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BMW blends the performance we want with the practicality we need into a homogenized vehicle called the X3. Typical of this brand, the 2022 BMW X3 is offered in several forms, but the M40i is what we’re talking about today. With so many other SUVs in the lineup, including “M” variants, how can this simple version of the X3 be considered the best SUV?

The 2022 BMW X3 M40i is the perfect SUV package

Red and black interior of 2022 BMW X3
2022 BMW X3 red and black interior | BMW

What do you want in an SUV? If you’re looking for room for four people to sit comfortably, quality materials, and decent cargo space, you’ll find that in many SUVs. How can BMWBlog tell us this version of the X3 is the best? The M340i version does everything well enough to be considered the best in the BMW lineup.

They even state, “There are faster SUVs, more fun SUVs, more practical SUVs, and more luxurious SUVs, in BMW’s lineup. None of which can blend all of those attributes into something so perfectly homogenous.” This bold statement makes us wonder if this SUV should be considered the best BMW offers; let’s explore.

Is the BMW X3 M40i twin turbo?

2022 BMW X3 posed by water
2022 BMW X3 | BMW

The feeling you get when you hit the accelerator of the M40i tells you there’s something special going on under the hood, but not twin-turbocharging. What this luxury SUV does have is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six plus a 48-volt MHEV system. Using the mild-hybrid set up to assist the acceleration is immediate, offering an exuberance to this BMW X3 that you don’t feel in other SUVs.

Looking at the numbers from Kelley Blue Book, this power system is good for 382 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. That power runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission to give you the quickness and strength you desire. Fuel mileage is pretty good for an SUV, coming in at 21 city/26 hwy mpg.

Along with the impressive powertrain, you’ll find the expected level of BMW performance in the X3 M40i SUV. With the optimized suspension, steering, and braking, this SUV can take on any canyon run and gleefully finish at high speeds.

How practical is this luxury crossover SUV?

The BMW X3 gives you a comfortable cabin that’s ideal for four passengers, even when the driver is trying to beat their last time on the mountain roads. The seats are supportive and covered in luxurious materials that fit perfectly with the personality of this SUV. From inside the cabin, you’ll notice a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for instrumentation and one for infotainment. The feeling is airy and spacious thanks to the standard panoramic sunroof of the M40i version.

The cargo area of this crossover measures 28.7 cubic feet with the seats up, giving you plenty of room for your gear. Fold the seats down, and you open up 62.7 cubic feet of useable space.

Does the 2022 BMW X3 have ambient cabin lighting?

As expected, you can easily upgrade the features you enjoy in the X3 M40i; one of those upgrades is ambient lighting.

In addition to the features mentioned, this model of the X3 includes:

  • Harman Kardon audio system
  • Keyless entry
  • Push-button starting
  • Variable-sport steering

And you can opt for:

  • Real leather upholstery
  • Ambient cabin lighting (here it is)
  • Rear side window shades
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated/ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • Larger alloy wheels (up to 21 inches)
  • Wireless charging
  • Gesture control
  • Head-up display
  • Self-parking feature

The BMW X3 M40i is a complete SUV that’s hard to beat with the equipment offered.

It looks like BMWBlog is correct

The BMW X3 M40i is the best SUV in the BMW lineup for a certain crowd of customers. This vehicle brings plenty of power, an excellent package of features, enough luxury, and the right level of practicality to the mix.