what makes you smile..........

[@BMWWolf]

I just love the i6 on the bmw

[@sosa-my2fr]

The obvious direct competitor you didn't mention is the Porsche Macan S. The M40i and the Macan S are the two top choices for driver's cars in this segment. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio as well, but it doesn't compare directly power wise, as the base is a 4 cyl 280 hp.

[@miata1370]

...other than the significantly higher price for the Porsche but I'd agree, those two would be "tops" for great handling small SUVs.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, 'Roomy on the inside' is a term I want to hear in more CUV reviews.

[@mattspeer01]

Been considering one of these. This refresh is great. I can’t believe the performance you get out of it, too. This thing will completely gap something like the new Acura TLX Type S.

[@Shane-h4uu]

I have the 2020 model and got 0-60 in 4.3s on stock and with JB4 and full aftermarket exhaust I got 3.95s 0-60 so yeah gapping a TLX would be a cake walk. It's a shame tho the exhaust on 2018-2019 was super load, 2020 got muted a little, and I think 2021+ got muted more. I get some super load shotgun pops when the engine is hot tho can't get enough of it lol

[@rusack7174]

Just curious, do you have a buddy that has a TLX Type S? Why would it matter?

[@bfish9700]

It's definitely a BMW. Personally, I prefer a softer ride and fold down rear seats are non negotiable. I do have a friend who bought an X3, he really likes it.

[@Veyronp87]

if you put the m40i in eco pro there's numerous videos of it achieving 30 mpg on the highway which means almost 500 miles on a full tank. sure it doesn't have EV range but that sounds damn good to me when it also can do 0-60 in low 4 seconds

[@corpnupe85]

Please do a video on the yearly maintenance for a BMW X3 and X5. I traded my 2017 X5 for a vehicle with less expensive maintenance. I liked the X5, but the yearly maintenance was going to be very expensive.

[@tracerit]

Was hoping to see the cargo area with all seats folded down

[@garrettw99]

The top two for me are the X3 and GV70. The cheaper price and likely-higher reliability of the Genesis make me lean toward the GV70.

[@joellarrysr9977]

The B58 and ZF trans are bullet proof. X3s in general is one of the most reliable BMWs you can buy. This is coming from someone who traded in a Camry to buy this. Do your own research. This engine was good enough for Toyota in the Supra.

[@garrettw99]

@@joellarrysr9977 I never said the BMW was unreliable. Recent ones have been pretty good. Genesis parts and labor costs are cheaper, like a little more expensive than Hyundai. When things start breaking, the Genesis will be cheaper to fix. And it has the longest powertrain warranty.

[@danielpark7821]

@@garrettw99 I find that doubtful. Over here in Korea the genesis powertrains have had a multitude of problems. I’d stay away also quality control for Hyundai and Kia Is terrible.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

The GV70 is the last one I'd buy. None of the others have 1M+ cars recalled for engine fires. Forget that.

[@danielpark7821]

@@trevorsutherland5263 finally someone who understands. I’ve been called a hater for saying the same thing.

[@3rdGUMObro]

I can't believe you left RDX off the comparo :)

[@naveenthemachine]

I think it belongs in this video more than the nx

[@JohnJohnson-dv1ds]

I just purchased a 22 S drive 3.0 bc living in the desert there’s zero need for fur wheel drive. The BMW is the only crossover that’s not front wheel drive based so rear wheel bias is great. No need to carry the four wheel drive architecture around.

[@Snaproll47518]

I don’t know what they were thinking with the faux brake cooling vents in the rear. Either have real vents or sheet metal.

[@markhesse2928]

One of the nicer looking grilles from BMW these days, but it does have the appearance of a pair of sunglasses.

[@matthewgrayson8]

Love the refreshed X3

[@neometero]

So similar to my car, love the M40i line of BMWs.

[@videogazer801]

Alex, can this except 18” wheels to help make the ride more comfortable? Maybe even help with better mpg’s?

