its the m package after all. you cant make it too soft then. people need to make up their minds. 500 hp with very soft dampers isnt reallly a good feeling
Not all of THEIR roads are great...some are shitty enough to make you drive half the posted limit in an M car. Would love to have that one setting he spoke of, comfort cause Im going to or coming from work and don't feel like getting my ass kicked...again.
Some autobahn (no speed limit highway) are still ww2 concrete pads lined up. They are making a ton of roadwork but because their roads are free, some portions are still bad. And believe me. Hitting a bad joint at 200±kph (130mph ish) with a Bilstein dampened car with super stiff springs, not the most fun you can have 😂
You are correct! Also, because they don't care what your roads are, they make them for personal use. Sadly, this made in US product with Mexican parts is no M vehicle.
This is why I prefer this channel over straight pipes. It's not just how it handles in cliche corner. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys, but a lot of their info is superficial and fun. Mark goes further and I appreciate it.
yeah the straight pipes and throttle house are both excellent channels, but for real information about a car i go to savage. straight pipes and throttle house are amazing with amazing people and phenomenal videography and editing, they produce very polished and easy to watch videos, so i love watching them. But as far as relevant information about cars, it's hard to beat savage
Yea because they don't cover cars head to toe , they say ok it's good looking it's fast and the interior is at least not crappy ... And a box test for no reason ..
Straight pipes is a bunch of annoying kids running around in cars, I stopped watching them after their 5th show. Throttle House has great entertainment value.
I'm the exact same way. I've had years to get used to them, but to me SUVs are still appliances, or in some cases off-road/hauling tools, and I'm just not interested in them at all. This practice of putting tens of thousands of dollars of equipment into a heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity to try to turn it into some kind of street performance machine still strikes me as a deeply silly exercise, despite the fact that everyone has been doing it for years now and apparently people are buying them. At least this one isn't squished into an even more useless "coupe."
These fast SUVs are those who don't want to give up their (but have to) sports sedans/coupes, and whose wife is allowing them to get the performance version of it. From a driving dynamic standpoint, I cannot see why someone would immediately gravitate towards this first and say "I want an X3M" without having to explain some reasoning after it versus an M340i.
Eh, sounds about right to me. I live in an upper middle class area, and typically it's women I see driving these types of cars (BMW or Porsche SUV's.) Rarely do I see men behind the wheel of these vehicles. While their doctor hubby's at work, these non-working trophy wives are out spending his money. They're not driving these SUV's because they're car enthusiasts, they're driving them because it's an accessory, like a Coach purse. P.S. I'm a woman, so don't call me sexist. I'm just stating facts.
Why is there an exact copy of this comment by someone else? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LbYPw6vTUZk.html&lc=Ugzo9M6sDeAwLivoaZZ4AaABAg
Is this necessary? Nope... I stay hopeful that engineers at some car company will quietly say - "You know what would make these performance CUVs/SUVs even better? A lower center of gravity." Then they quietly morph back into station wagons. Then my god damn alarm clock goes off.
Yes and if they took it even further? Now that we've lowered the CUV so it handles better. How about we remove 2 doors and make a shooting brake? What I'd give for a manual 911 shooting brake with a gt3 engine...
An excellent compromise would be the X3 M40i. It's super smooth in comfort mode, the Sports mode is lots of fun, and it has plenty of usable power. Best of all, you can get it for under 65k fully loaded.
Whether money can buy happiness depends on what you have to and are willing to do to get the amount you need for it. The trap is that when you give in and contribute to bad things to get money, your desire for more material things to now also suppress that guilt grows. And so are 'successful lifelong careers' built. An expression of the same insanity of perpetual growth that the whole system runs on. If I got a couple millions (or even just one) without strings attached, without having to jump through hoops, it would tremendously boost my happiness, because it would allow me to unlock so many ways for me to apply my qualities; open doors, so to speak. ... It would still not be an easy ride though, because of the things that make life extremely frustrating without that kind of money.
Yep, but people are buying it. I don't understand. We're in a very shaky economy right now, and the people who buy these aren't filthy rich people, it's your everyday American who makes good money but still feels the need to keep up with the Joneses. Those are the people that buy these things and for the money they're charging for this.... no fuckin' way!!
@@MrHav1k blame government and union leaders in Germany the overpriced. When business costs go up for Corporation so does the wholesale price for dealership to loan them to sell too consumers like you
Better check your math. My M40i is two years old and has only lost 12% of its value 😎 My 2017 Golf GTI lost a lot more value (25%) in two years before I traded it.
This is what people don’t understand, but BMW knows people will buy a $100K sports SUV so they do it still. They’re just catering to the market as they should.
