Bookings for the BMW X3 M40i are officially underway ahead of May 2023 launch
BMW India is preparing to offer, a performance-oriented variant of the BMW X3 SUV, the M40i xDrive. Bookings for the car are officially underway at Rs 5 lakh and the car will be launched in 2023. Bear in mind, this isn't an all-out X3 M, that actually comes from BMW's M division but instead, this uses the same powerplant as the BMW M340i sedan, which is also available in India.
The M Sport package is standard on the X3 M40i, which has M-specific kidney grilles with five twin-vertical slats painted in black. It also receives blacked-out headlights and new 20-inch M alloy wheels. The M Sport Package is further enhanced by the red brake callipers and dark chrome exhaust pipes. The X3 M40i is available in two colours: Brooklyn Grey and Black Sapphire.
The X3 M40i is powered by the same 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine found in the M340i, producing 360PS and 500Nm. While sharing the same engine, the X3 M40i produces 14PS less power than the M340i while maintaining the same torque output. This difference is also reflected in the acceleration time from 0 to 100kmph, with the X3 M40i taking 4.9 seconds, about half a second slower than the sedan.
The 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels and the top speed is limited to 250kmph. The X3 M40i, like the sedan, also features a 48V mild-hybrid system.
This version of the X3 boasts an adaptive M-suspension system with electronically controlled dampers that adjusts itself based on driving conditions for tighter handling. The X3 M40i also has an M-differential, which distributes power to the wheel with the most grip, allowing for better departures, particularly when attacking a series of twisties.
The sporty appeal continues once you hop inside the car as well. This variant of the X3 is only available with an all-black interior with carbon fibre trim. It also has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and BMW's iDrive 7 operating system with a Harmon Kardon sound system. An M-specific steering wheel, M-specific seat belts, and an M emblem on the centre console are also included.
The X3 M40i might be priced at Rs 85 lakh by BMW (ex-showroom). The sportier variant of the X3 will compete with the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-AMG GLC, while its standard variants compete with the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.
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