REVIEW

Everyone loves a big SUV seemingly these days, it’s the single biggest market worldwide now. But in the UK at least, something like 90% of all SVs sold are diesel engine and of those the majority are 2.0 litre 4-cylinder ones. There’s no real soul to those engines, so it was with a pleasant surprise that we saw BMW launch their new X3 with the option of the engine from the brilliant M140i to create (no surprise) the X3 M40i. With 355bhp it was certainly quick and sounded good, but with rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC63S out there, BMW needed a big gun and now it’s here – the X3M Competition. Featuring a 3.0 litre straight-six twin turbo engine, it produces a Merc-equalling 503bhp, while 600Nm will certainly help with the in-gear acceleration. 0-62mph is dealt with in a smidge over 4 seconds while the standard 155mph top speed can be increased to 174mph with the optional M/// Driver’s Package. Looks-wise the X3M gets a far more aggressive front end, quad exhausts at the back and some great looking 20-inch alloy wheels. What an all-rounder!