@@wax333 this thing has way too much power for a daily commuter. Most of it's power is wasted for people who refuse to speed way over the limit. And bringing something like this to a race track all I can do is laugh, nobody who buys this is gonna be doing that. This is basically a drag racing SUV with bad ride quality...you can surprise people at stoplights for laughs like a sleeper car that's about it. "OMG that SUV smoked my Mustang!" The higher center of gravity means it's never gonna be able to handle turns like a true sports car but hey I guess it can kind of compete in the American muscle car segment?
My friend has both (X3MC and X3 M40i). He drives the comp package and his wife drives the M40i. She already had hers as they were preparing to move from CA to WY. His F80 M3 was traded for the X3MC and he's happy with it as a replacement for that car. Unless you just have to have the M, save the money and get the M40i. According to him, it rides better, sounds great, offers significant savings over the M versions, and the lease and finance offers from BMW are far more aggressive.
also there's plenty of aftermarket support for the b58 in the x3 m40i, so even tho the s58 has a stronger bottom end and makes more power stock, you can still modify the b58 with basic upgrades (tune, downpipe, injectors, less restrictive air filter and exhaust) and you can boost the hp quite a bit, I've heard the b58 can handle 600hp as is which is awesome, and you can do it for less than the price difference of the x40i vs x3m.
In our family we have 3, 2 - 35i and 1 35i m pack. Those are plenty fine cars. Even the m pack is enough with the electric dampeners and nicer stuff. M is just overkill and just the way it’s supposed to be.
The base x3s are hideous though. All those silver plastic bits on every side of the car. It looks so clumsy and weak. The m40i is the sweet spot. Obviously black out all the silver/matte copper crap.
You do know, there only is an m550d touring? However, if there were an m550i touring, it would be a great car... Gotta go with a B5 Alpina instead I guess
It targeted for buyers with extrme lifestyles, mountain biking , sking , snow boarding, rock climbing, Canoing you go off road to go to most of these Destination
With a price tag of around $75 000, there shouldn't be the word Mexico anywhere on this thing. @2:35 we can see Jack without his medication here... lol! BTW, nice shout out to The Straight Pipes there @13:19.
Seriously. BMW built a stat of the art plant in Greenville/Spartenburg SC USA 25 years ago. X3,X4,x5,X6,X7 are all made there for the entire world. Watch a video on the production of one of the models and see that a plant in US is just as good or better than one in Germany or Japan. You probably will never be able to afford one even 10 years old but if you could you will see it is a monster and will outperform a Mercedes, Porsche, Alfa, Jag for thousands less.
It is amazing how popular ridiculous SUVs these are. This thing will never be tracked. It is nothing more than an Orange County soccer mom mobile. I guess it is because the buyer wants everything. Storage space, kid space, comfort, but they also want a powerful (thus cool) car. Little do they realize they look worse than the parents who swallowed their pride and just bought a mini-van.
A lawyer opened the door of his BMW when suddenly a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived at the scene, the lawyer was complaining bitterly about the damage to his precious BMW. "Officer, look what they've done to my Beeemer!!!", he whiningly said. "You lawyers are so materialistic, you make me sick!!!" retorted the officer, "You're so worried about your stupid BMW, that you didn't even notice that your left arm was ripped off!!!" "Oh my god....", replied the lawyer, finally noticing the bloody left shoulder where his arm once was, "Where's my Rolex?"
I had an X3 for several years. Not an M, just a regular X3. It was a good SUV and I quite liked it. Very reliable and it was a great vehicle for me. Great for hauling stuff and great in the winter. The M version would be fun. I don't feel bad about liking SUVs.
X3Marketing. The reality of what is perceived to be a sports car by 95% of potential buyers : 0-60mph time Why does an outhouse like this need to be so firm anyway ? Is it so rewarding to speed this through corners ? It's beyond me.
No one... People who buy this don't go to track days to fully exploit this power. But even if they did the brakes on these vehicles are not going to last on a track day due to the sheer weight. Total BS these SUVs...
I'm sure the 75 yrs-old couple who usually buy these things totally needs the 3 sec. 0-60 capability. I'll look for those next time I follow a left-lane hogger.
I went from the m40i to the x3m comp. The m40i is definitely the sweet spot. It's still REALLY good performance, better fuel economy, and FAR better ride. I had to be extra and go with more power, but the m40i really is a treat.
@@alansmilealot I put my wife in a big safe vehicle because I care about their safety. My wife isn't a moron. There are still some out there that are driving well.
This vehicle is exactly for the person who needs a single vehicle to do it all. And I can say that with authority, because I almost bought this exact model a mere five days ago. I expect my vehicles to drive well and leave an impression that doesn't fade from memory as soon as the garage door closes, but I also live in a large city with only a single garage space, and I'm a regular at Home Depot and Menards. I'm not going to strap lumber to the roof of a "proper" sports car nor am I going to walk five blocks to a garage that I can rent from a little old lady for $300/month just to properly house/protect it. The part about a husband swindling his wife in order to get her buy-in made me wonder if you guys had a hidden microphone in my kitchen, and it was because of that debate that we ultimately went for a GLC63 instead. An excellent video, gentlemen.
