[Dillinger]

Did my test drives earlier this week. Overall a great time. Well run, and was very nice going out alone in each car. The predetermined route took around 15 minutes, was mostly city driving with a lot of lights, but one on-ramp to a 55mph highway for about 3 miles. This was the place to go full throttle (from a rolling start) and do a little weaving in and out of traffic. I drove 3 cars in the order below. The visits with each car was so quick, these are only my initial impressions.

DISCLAIMER: I'm in no way shape or form an expert. Just an amateur enthusiast who enjoys a little luxury, and likes to go fast.

1. '19 M5 Comp - Like we need another review on this guy, but WTH. It was everything it was cracked up to be! FAST. NIMBLE. LUXURIOUS. I was most impressed with the stellar handling and the sound of the beast with the sport exhaust button engaged. Even the ride was compliant, and most of the time I was in Sports Plus. I want this vehicle. Like now. Anyone got $120k?

2. X3M Comp - I currently drive an '18 M40i with a bootmod3 tune (stage 1, 93oct) (400-430hp approx??). INT/EXT: The X3M exterior styling is as reported, a souped up, slightly sportier version than the M40i. Not worth the premium yet IMO. Interior though felt much more upgraded. Very sporty and high end feeling. I feel my M40i is nice, but a little too utilitarian. Seats were comfy, but tighter than the M40i, specifically in the butt area. I'm a big dude (6'1" 280 on a good day) and I felt I'd probably need to lose 10 lbs to feel good about these upgraded Comp model seats. (curious about the non-comp version) I think for most people, they'll be just fine. Side bolsters gave plenty of support, and didn't feel too tight at the most open position. Similar to the M40i. SOUND: Started the car up and I instantly felt the difference. This vehicle had a strong, aggressive sonic signature in and out. (For perspective, I have the ASD disabled in my X3 via a pulled fuse. I felt the M40i was too "drone-y" so that's why I pulled it.) Initial impressions of the x3m comp was the sound was nicely integrated. The execution was much better than the m40i. I definitely did enjoy the sound overall, but with both with sports exhaust engaged or disengaged, it might end up getting a little much for my personal tastes. Not sure though.
ACCELERATION: First thing I noticed when I hit the road is what I felt like was it's biggest weakness...The turbo lag plus the delay from when you stomp on the gas and get a response was pronounced. Also mind you I was in sport plus in all sections, except the steering. My M40i with the tune, while in any mode except ECO (but with shifter to the left in "sport"), feels more responsive. I was rather disappointed with this on the X3MC. Once those turbos did kick in, I felt those 500 ponies! Pretty impressive. BUT the crazy part is, I felt my M40i pulls a little harder, and more dramatically. I know! I didn't believe it at first, and thought it had to be an effect of just being in the beastly M5C. But right after my test drives, when i got back in my ride, I did a quick run around the same route and had the same feeling. My car was just more fun and exciting in regards to its responsiveness. Maybe something was off with this X3M comp. I will definitely give it another try when my dealer gets his in. SUSPENSION: The ride feel overall was similar to my car, maybe a touch stiffer. The major difference was in the sport modes. It felt more connected to the pavement. Not too stiff, and maybe a bit more compliant when out of the sport modes. STEERING/HANDLING: felt majorly upgraded. Impressive for a heavy SAV. Though as expected, not nearly as responsive has the M5C, but a notch or two above the M40i. Again note, I kept the car in Sport or Sport Plus most of the time.

My overall impression was at this point I didn't feel a major desire to upgrade from where I'm at now. This is surprising to me because before I left for the test drives, I warned my wife to be prepared for a new itch that needed to be scratched. I wanted to love this X3M, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. I totally surprised myself. BUT again! I'm not about to give up, I will be riding again soon to confirm the initial impressions. I of course encourage all potential buyers to see for themselves, you may just say I'm nuts.

3. M340i. This was the sleeper of the group. Funny thing was I almost cancelled this drive, but stuck it out because driving is fun. INT/EXT: I think this specific model didn't have all the bells and whistles. (Admittedly though, I have done next to no research to see what options are available on this model.)From my POV, the insides felt cheaper when compared to everything else I drove that day, including my own ride. Wasn't a fan in general. Seats were comfy though. I didn't focus too much on the exterior because it came in this burnt orange color (sorry I don't know exactly which one it is) I hated the color, so I kind of forgot to note anything in particular. ACCELERATION: Damn this thing GOES! Fast, responsive, pulls and pulls. I guess I just love that B58 engine. Especially with approx 700 lb less weight to haul around. FUN!! SUSPENSION/HANDLING: In a word, fantastic. This car felt very toss-able and firmly planted the whole time. Can't wait to see where the G80 M3 lands! If I was in the market for a mid size coupe (which I may be in a couple years) I'd give this car and the upcoming M3 a serious look.

OK, there you have it. My super quick impressions received during my limited time with these 3 offerings from BMW. Thanks again for everyone else's view on the X3MC. This group is the greatest!!