[556bhp]

Hi CTS-V crew,

I had a week with the 2020 BMW X3 M40i and came away loving and hating the SUV. The BMW has real power from the B58 engine, a good I6 engine sound, great build quality, cool interior tech (though I do really like the latest CUE systems too), great trunk capacity, and is generally a characterful, fun-to-drive SUV. In fact, it has enough punch and handling that I don't really see a reason to splurge on a true-blood X3M.

So here's the bad: The 2020 X3 M40i loaner was on the base, fixed-rate suspension and it was way too stiff! The firm suspension let the tall and heavy X3 M40i handle, but it's like riding a paint shaker to the grocery store...not fun! For the 2022 model year, the X3 M40i now comes standard with an adjustable suspension; I hear this improves the ride, but I wish they'd follow Alfa Romeo's lead and license magnetic-ride technology. That would be perfection!

Compared to the Cadillacs I've driven, the X3 M40i is much more direct and sporty than the current Cadillac XT4. (But I don't think the XT4 is trying to be sporty!) Against my CTS-V wagon, the X3 M40i steering and drivetrain feel more eager than the V's. The X3 M40i has almost as much pace as the V in its first two gears, yet it has a much roomier cabin and cargo area. That said, you can pry my CTS-V wagon keys out of my cold dead hands.

Best!
Mike

 

[6172crew]

I had a 2020 loaner a few weeks ago and I now know why people buy them. Certainly changed my mind about them being chick cars. I would opt for the sedan (or wagon if they ever allow them). Mine had tan with brown accents and it looked good. I found myself driving around in it, just to drive.

 

[556bhp]

I had a 2020 loaner a few weeks ago and I now know why people buy them. Certainly changed my mind about them being chick cars. I would opt for the sedan (or wagon if they ever allow them). Mine had tan with brown accents and it looked good. I found myself driving around in it, just to drive.

Yeah, driving around just to drive is the measure in my eyes too. If I want to take the car/SUV onto a backroad, then it's got some goodness!

The M340i sedan is even better than the X3 for driving fun.

 

[Mr645]

My wife has a 2018 X3 M40i and it's way sports than any SUV Cadillac offers. The XT4 or XT5 are sadly lacking any reason for the under 65 age group to consider.
And yes it rides stiff, our dealer had one on the 19" wheels and some on the 21", and as sporty as I like my ride, the 21 run flats was harsh. We have the 19" wheels and no complaints. Oh and the JB4 is a great option, I suggest it

 

[db-guru]

The XT4 or XT5 are sadly lacking any reason for the under 65 age group to consider.

I'm in my 70s and there's no reason for the over 65 crowd either. I kept hoping for an XT5-V to come out so I could replace my TBSS with a GM product.

 

[6172crew]

I’m in a Buick Encore for a rental. I can’t recommend it to anyone. As a matter of fact I can’t find one thing I like about it.

 

[Mr645]

I'm in my 70s and there's no reason for the over 65 crowd either. I kept hoping for an XT5-V to come out so I could replace my TBSS with a GM product.

I remember looking at the XT5 and thinking it's needs a sportier engine and package. Lincoln added a twin turbo 400 hp V6 to their SUV, Cadillac added the less powerful 2.0T to the XT5. That was sad

 

[556bhp]

I've had the XT4 as a loaner a few times, and it was super cushy and super sloppy. Maybe if I lived in a state with straight roads of terrible quality I'd appreciate the tuning, but for twisty CA, it was not ideal.

 

[subaru335i]

I test drove an X3 M40i with the adaptive suspension a few weeks ago and it wasn't too harsh. I also drove the X3M competition and while it is a lot cooler, its almost too much in an SUV.
My wife thought the X3M interior was too busy but we absolutely loved all the tech inside of both of them.

The gesture control gimmick is actually kinda cool, the HUD is super good looking and useful, the self driving with the fully optioned acc-stop and go is awesome and the automatic parking was surprisingly good. It will park itself parallel or rear 90 degree in a space and automatically scans for open spots it was kinda crazy.

We also test drove one of the new Genesis GV80 and GV70 but he GV70 was a bit too small inside for how big the vehicle is similar to a macan.
The GV80 is really nice inside and super luxury almost like a Bently and the ride was very comfortable (pretty sure its air ride) and comes with a damn 20 year 200k mile powertrain warranty... along with some of the best infotainment and drivers assistance out there. Not sporty at all though which isn't really a big problem.

Still need to test drive a few more cars (Mercedes GLC/GLE, and the new 2022 Lexus GX) but its a pretty hard decision to make.

 

[RaVeNous]

I have had a Porsche Panamera Turbo, and and RS7, and although I really liked the direct adjustability with the air ride, the mag ride in my V2 coupe is still the best riding car I’ve ever had. It’s just stuck to the road, always felt planted, and absorbed every bump even in the stiff setting.

I recently purchased an ATSV because of the mag ride. It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. They aren’t always the balls out fastest cars, and they don’t have the interior of a Porsche, but man they have special sauce in their chassis.

 

[556bhp]

The GV80 is really nice inside and super luxury almost like a Bently and the ride was very comfortable (pretty sure its air ride) and comes with a damn 20 year 200k mile powertrain warranty..

Wow, I almost want to buy it just for the warranty!

 

[556bhp]

I have had a Porsche Panamera Turbo, and and RS7, and although I really liked the direct adjustability with the air ride, the mag ride in my V2 coupe is still the best riding car I’ve ever had. It’s just stuck to the road, always felt planted, and absorbed every bump even in the stiff setting.

I recently purchased an ATSV because of the mag ride. It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. They aren’t always the balls out fastest cars, and they don’t have the interior of a Porsche, but man they have special sauce in their chassis.

I was a big fan of the CT6's mag ride too. It was just as comfortable as the CTS-V's but had better body control. It's quite a trick, and one that I wonder if they've reproduced in the CT5-V Blackwing.

 

[subaru335i]

Wow, I almost want to buy it just for the warranty!

For real, its a good car and the warranty is ridiculous. Its non transferrable though IIRC so if you buy one its best to just drive it forever.