@@xavriz A few reasons. First, I always wanted a V8-powered Benz since I was a kid with car posters on my bedroom wall, and I figured it might be my last opportunity to get one before the whole world goes electric, or Mercedes went bonkers and decided that a hybrid four-banger was somehow a suitable replacement. Second, my wife already had a C-class so she was already somewhat familiar with the design, controls, etc. Third, we also had some problems securing the specific model of X3M that we wanted due to the the first wave of pandemic-related supply chain snafus.
We should stop comparing X3 with Macan. Macan is Compact size. I’m 6’6” I can’t fit on the rear seat of Macan. Cargo area is smaller too. Simply, they are not the same size. X3 is larger (it is as large as X5 gen1).
Sorry, regardless of the performance I just can't get behind the "sporty" SUV segment. If you want sports car dynamics with practicality, why not buy a wagon?
Same. It's a comment some people dislike reading, but it's true for the vast majority of us. You cannot have road contact feel in these big bloated bath tubs on wheels.
A valid question. I had a modded Legacy GT wagon. I loved it. However, there is something about the seating position of an SUV, and its added ground clearance if you live in snow country, that makes it somehow more desirable.
Only rational reason I see is that in some nasty or third world places around the world you really do need the ride height and sliver of increased off-road capability in order to not completely destroy and ruin your car. For example I live in Eastern Europe and drive a Volvo wagon with 13 cm ground clearance but I can't tell you how many times I've hit my oil pan and nearly cracked it open, or destroyed my exhaust. . You can't even park near a curb here without fearing of destroying the front bumper because they're so high. That's why the Lamborghini Urus has been a hit with rich people in countries like Russia, India or other places with terrible roads. Unfortunately, it seems Illinois, Michigan and other places in the US fit this mold.
I don't really like Mark. Seems like he dosent respect the car. His voice and deeming tone are not what viewers are here. Talking down to owner capability and capacity. Not to mention deeming the whole of the idea of the car. M5 this M5 that. That's not what is being reviewed. What's wrong with a more capable SUV? Or perhaps that's just too "boring American" for Mark. ... don't insult the people who come here to get an opinion on a car, you don't know why there are considering it... 'just buy a second car' is not something most people are looking for. Thanks
Porsche prices have gotten ridiculous. Got my Macan S when they first came out, loaded, for $70K. Specced out a new one with all the same options, and you're paying almost $20K extra for the new safety/tech features. Still have my '15 almost 6 years later, and it still drives fantastic. Super solid, fantastic ride, zero issues. I opted for the air suspension, and I think that makes a huge difference. I had an X5 before with rear air suspension, and it handled fine, but it had to be sooo stiff to do it. I described it as "crashing" over little bumps. It was so bumpy and loud inside. The X3M is slightly interesting, but sounds like it has a lot of that same "crashy" feel.
I find it funny how people are comparing a new BMW to 20k used S2000 and comparing them for value as a sports car. The X3M is not trying to be an M3, it‘s trying to be a compromise - which is exactly why it is a compromise. We car guys don‘t like it cause it‘s an M which is not sporty enough for us, but it‘s not really marketed at us. It is marketed at people with the needs that the owner of this car describes in the video. I think it‘s a nice car but I would not like to pay 70k for it, since it‘s not what I‘m looking for.
I think I’d rather swing for a Trackhawk. Having a supercharged V8 in an AWD JGC provides a more raw and brute experience. The X3M Competition is a sharp machine, with precision and grace. It’s more civilized. It might be even better than the Trackhawk.
I'd be interested in finding out what the gas mileage is for the x3m. The Trackhawk has abysmally bad mpg. It's fun to ride in, but it destroys you at the pump.
Ramad Jones my parents have a bmw x4m competition and that averages around 15mpg, lowest I’ve seen it go is 12mpg but that was after a day of thrashing it up and down the motorways and the trip had recently been re set
@@msrr1303 100% mate, sadly I only know of like 5 trackhawks in the uk and because there's so few of them there like over 100k so for that money the interior quality and a few over factors make it hard to choose over something like a range rover svr or X5m comp. We went for the x4m comp as we didn't need a car as big as the x5m and the x4m with a tune is quicker. Would love to see a track hawk on the road tho
Great review I own and X3m and it’s tuned with downpipes and I walk track hawks and even m5s m6s anything that came my way good opinion on it good review what u said is all true car is so so fast it’s an new m3 buffed up and higher
I feel like every statement where BMW is commended for their prioritization of handling and balance should get an asterisk thanks to the BMW 2 Gran Coupe.
