BMW X3 M40i 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

BMW Australia announced this week that the flagship X3 M40i will join the premium mid-size SUV range in July, priced from $99,900 before on-road costs.

Splitting its Audi SQ5 ($99,611) and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 ($102,111) rivals in cost, the M40i is the first M Performance model in the X3's three generations and packs a suitable punch to match.

It is motivated by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 265kW of power from 5500 to 6500rpm and 500Nm of torque between 1520 and 4800rpm.

Comparatively, the SQ5 musters 260kW/500Nm while the GLC43 develops 270kW/520Nm.

The potent X3 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The M40i sends drive to all four wheels via an 'X Drive' system and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, allowing the potent X3 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

There will be plenty of noise to offer as an 'M Performance' exhaust system gives the straight six ''a guttural sound'', according to BMW.

Despite its performance credentials, the M40i claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 204 grams per km.

A rear 'M Sport' limited-slip differential, launch control, adaptive 'M' suspension, 'M Sport' brakes with blue-painted callipers, and an 'M Aerodynamics' package ensure that blistering performance is a key focus.

Rolling on 21-inch alloy wheels, the spicy X3 has 245/40 tyres up front and 275/35 rubber at the rear, while a different 'BMW Individual' double-spoke alloy wheel design is a no-cost option.

A 'Sensatec' artifical-leather instrument panel and 16-speaker harman/kardon surround-sound system headline the interior.

Other standard equipment includes adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights and tail-lights, high-gloss 'Shadow Line' and 'Cerium Grey' exterior trim, roof rails, a roof-mounted spoiler and 'Black Chrome' exhaust tips.

Inside, 'M40i'-branded scuff plates, ambient lighting, 'Vernasca' leather upholstery, heated front seats with power lumbar support, an 'Anthracite' roofliner, an 'M' leather steering wheel, aluminium trim, a 'Sensatec' artifical-leather instrument panel, a 16-speaker harman/kardon surround-sound system, a 10.25-inch 'iDrive6' touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster feature.

Safety and driver-assist technologies extend to adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, front- and rear-cross traffic alert, steering and lane control assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, park assist and a 360-degree camera.

2018 BMW X3 M40i list pricing

BMW X3 M40i – automatic – $99,900

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