With permission from Porsche and its 441 PS Macan GTS, the X3 M Competition is the sportiest and most exciting to drive SUV in its class. It is more than likely that these types of cars will cease to exist in a few years. In Europe electrification rules. But from the point of view of the great fan of driving, cars that transmit a lot of sensations behind the wheel, it will be a real pity that this happens.
We have put ourselves behind the wheel of an exceptional car, perhaps illogical, but truly outstanding in terms of dynamism, sportsmanship and behavior. Expensive? Of course, like all BMW M products. And it does not have an ECO label from the DGT. Although we don’t think that matters much to its lucky owner.
On the other hand, beyond the really impressive features of this very special X3, what fascinates about this SUV is its versatility. Its versatility of use. That is to say, it is a car 4.73 meters long, with three comfortable rear seats and a 550-liter boot capacity. We could even say that we are talking about a relative.
We will leave it, simply, in SUV and sports car. Yes, very, very sporty. In fact, BMW calls it a SAV (Sports Agility Vehicle). That’s right.
The truth is that it fulfills very well as a family vehicle, although it is not its main task, since for that BMW has a complete range to choose from. But, when the time comes, and thanks to the possibility of configuring the behavior of the car with the multiple settings and driving modes, it is even comfortable to travel.
Modified skirts, slimline Matrix LED headlights, specifically designed taillights and a special grille with the classic larger kidneys. Particularly noteworthy is the front, with the black grille and the bumpers with new openings in the lower part to facilitate the entry of air into the cooling system of the powerful engine.
Seen in profile, it maintains the wheel arches in body color, the black side vents and new, lightweight 21-inch wheels that reveal the improved brake system. It also comes standard with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires in size 255/40 ZR 21.
From the rear, we highlight some aerodynamic elements such as the tailgate spoiler or the black lower diffuser with an exclusive quadruple exhaust outlet that releases a stimulating melody. Sound that the driver can activate (or deactivate) through a button next to the center console.
The interior is packed with exclusive details from the M Competition universe, such as the sporty-style seats with electrical adjustment, including the headrest, the exclusive upholstery (in this case in black and orange), the seat belts with red and blue details, the gear shifters with Drivelogic or the red M mode selector paddles on the steering wheel, also sporty.
And technological elements such as the 12.3-inch professional dashboard, the Head-up Display system that projects information on the windshield, the three-zone climate control or the advanced BMW multimedia system with state-of-the-art connectivity, also with a 12-inch screen, 3 inches.
The 3.0 turbo six-cylinder gasoline engine, without any type of hybridization, has 510 hp at 6,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm between 2,750 and 5,500 rpm. In terms of use it means that the responsiveness is impressive. At any time, in any situation.
The 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is an example of smoothness and precision. It incorporates the Drivelogic system to select the operating mode at will: efficient, dynamic or sporty.
The modes of change are combined with the adaptive chassis, with three possibilities: Road, Sport and Track. All these parameters can be programmed, together with the response of the engine, change, direction or traction, in the two M buttons on the steering wheel, the two small red cams.
The feeling of security that it transmits on the road is only available to some manufacturers. Germans, the majority. Greater is the feeling of superiority, especially with sports driving modes activated (Sport or Sport Plus). Accelerating and overtaking becomes a fun game. And sure.
But it also supports relaxed driving, with a smooth power delivery if we want it. Therefore, in the city the engine behaves calmly, smoothly and with the delicacy that BMW electronics and the touch of a six-cylinder engine allow.
On the other hand, the basis for this combination of agility, dynamism and precision is suspension technology that is perfectly matched to the power of the engine and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. In addition, the standard M adaptive suspension system, with specific tuning and electronically controlled dampers, ensures a high level of comfort and direct contact with the road, limiting wheel and body movement.
Another exclusive technological detail of the X3 M Competition is the Launch Control starting system, capable of launching it to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. And, if you’re on a track, keep accelerating to 200 km/h in 12.6 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h. Impressive figures, which we can optionally improve with the M Drive package and which would allow us to reach 285 km/h.