The amount of power in the current M cars is just mind boggling. Hard to really extract all that power unless on a track. I think the X3 M40i might be a better choice as a daily. Even the M550i is such a fast car that I think the M5 might be overkill. Or I’m just getting old lol.
Bmw does make that car you just mentioned ... it’s called the G80 with s58 engine. It’s been testing in the Nurburgring for the past 2 years. And It’s gonna be the best car of the decade with AWD
Everybody forgets the fabulous Alfa's. The most disrespected brand on the road....in America. Europeans get it. I love the Stelvio. Extremely cool SUV.
I just don’t see who would buy this? (Other than to say you have the new hotness) If you have this money and need the space I feel like you’d be much better suited to just buy a comfort/cheaper suv and an actual sports car.
I don't see how a cheap SUV + sports car would be cheaper than this. How much do you have to pay for a sports car to match this 0-60 performance of 3.3s?
The other thing is that there is the X3 M40i which is nearly as fast (what it gives up in top speed it makes up for in torque available earlier) and rides a little softer. Honestly though, it’s still pretty firm.
@@FlexRogers idk what your tslking about but with a simple tune its faster than a stock urus and trackhawk that may not be your style but its someone else's style with awd it can be used all year round in colder climates while actually putting 500awhp down with a tune
There's a reason why God gave us multi-car garages. Shelling out $$$$ for raw HP and an ultra-luxury interior on an SUV is just dumb. If you want a savage beast that's fun to drive, get a 911....or an M4.....or an AMG GT.
Wrong it good value, the basic 340 didn't get m package for $50000usd in 2018 , the M pack standard now for $54000usd . M4 comp is $80000usd that expensive really . But you can blame Germany Government and Union leaders greed in Germany it expensive. You can't compare price to car built in capitalist country like USA
We can't resuface our roads the military needs every cent taxes can generate. This isn't Europe for christ sake we cant afford nice things like roads , bridges,..
As an X340M owner, I totally agree about the rough pavement issues even on my less sporty version ( it’s annoyingly harsh) and how and where would I utilize all that power without getting a huge amount of fines :) ! Thank you for your work!
Just 10% of power can be transferred to the front? Seems low to me, especially if you're in the snow belt and live on a hill. My neighbor just picked up one of these, sounds super flatulent.
Mike Jacobsen yeah, he said that once on a podcast with smoking tires. But thats not completely true I quess because that short piece of music at 7:27 is a copyright free song that I know..
Savage geese is the only channel as far I know who delves into more of the unknown and deeper styles of copyright free music instead of those standard RU-vid music! (:
The X3 M40i is definitely the sweet spot in the range. Still get a good engine with the b58 and it rides well. I don't see the point in jumping up to the full blown m model.
Having owned the 2019 X3 with just the 2.0T and driven the M40i, I’d actually say that’s the one most people should buy. That being said, I’d probably get the M40i if I were to buy another one just because but the turbo 4 is really a great engine.
X3 m40i rides very different than x3 M, and x3m competition. There is a obvious lightness and cheapness( due to price difference) in ride quality’s it’s actually that worse than the M models.
Here in the USA we don’t get the performance wagon so this is the closest option. The RS6 Avant in 110k starting and we got the X3M out the door for 68k cash - happy with the deal and performance for the $ to carry the two kids and dog ;) Ciao!
I have an X3 M40i I keep at my holiday home, amazing performance, sound and ride quality. Test drove the X3M, that ride comfort is bone crushingly hard, utterly unpleasant, and actually feels too fast. The X5M gives a much better ride, firm but not unpleasant, and has much the same performance but that chassis and setup is a far better fit for it. I elected to get the X5M50i for the balance of performance, ride quality, handling and luxury.
This engine will be going into the new M3/M4. The M3 always had a special power plant, often cutting edge and usually exclusive for the M3. So the new M3 will have an SUV engine? I don’t care if the engine is good or not, but that’s just depressing.
Yes, but your comment is a little late. The last m3 to have a truly special engine was the e9x from 08-13. Since then, there’s been a lot of shared parts on it.
Nithin Mathew the S55 and the N55 look close on paper, and I get that. But I think the S55 still debuted in the F80 gen M3, and was later adopted to the M2 comp.
After religiously watching almost all of your videos, that was up there for being one of the best final thoughts; incredibly informative and weighed in on the actual owner’s reasoning behind the purchase makes a great final-thoughts combo. Please keep that up!
IMO "The Move" to make is to wait for the GV70 with the 3.5TT (400 hp / 400 tq). It should be in the $50k range well loaded and will have nearly as much performance styling interior and features for $20k less & a better warranty.
Definitely a good contender. It will be much cheaper but it will fall very short on driving dynamics and performance. But how often do you “NEED” 500hp?? Who knows.