[@WULFMA5TER]

The way you review this car, outstanding! And comparing is 🔥 Question 2022 MB GLB 35 AMG or BMW X3 m40i?

[@mohammadsattar5488]

Great info on the reviews you do in all your videos I just struggle to differentiate between the different class sizes with your chart because of the similar colours of the white and yellow, especially when there's a lot of info on screen. I think you should use a colour that has more of an immediate effect so viewers will be drawn to it naturally instead of having to scan for it. Apart from that I don't think there is another channel that goes into as much depth as you do when reviewing cars...great job. On another note I can't help but think your hair looks like a natural helmet every time I see you and it makes me laugh...sorry

[@jasonguy6572]

Alex didn’t say what the actual mpg was. Did I miss it? Just said c+

[@joellarrysr9977]

I don't understand the purpose of comparing the fuel economy of different models to give the score. They make hybrid X3s why mention or compare non performance models to the M40i? I get 28-30mpg on the hwy. It's more efficient than the 6 cylinder comp from Audi and Merc.

[@isaacjamestea9652]

Can’t decide if I should buy this or the 2022 RDX A Spec Advance. Coming from an older RDX…some concerns about BMW reliability long term and the add on packages for the BMW I want end up adding a lot to the price of the car. What do you guys think?

[@naveenthemachine]

The bmw is the safest bet. But the Rdx is the over cautious option

[@gtkona1608]

I found the suspension of the M40i WAY too stiff for a daily driver. I will be trying one with the adaptive suspension.

[@miata1370]

Here in the U.S., the 2023 M40i comes standard with the adaptive suspension. Perhaps opting for the standard square 19" wheel/tire option would provide the ride quality you're seeking.

[@naveenthemachine]

The safe bet , the most pragmatic, the most conservative, the most sensible, and most responsible option in the segment. The gv70 is close to this though Just wish there was less plastic used in bmw

[@gene978]

Unreal! No Adaptive Cruise! No Wireless charging! Over $60K sub compact.

[@OM_42]

It's BMW you have to pay to play lol.

[@gene978]

Haha I wanted to get a charge out of people. When you think Adaptive Cruise is Standard Equiptment on a Corolla

[@jacobstrouble6631]

Wireless charging is now an option again. Yay!

[@razorraysolarsavings70]

If I was in the market my pick would be the GV70.

[@hugdeath929]

There’s a fair amount of knee room up high with that seat pushed forward but even in that state the front seat bottom is eerily close to your shin. With the seat set for taller people the rear seat really is barely habitable even for infants. Curious as to why they allow for 5 roller bags but don’t allow for 5 people. I’d be fine if they swapped 3 inches of cargo room for legroom. The exterior is pretty handsome but not exciting for me. I do really like the taillights though. Kudos on the tonneau storage. Not having adjustable shoulder belts is a cop out. I have no doubt that this is a really fun vehicle to drive but I feel like they’ve phased too much of the utility out of the vehicle. For me it’s the equivalent of a tall, expensive Mustang.

[@miata1370]

I agree with both your comments on the tonneau storage feature (very handy!) and the absence of adjustable shoulder belts..for us non-standard U.S. shorter folks, that seat belt rubbing against your neck is very irritating...had same issue with our 2014 238i xDrive Touring and the 2019 230i xDrive.

[@AustinF516]

In 4 years and 35k miles later at 35K I will be a buyer. Can't afford to lose 30K over 4 years in depreciation lol.

[@Snaproll47518]

The faux rear brake vents are disappointing.

[@qiqi7226]

question about this version x3 m40i , official website said that "M sport diff is available as standard on m40i" what are the differences between a normal m40i's x drive and a m40i with m sport diff? does your tester has m sport diff? thanks.

[@crranchman1819]

Combing legroom is irrelevant. Place the driver's seat in it most expansive position, then use a measuring tape to measure from the back of the driver's seat to where the rear passenger seat meets the rear passenger backrest. That's the only accurate measurement.

