Since 1916, German-based automotive manufacturer, BMW has been attracting the wealthy, inspiring the enthusiasts, and refuting the skeptics. Whether you're looking for comfort and luxury, or style and performance, BMW has a model that can check the boxes. With every new model that's released, it becomes more and more apparent that BMW builds a driver's car. No, that's not simply a car that you drive. It's a car that listens and adapts to what you need out of it. For years, BMW has left drivers in control.
Topping the list as probably the most driver-inspired vehicle to this day, the BMW X3 M Competition is a self-proclaimed "Sports Activity Vehicle on steroids", Rightfully so, this 4,600 lbs SUV has the handling and agility of an M5. Oh, and on top of larger Infotainment screens and eye-catching wheels, the word "Competition" also comes with an extra 30-hp.
Surprisingly, the BMW X3 M Competition isn't the only thrill-ride SUV on the market. Alfa Romeo, Porche, Mercedes, and even Tesla have some pretty similar models, so how does the BMW X3M Competition compare? Even more importantly, how does it excel?
The X3 M Competition Is Defined By "Sheer Driving Pleasure"
Between drivability, comfort, and style, BMW has never been lacking and this X3 M Competition is no different. With its 21-inch wheels, aggressive front end, and muscular body lines, you’re sure to catch some stares in your kid’s school pick-up line. Its outer appearance isn’t the only jaw-dropping part of this car, though. The interior is spacious enough for your kids and their friends, packed with the most modern features and large screens to keep everyone happy.
The X3 M Competition has driver assistance features that include customizable driving modes with an in-depth selection of options to finely tune your ultimate driving experience. Carefully though, as some of these options make this family SUV capable of drifting 45-degree angles. "Sheer Driving Pleasure" is quite a fitting slogan for BMW.
While rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG and Tesla Model Y have different driving modes, none of them are quite as accessible to fine-tuning as the BMW X3 M Competition.
The Great Debate: Gas Vs Electric
There's really nothing like the chest-shaking growl of a beefy gas motor. Then again, there's also nothing quite like the instant, face-slapping speed of an electric car. The Tesla Model Y has an unbeatable amount of instant, no-buffer, direct deposit torque for its kind. Whereas the BMW X3 M Competition offers a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine that makes an impressive 553 lb-ft of torque and 503-hp. While its performance is less impressive compared to its electric counterpart, the experience is still entirely unique.
Other than their carbon footprint, the biggest difference between gas and electric vehicles is their weight. No one likes to talk about it, but there's no body-shaming here. The Tesla Model Y is a whole 500 lbs lighter than the X3 M Competition, making its power much more efficient, along with the fact that it's also instant.
It's pretty clear the future is turning electric, but BMW is on route to finish off this fuel-injected era with a bang.
Is The Price Of The BMW X3 M Competition Worth The Performance?
With a price tag of around $100,000, the X3 M Competition doesn't come as cheap as some of its rivals. The Mercedes GLC 63 AMG costs about $75,000, and its twin-turbo V8 outperforms the X3 M Competition due to its muscular 516 lb-ft of torque, while the X3 M Competition only has 442 lb-ft of torque.
Both of these AWD SUVs make a statement at first sight, but with the Tesla Model Y Performance coming in at only $63,000, is the BMW X3 M Competition worth the equivalent of four Kia Souls? In short, yes (although it will depend on your preferences). With a drivetrain out of the M5, a twin-turbo inline six motor specifically designed for the M series X3, and customizable driving modes, the BMW X3 M Competition packs plenty of performance, drivability, and pleasure into a stylish package. Sitting in the middle of its rivals in price point, the BMW X3 M Competition is well worth its performance.
Since they first used their slogan "Sheer Driving Pleasure" in 1930, BMW has made massive moves to innovate the automotive industry. They've allowed luxury and performance to go hand-in-hand with affordability. While the BMW X3 M Competition isn't exactly a hop-in-and-go type of vehicle, it's an incredible machine for a deeply enthusiastic driver.
Whichever way you look at it, each of these insanely-built family SUVs excels in one category or another. In the same way, each has its downfalls. Just like any other comparison, deciding which one is best will always be a matter of opinion and personal preference. But if you're a BMW enthusiast, the X3 M Competition won't leave you disappointed by any means. In fact, it might leave you breathless.