Automobile: The 5 Things We Love Most About the 2020 BMW X3 M Competition

AlexFL · 03-31-2020, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrItaly

And I'm going to have to say I totally agree with that description of the 3 through 6 lineup. My thoughts exactly. 6 over a 5 but not 4 over a 3. And oddly enough, 3 trumps 5 in my opinion. I think the five is just too big for my tastes despite the additional prestige of being a 5. 3 Vs 6? Hmmm, now that would be a tougher call. I'd really have to weigh asthetics VS weight and size at that point. 6M was out of my price range anyway, so I'd probably just stick with the 3 if grounded in reality. Not to mention, I've never driven a 6M,so I can't personally compare the driving dynamics between the two models, but then again the 5/6 platform reviews I've read do seem to indicate the 3/4 being more nimble which is very important to me.

I actually like X4 M a lot, but only in certain colors. I think the black X4 looks really nice. White X4 looks great, too. The back of the new X6 M looks a bit weird and totally overdone, imo. Overall, not a huge fan of the new X5/X6. Too big, too soft, and you sit much higher than in X3.

MrItaly · 03-31-2020, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

I actually like X4 M a lot, but only in certain colors. I think the black X4 looks really nice. White X4 looks great, too. The back of the new X6 M looks a bit weird and totally overdone, imo. Overall, not a huge fan of the new X5/X6. Too big, too soft, and you sit much higher than in X3.

Good points. Speaking of sitting higher, I'm going to lower mine. I ordered the MSS springs today. On a side note, my car is at my local dealer now to get the connected drive working. They gave me a new X3M40i as a loaner. First off, its was odd to be back in an M40i. It felt so much cheaper in the inside and looked smaller (not sure why. I know that's impossible). The seats were not comfortable compared to my comp. The engine and suspension did still make it a nice DD. That said, I'm so glad I upgraded. Oh, and I don't like much of anything on I drive 7. Much prefer 6. I'm not sure how many years I'll hang onto this X3MC, but I'm sure it will always hold a special place in my ownership history.

pluckydks · 04-01-2020, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Another pretty positive F97 review. Good to see that the automotive journalists are finally starting to appreciate the sporty, sedan-like manners of X3M and the narrative is slowly shifting from "confused car" to "real performance machine that are as good to drive as they are to look at".

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/5...m-competition/

Good find, but I agree, why is this article so short? I kept it in my bookmarks since you first posted it, thinking it was a much longer read.

pluckydks · 04-01-2020, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Having owned both....Macan S, Macan Turbo, and now X3M Competition; my perspective is that the Macan is not the class leader at all. The cost to benefit is far apart. The Tech in the Macan is garbage. The BMW is miles ahead in the tech department. The performance of the X3MC edges out even the Macan Turbo. Macan has 2 redeeming attributes; 1 the sound system is incredible (bmw needs better options): 2 Macan has a wide low stance. The Macan interiors are banal and outdated even with the latest refresh. BMW has done a great job with their interiors where they are up market and very sporty/exciting....the Macan is Such a shame but yeah "fun" to drive but doesn't exceed my expectation....You're paying for a nameplate....blah

Now the cost;

Porsche Macan is way over priced and lease terribly. The lease factors are outrageous, the residuals suck, and there is no included maintenance.

BMW X3M has 57% residual @12k miles, low lease factor (even at launch), included maintenance for up to 3 years/36k miles (except brakes).

It's clear choice and winner for overall value vs performance. X3MC.

Glad to read this. I was debating between a Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, or the X3MC

beammeupscottie · 04-02-2020, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pluckydks

Quote:

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Having owned both....Macan S, Macan Turbo, and now X3M Competition; my perspective is that the Macan is not the class leader at all. The cost to benefit is far apart. The Tech in the Macan is garbage. The BMW is miles ahead in the tech department. The performance of the X3MC edges out even the Macan Turbo. Macan has 2 redeeming attributes; 1 the sound system is incredible (bmw needs better options): 2 Macan has a wide low stance. The Macan interiors are banal and outdated even with the latest refresh. BMW has done a great job with their interiors where they are up market and very sporty/exciting....the Macan is Such a shame but yeah "fun" to drive but doesn't exceed my expectation....You're paying for a nameplate....blah

Now the cost;

Porsche Macan is way over priced and lease terribly. The lease factors are outrageous, the residuals suck, and there is no included maintenance.

BMW X3M has 57% residual @12k miles, low lease factor (even at launch), included maintenance for up to 3 years/36k miles (except brakes).

It's clear choice and winner for overall value vs performance. X3MC.

Glad to read this. I was debating between a Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, or the X3MC

Good luck with your decision and enjoy whatever you end up with!

pluckydks · 04-02-2020, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Good luck with your decision and enjoy whatever you end up with!

Thanks, I already got the X3MC back in September

beammeupscottie · 04-02-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pluckydks

Quote:

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Good luck with your decision and enjoy whatever you end up with!

Thanks, I already got the X3MC back in September

Excellent. They delivered my first one in

September also!

Macanakey · 04-05-2020, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Macan is a great car, but it’s more of a capable luxury SUV rather than a true performance car. X3M is a pure blooded M car.

That's exactly what The Spousal Unit says, & I have to agree with him. I did like the lower stance of the Macan, but then again, it's a CUV, not an SUV. I'm missing it less, the more I drive & enjoy the tech in the X3.