BMW X3 M40I cars

What is the BMW X3 M40i?

The BMW X3 has a lot of appeal as a family SUV because it has room for up to five but it’s still compact enough to be at home around town.

Those after a bit more performance can pick from an M40i or an M40d version – these are considered trims in their own rights, and sit below the full-fat X3 M, so they have a truly luxurious feel about them.

A used BMW X3 M40i also comes with a powerful engine, but it should be more affordable to run than an X3 M.

– BMW X3 vs. BMW X5

What are the BMW X3 M40i specs?

The BMW X3 M40i comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, which produces 360hp in its latest form. Together with 500Nm of torque, it’s good for 0-62mph in a hot-hatch-beating 4.9 seconds.

Like most modern BMWs, it has mild hybrid technology to reduce emissions (and your car tax bill) and improve efficiency, so despite its size, BMW reckons 30mpg is manageable.

If you need a more efficient vehicle, there’s also a 340hp M40d diesel version, which is slightly slower, and is listed as a separate trim option.

Used BMW X3 M40i features and equipment

Standard kit varies by model year, but a newer BMW X3 M40i for sale will come with things like LED headlights, all-round parking sensors, a powered boot lid, three-zone climate control, and cruise control.

The M40i models also get a more aggressive-looking bodykit compared with the X3 M Sport, but they’re slightly more understated than the X3 M.

M40i models also have unique alloy wheel designs to help them stand out against regular versions of this SUV, as well as more serious brakes and a sports-tuned steering and suspension setup.

Where the X3 M40i sits in the BMW range

The petrol-powered BMW X3 M40i and the diesel-powered X3 M40d are 3.0-litre performance variants of the regular X3, sitting beneath the significantly more expensive 510hp X3 M.

For more regular versions of the X3, the most popular trim option is M Sport, which looks very similar to these performance models but comes with more efficient 2.0-litre engines.

There are also mid-level xLine variants and entry-level SE cars, but remember that BMW likes to use optional extras, so trim levels aren’t the be-all and end-all.