BMW has launched a sportier version of its X3 SUV in the form of the BMW X3 M40i, and prices for the luxury SUV start from Rs 86.5 lakh. Compared to the regular X3 and the M Sport variants, the X3 M40i is powered by a 3-litre turbo-petrol engine engine and the SUV will make its way to India as CBU.
In terms of changes to the design, the X3 M40i gets more aggressive styling elements which include a BMW M-specific double kidney grille that is finished in high gloss black and bears the M badge. You also get adaptive LED headlights with a Matrix function, along with a dark tint around the head lamps. The ORVM caps are finished in gloss black while the tailpipe of the X3 M40i is finished in what BMW calls black chrome. The X3 M40i also gets 20-inch M alloy wheels with mixed tyres – 245/45 section at the front and 275/40 section at the rear – and the SUV can be equipped with M Sport brakes with red brake calipers.
The interior of the layout of the X3 M40i is largely identical to that of the standard model, with the addition of carbonfibre trim finishes across the cabin to give the interior a sportier feel. The M40i is equipped with a BMW M leather steering wheel with contrast stitching, and you also get M seat belts to match the interior’s colour scheme. In addition to this, the X3 gets features like panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting, along with three-zone automatic climate control.
Powering the X3 M40i is a 3-litre in-line six petrol engine that is turbocharged, producing 355bhp of power and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 0-100kmph comes up in 4.9 seconds. To provide you with some perspective, the X3 M40i is just half a second slower to the 100kmph than the BMW M340i sedan.
With prices starting from Rs 86.5 lakh, there is no direct competitor to the X3 M40i at the moment, but in terms of its performance, the closest rival to the BMW is the Porsche Macan S. BMW will be bringing the X3 M40i as a CBU to India and it will continue to sell alongside the regular X3 models.