[@bxp1696]

Note: Just because there is a feature OFFERED in a car (massaging seats), it does NOT necessarily mean they work well. USB Ports for example vary greatly in different cars, some usb ports are high powered which charge fast, and some usb ports struggle to charge the same smartphone. Volvo and BMW are apple's and oranges, let alone the M40i version. Comeon Alex. idrive is less intuitive???? smh.

[@kevinn1158]

This thing would have most of the Toronto police force targeting me. LOL. 4.3 secs to 60.

[@Mav0585]

It’s a great car - but I went with the X4 this time

[@justinfontaine5539]

when can we stop saying things like " chip shortage" , pandemic, masks, difficult times, supply chain, social distance etc etc... sick of it..

[@gtr485]

The Macan handles better but the X3 is more well rounded.

[@iamgermane]

AN OLD SATURN VUE LOOKS MORE PRACTICAL!

[@rickyrich93]

What color is this X3 M40i? Tanzanite Blue II or Phytonic Blue?

[@pearldiver7]

Same question. 👍

[@davidthomas7651]

I think for the price the Honda Passport is ok.

[@ToOpen6seven]

does this review apply to the 2022 bmw x4 m40i?

[@Tinrs80]

I Personally dont use that term like everyone else. Every has Different flavors. There are vehicles i like and some that are godly that i dont agree thats the case.

[@jamesh950]

How does it compare to a GLC C43?

[@brenrob7403]

My dream car.....someday

[@guniseran]

GV70 is definitely better, in my opinion

[@huskypup3489]

X5 isn't that much more expensive, and you can get air suspension and a split tailgate.

[@AntLive29]

Some people don’t need a larger car

[@Onthercks07]

Way harder to park in the city bc it's bigger in meaningful ways (width and length)

[@joannemarkus4019]

@@AntLive29 Exactly! I test drove the X5 and loved it but didn't need that size. I wanted sportier and smaller and the X3 M40i fit that perfectly!

[@blueryxfalls7949]

I think the I6 fits the X5 better. But that's just me, really

[@trevorsutherland5263]

I personally went with Stelvio because I've never been a "follow the trend" person and I'm a Libra so I like beautiful things. However I can't blame anyone going X3. It really IS the benchmark and for good reason. It is flawlessly built, uses high quality materials, performance and comfort is top tier, and it looks good. What else could you really ask for?

[@ThatGuy-kv1kw]

a smother ride

[@naveenthemachine]

It should be reliable long term. If it’s the benchmark reliability should be there too right?

[@differencemaker242]

Looks good except for the tail light design.

[@silvastudios6267]

Beautiful Grill, Why didn't BMW install fog lights?? BMW needs to install a bigger battery than 0.5 (estimate)!

[@b286guy]

Well, at least you didn’t hit a pothole this time 😬

[@zachschowalter6817]

Test drove the 2021 base model with the M sport package, ride was way too harsh for Canadian pothole filled roads. Side mirrors are way too small. Rear lights on the 2022 look terrible (personal opinion of course). Steering and handling was great though. I find the interior doesn't match up to the the GLC or Macan, looks a lot cheaper in my eyes. They need to integrate the infotainment into the dash, it looks tacked on in the X3. Not competitive with the Macan or GLC (when it gets the refresh especially).

[@scottw1174]

I bought the 2022 xdrive 4 cylinder model, I find the power very good , having the b58 engine in my m240i , I love that bmw gives you 3 years were of maintenance with there vehicles, I hated Mercedes a,b,c,d maintenance pretty much a rip off when you drive maybe 6000 miles a year, Lexus is nothing but a Toyota, Acura is a Honda, I love Volvo, I owned several over the past 20 years genius to me is a expensive kia

[@jma7889]

How does Acura RDX compare? too cheap to be included?

[@naveenthemachine]

I think the Rdx is a better competitor to the x3. Don’t know why he put the nx in this comparison

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Torn between this and the GLC43 AMG. The BMW's interior just doesn't do it for me though...

[@your_royal_highness]

What’s the “best” Alex?

