Page 80 - Motor Trend (May 2020)
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MT GARAGE
Verdict: 2018 BMW X3 M40i
“When you need SPECS Options Premium ($2,950: heated
to make a quick steering wheel/front seats, navigation
exit, the BMW X3 w/ real-time traffic, head-up display,
M40i is a great remote services); Executive ($2,550: auto
way to get away parking assist, gesture control, 12.3-in
in style.” digital instrument cluster, Vernasca
Robin Trajano leather upholstery, F/R parking sensors,
surround-view cameras); 21 x 8.5-in front
and 21 x 9.5-in rear M double-spoke
Base price $55,295 As tested $68,670
wheels w/ 245/40R21 front, 275/35R21
rear run-flat performance tires); adaptive choppier and, as per a previous update,
Service life: 12 mo/30,800 mi cruise w/ stop ($1,200); active driving hindered performance. The Premium and
Avg Econ/CO2 19.9 mpg/0.97 lb/mi assist ($900: front collision warning with Executive packages include features I used
low-speed collision mitigation, rear
he day I’ve been dreading has finally cross-traffic warning, daytime pedestrian on a daily basis and made things like the
T come. BMW wants its X3 M40i protection, speed limit info, blind-spot head-up display a must for me in every car
back, and I’m beyond bummed. warning, lane departure warning); now. The 360-degree camera system made
Even after approximately 12 months and Harman Kardon surround audio ($875); parking anywhere a breeze. Another must
30,800 miles, I was still excited to start up adaptive M suspension ($700); Phytonic is the ventilated seats, $350 option.
Blue paint ($550); wireless charging tray,
the burly B58 and take it for a quick trip to The X3 is also easy on the eyes.
3G Wi-Fi hot spot, enhanced USB, and
the grocery store or across the state. When Bluetooth ($500); ventilated front seats Proportions are just right, and adaptive
did a year become so short? ($350); Apple CarPlay ($300); rear window full LED headlights and LED foglights
Time flies when you’re having fun and side shades ($350) give it presence at night. The hockey
piling on miles, and I’ve thoroughly gotten Problem Areas Front suspension tension stick–patterned puddle lights are also a
struts, sunroof drain
to know the X3’s characteristics, both luxurious touch. After a year I still look at
Maintenance Cost $0 (4-oil change;
positive and negative. 3-inspection; 2-in-cabin filter; air filter) it with desire and admiration, sometimes
Normal-Wear Cost $1,920 (Front brake looking back as I walk away, especially
pads and rotors, replacement tires) when the sun hits the must-have Phytonic
3-Year Residual Value* $49,900 (73%) Blue paint, a $550 option, just right.
Recalls None
My favorite aspect of our X3 has to be
*IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles the drivetrain. Like the MkV Supra with
at the end of three years
which it shares an engine, it feels like it’s
Let’s start with the good stuff. I spend a packing more than the listed 355 hp. You’ll
lot of time on the road, and the X3 made it surprise unsuspecting RT Chargers and
quite pleasant. The Bluetooth-connected Challengers off the line and shame V-6
Apple CarPlay connects instantly and Mustangs, Camaros, and STIs all day.
reliably and allows me to start streaming The ZF-supplied eight-speed is also one
music or podcasts through the optional of the best in the business. It somehow
Harman Kardon system. Seats are comfy, manages to ratchet off fast shifts like a
and the cabin feels airy and spacious. dual-clutch, yet it’s smooth and buttery
The ride is compliant enough in Comfort when left in Comfort mode. I—and other
mode, though I would forgo the $1,900 staffers—didn’t hesitate to smash the right
21-inch rollers. They made the ride pedal, which is reflected in our observed
80 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020
