2022 BMW X3 M

Today, performance crossovers occupy the space left by hot hatches in the US, and the X3 M doesn't disappoint. Off the line, it's absurdly quick, and when you add some corners to the mix, it becomes wickedly entertaining. Then you remember there's a sport mode, and the X3 M starts to demonstrate how good a 21st-century hot hatch can be with its agility, despite weighing in at just over 4,500 pounds. The brakes will drop like a battleship anchor, helped by the sheer wealth of mechanical grip available, but are also easy to modulate and keep things smooth.

BMW has struggled with numb steering for a while, but the X3 M's steering is communicative and willing to let you know what's going on. More importantly, the same goes for your backside, as the suspension is firm while taking the crunch out of rough surfaces. Some will find the suspension too firm even in its softest setting for everyday driving, but we believe we could live with it in the long term.

Without a doubt, the X3 M is one of the best, if not the best, performance crossovers around as it packs more power under the hood than a Porsche Macan while costing significantly less. We can argue which is better down a twisty road, but the BMW definitely brings a surprising value proposition to the table. If you're looking for a performance crossover to enjoy the hell out of, we can thoroughly recommend the X3 M. However, we would suggest making sure it passes the partner test by taking them out for a long test drive with the X3 M's firmness of ride in mind.

One of the X3 M's main competitors is close to home. Like the X3 M, the X3 M40i - which we review as part of the regular X3 lineup - offers turbocharged six-cylinder power and all-wheel drive. However, the M40i is $12,100 cheaper. For that saving, you have to sacrifice 91 horsepower and a 0-60 time that is half a second slower. However, the M40i's 4.4-second effort is still brilliant, and it offers a far superior combined gas mileage figure of 23 mpg. By comparison, that's six miles per gallon more than the X3 M. The M40i misses out on some of the X3 M's standard features like power seat bolsters, the Harman Kardon sound system, and the leather upholstery. However, it isn't as stiffly sprung as the X3 M so is the more approachable SUV for daily use. You'll need a track to fully exploit the X3 M's more focused suspension tuning. The hardcore X3 M is fantastic, but we'll save some money and opt for the better-balanced offering that is the M40i.

For the 2022 model year, Porsche elected to replace the Macan Turbo with the Macan GTS. It's this model that most closely matches up with the BMW X3 M. At $79,900, the GTS is $10,000 pricier yet is down on power at 434 hp. Its 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds also lags behind the base model X3 M's 3.9-second effort - and that's before considering the X3 M's Competition package. Besides this, the X3 M gets more equipment as standard and has a much larger trunk. That's a lot in favor of the Bimmer, but the Macan does claw back points when you drive it. Its PDK gearbox is class-leading, the V6 is powerful, and the suspension tuning is spot-on. The ride isn't as harsh as in the X3 M, yet the Macan is perhaps even more entertaining through the twisties. Because these are performance SUVs, the engaging Porsche Macan GTS is the one that impresses us most.