[@bird718]

i have the 2019 x3 30i, i would look into the genesis and also the macan S, no interest in the lexus, audi, and mercedes

[@Diorhome]

"This is not adaptive cruise control" - Video closed.

[@iamgermane]

LOOKS LIKE A SUBARU!

[@nischintr]

IMO, GLC is hands down the best looking in this segment

[@AntLive29]

Nahhhhhh

[@damilolaakanni]

Close, but not quite. That would be the Stelvio, and then the RDX.

[@nischintr]

I do like the Stelvio and RDX but I still think the GLC has the more timeless design that will age well and also looks the part for a luxury compact SUV

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

The GLC looks nice but imo the GV70 is the best looking in this segment. I've seen one in person and it's a serious looker, stands out more than all of these and is perfectly proportioned for a CUV.

[@jessiewright1975]

Nobody takes a second look at any Germany car no more in crowd park lot . Just another boring design !

[@gene978]

Our Santa Fe can drive Circles around the X3 all and all of it’s competition. Which vehicle would you want to be in with your Partner, teenage kids, all their stuff and all the gear you need taking 1 of 5 vacations with all the money you’ll save buying the Santa Fe. Or buy a Kia Sorento and take 2 of the kids friends and all of their stuff.

[@patricklim909]

you won't believe this tops around $65k, where GV70 on paper is also in $60s but dealers want almost 70. GV70 3.5t is one full second slower, go figure.

[@justinfontaine5539]

Its not a full second slower. I have a GV70 3.5. Not that I care that much about 0-60 but I can get 4.8. The BMW still nickles and dimes you to death with options and if I load up an M340i with vented seats , no run flats, etc the BMW will be 6-8 k more and I don't want run-flats. Does not matter as you won't find any to buy due to this messed up world..

[@DMCarReviews]

@@justinfontaine5539 The GV70 doesn't do 4.8s. It does mid 5s at best. The X3 M40i can do 4.2s comfortably, and it's 60-130 is also much faster.

[@justinfontaine5539]

Alex.... all due respect... no one is getting any of these cars anytime soon unless your buying pre-owned . There are a toal of 50 ... 50.... GV70's in the entire country !! You will have to order one and have to wait for 8 months and hope it comes with the options you ordered due to the china chip shortage. There is no comparison shopping out there now.... There are simply no cars and you have to start to accept that and talk about it even if it is bad for your business..

[@InvestBetter.]

The Genesis GV70 is better

[@ge69rh]

your not getting three child seats in the second row- 2019 X3 x30i

[@fadd6895]

there s nothing small or compact about this car .

[@rayburn2007]

The B m w

[@Banism24]

wow

[@mmjackk]

I want this car but I won't have it because of thats ugly front grill.

[@Ficon]

For a 382 hp car, the M40i is immensely bland to drive. Like all other modern BMWs, the steering is awful, the gauges are criminal, it pumps in fake engine noise, the suspension is too stiff. It's fast but not fun. If you care about the driving experience at all, for the same money you can get a very nice CPO'd Macan or Cayenne.

[@rolan2dr]

ONE WORD - MACAN. BYE BMW.

[@richarddecicco3288]

To large for a compact SUV

[@Carfan678]

Then get an X1

[@AntLive29]

This is pretty small

[@richarddecicco3288]

@@Carfan678 Alex stated that It's a Compact SUV and to me its to large to be considered a Compact. If the X3 is considered compact what is the X1 consdered TINY?

[@Carfan678]

@@richarddecicco3288 subcompact… u know theirs a class of vehicles below compact x1=subcompact x3=compact x5=midsize and the x7=large

[@damilolaakanni]

The X3 is still smaller than the Acura RDX, despite both being in the same segment.

[@ruihaowang1521]

Lexus NX interior is just ugly...

[@naveenthemachine]

It’s the worst interior in its class Even my 2020 Camry XSE has a nicer interior than the rav4 with lipstick

[@iamgermane]

I WILL TAKE A NEW NISSAN PATHFINDER OVER THIS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!