2024 BMW X3 M SUV

　　

2024 BMW X3 M Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　Think of the BMW X3 M as a standard X3 wrapped around a grenade of explosive speed and M-branded fun. It's outrageously rapid in ways that are completely unnecessary but oh so enjoyable. BMW claims a very believable sub-4-second 0-to-60 time, which will ensure your toddler's ride to day care is as rapid as the inevitable rise in your insurance rates. Still, aside from some additional noise and stiffness, this SUV holds onto all the pragmatism — five passengers and ample storage — of a standard X3.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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) - $75,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: It's quick enough already

Track-capable SUVs are always a bit of an enigma to anyone who knows that sitting lower and weighing less make a vehicle quicker and more fun on a track. But the X3 M manages to make us forget those facts every time we wood the throttle or turn the wheel. Largely, that's because it's so well executed. The engine is truly a masterpiece. It's flexible enough to pull hard from one-third of the way through the rev range yet lively enough to produce thrust all the way to redline. The chassis is busy even in its softest ride setting, and the summer tires make noises you'll not hear in a standard X3. Take those things to mean the X3 M has a pulse. A strong one.

　　

Competitors to consider

There are no shortage of worthy contenders to the X3 M's mighty performance abilities, both electric- and gas-powered. We like the Tesla Model Y, though it rides stiff like the X3 M. Audi's SQ5 isn't as insanely quick as the BMW but it offers excellent finish and tech. And if you're up for an equally rapid — if fickle — companion, check out Alfa Romeo's Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

　　

Which X3 M does zzdcar recommend?

The X3 M comes in a single well-equipped trim. Because the X3 M is already a rocket ship, we don't think the high cost of the Competition package is worth it for most buyers. Save some money and add the Driving Assistance Professional package and the Executive package, which bring more value in our view.

　　

BMW X3 M models

The 2024 BMW X3 M is a performance-oriented version of the BMW X3 compact SUV. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (473 horsepower, 457 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed M sport automatic transmission and a rear-biased, M-tuned version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Additional modifications include M-specific drivetrain, steering, braking, suspension and exhaust system upgrades.

　　X3 M

　　The X3 M's most significant standard features include:

　　20-inch wheels with performance tires Electronically controlled limited-slip center and rear differentials Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation Power liftgate Hands-free keyless entry Digital instrument panel Ambient interior lighting Carbon-fiber interior trim Dual-zone climate control Heated, power-adjustable front sport seats Leather upholsteryBMW equips the X3 M with an iDrive 7 infotainment system. It includes:

　　12.3-inch touchscreen display Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Satellite radio Navigation system Natural voice recognition system Connected services including access to a Wi-Fi hotspot Harman Kardon premium audio systemThe X3 M also includes several driver assist systems, such as:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X3 and the car in front) 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)BMW offers three option packages for the X3 M:

　　Competition package More powerful engine (503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque) M Sport exhaust system 21-inch wheels Black-painted exterior trim Premium leather upholstery and upgraded sport seats Driving Assistance Professional package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X3 M and the car in front) Lane keeping assistance (steers the X3 M back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Emergency stop assistance (brings the X3 M to a safe stop if the driver becomes unresponsive) Extended traffic jam assistant (provides partially automated hands-free driving up to 40 mph on certain roads) Executive package Panoramic sunroof Heated steering wheel Heated rear seats Rear side window shades Gesture control (allows you to control certain aspects of the infotainment system by gesturing in the air) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) Additional options for the X3 M include:

　　Remote engine start Ventilated front seats Wireless smartphone charging Drive Recorder (records up to 40 seconds of your drive for playback or export to a device, and can automatically capture images in the event of a collision) Heated steering wheel Panoramic sunroof M Sport seats

　　zzdcar Latest BMW X3 M News

　　zzdcar Top Rated 2024: These Are the Best EVs on Sale Today

　　Drag Race! Watch the BMW M2 Battle the Chevy Corvette Stingray

　　The 2024 BMW M3 CS Is a Near-Perfect Sport Sedan

　　zzdcar Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption