BMW X3 M

The cabin of the BMW X3 M has been lifted from the standard X3, with a few different-looking bits like M Sport seats and varying dual-tone upholstery options. The plush and impeccably well-built cabin of the X3 M perfectly matches the premium image of the SUV.

The major highlights of the tech-laden cabin of the BMW X3 M are the 12.3-inch full TFT instrument console and a 10.25-inch free-standing wide touchscreen infotainment system, which operate on BMW OS 7.0 and can be controlled via an iDrive touch controller. The cabin is well executed with subtle-looking carbon fibre touches on the dashboard and center console, the latter of which also gets an M gear selector with M specific switch pattern.

The main features which uplift the desirability factor of BMW X3 M on the inside are M Sport seats, M leather steering wheel, head-up display with M-specific display modes, premium Harman Kardon audio system, M Sport seats, and M branding in various places. Other than these, it gets all the premium comfort and convenience features of the regular X3.

From a distance, the BMW X3 M looks much like the standard version of the X3 SUV. However, a closer look reveals all the significant differences which it gets over the regular X3. There are several sporty highlights, which enhance the visual appeal of the X3 M.

At the front, the BMW X3 M gets the same front fascia as that of the regular X3, with the rounded double kidney grille and the sweptback all-LED headlamps with rounded edges. However, for the X3 M, the double kidney grille gets a complete glossy black finish for its surrounds and vertical slats. The front bumper also looks more aggressive and sporty with bigger-looking air dams on the sides and a bigger hexagonal lower grille in the centre.

Move towards the sides, and you will notice a couple of additional sporty visual highlights, which make the X3 M a better-looking and SUV. There are bigger alloy and much more exclusive-looking alloy wheels – 21-inches on the Competition and 20-inches on the Standard variant, while the exterior rearview mirrors also get a different-looking aerodynamic design with a glossy black finish. The air vent on the front fender, shoulder line, and slim roof rails also get a glossy black finish for them.

The rear profile of the BMW X3 M also gets subtle tweaks over the standard X3 SUV. While it gets the same two-part LED tail lamps, the rear bumper gets subtle revisions in the form of a new diffuser and M Sport exhaust system with dual exhaust ports on either end.

The BMW X3 M is every bit a driver’s car as it gets BMW’s finely tuned M specific suspension with three different driving modes of Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, along with three different dynamic stability control settings. The car also gets various personalized driving modes in its driving assistant plus2 for varying driving experiences in different driving conditions.

The BMW X3 M gets a more powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, that produces 480 bhp of power in the Standard version and 510 bhp of power in the Competition version. The peak torque output of 600 Nm and 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission is common to both variants. The top speed of both variants is restricted to 250 kmph, which can be increased up to 285 kmph if you opt for the optional M Driver’s package.

The BMW X3 M gets a host of driving assistance features like forward collision and dynamic brake support, blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, 36-degree camera, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and airbags all around.

For a performance-oriented SUV, the BMW X3 M fits in all the parameters, as it drives brilliantly with its fine-tuned engine and chassis and the visual tweaks it gets in and out.