The 2020 BMW X3 M comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower or 503 in Competition model.All-wheel-drive system sourced from the BMW M5.Updated suspension components and chassis reinforcement.
Pros Accelerates faster than many sports cars Grip and handling are excellent Still as practical as a standard X3
Cons Excessively stiff ride, even in the softest setting Exhaust can drone at highway speeds
BMW's heroic performance SUV lineup now has a compact offering in the form of the X3 M and the X3 M Competition. Honestly, we're surprised it took this long for the masters at the M performance division to swap out the X3's already sporty suspension with even sportier gear and drop in a more powerful engine.
BMW's X3 M Competition promises to blend urban family friendliness with spirited road and track performance. But we threw that out the window and instead went rallying in the Outback.
Pros Impressive surrogate rally car chops Great chassis on clay Proper M-spec running gear Bloody quick on dirt
Cons Cleaning out the bulldust afterwards
The name sounds odd, but the Touareg offers a comfortable ride and spirited performance—something we all can understand. Its 3.6-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Touareg is large, comfortable, and solid—plus it’s equally at home both on and off the pavement. A standard touchscreen infotainment display is functional but dated; the optional adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, however, are well engineered and effective.
PROS Comfortable, tech-laden interior Active safety functions 3.5 tonne towing, real off-road ability Ride on standard air suspension
CONS No seven-seat option Lacks a full-size spare tyre Expensive for a Volkswagen
