2022 BMW X3 M

　　

2022 BMW X3 M Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　If you're one of the rare drivers seeking "sport" in a sport-utility vehicle, you'd do well to check out the 2022 BMW X3 M. It's the high-performance variant of the already enjoyable BMW X3 that is reviewed separately. The X3 M earns its M badge with up to 503 horsepower in the top Competition model, as well as a sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$274/mo  for X3 M Base

　　X3 M Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $70,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2022, the X3 M gets a subtle styling refresh inside and out, an increase in torque output and a larger infotainment touchscreen. The upgraded engine has the potential to improve the X3 M's already quick acceleration, and the larger display should improve functionality, but we don't expect these changes to affect its standing in this limited class of small performance SUVs.

　　That means it remains a strong choice against the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43, Porsche Macan and Audi SQ5. We'd also consider the Tesla Model Y as a green alternative to these gas burners. We suggest paying close attention to the X3 M's stiff ride quality and intrusive road noise on a test drive, though, because they can be a source of fatigue on longer drives.

　　

Which X3 M does zzdcar recommend?

Save yourself the $7,000 for the Competition model and stick with the base X3 M. It's already far more powerful than you'll need, and the more comfortable ride quality will pay dividends down the road. With the money you save, you could add the Driving Assistance Professional and Executive packages, which bring plenty of useful features.

　　

BMW X3 M models

The 2022 BMW X3 M is a high-performance version of the BMW X3 small SUV. Two versions are available: the standard X3 M and the even more potent X3 M Competition. Both use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that powers all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It supplies 473 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the X3 M, and output increases to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the Competition.

　　X3 M

　　Standard features for the X3 M include:

　　20-inch wheels Adaptive LED headlights Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors Power liftgate Adaptive suspension dampers Three-zone climate control and heated front seats Leather upholstery Digital instrument panel 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system Wireless Apple CarPlayThe X3 M also comes with a number of advanced safety systems, such as:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)X3 M Competition

　　The X3 M Competition is distinguished from the standard X3 M by its:

　　More powerful engine 21-inch wheels and sport exhaust Thicker suspension stabilizer bars Black-painted exterior trim Premium leather upholstery and upgraded sport seatsIn typical BMW fashion, the X3 M is offered with a few packages and stand-alone options. These include:

　　Driving Assistance Professional package

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X3 M and the car in front) A more advanced version of the forward collision mitigation systemExecutive package

　　Panoramic sunroof Heated steering wheel and heated rear seats Wireless charging pad Rear side window shades Gesture control (allows you to control certain aspects of the infotainment system by gesturing in the air) 360-degree camera (gives you a bird's-eye view of the car for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Ventilated front seats Carbon-fiber exterior accents Upgraded sport seats (base X3 M only)

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