Grasso’s Garage: BMW X3 M40i is upscale family fun

We always talk about family fun.

When it comes to family fun, we always talk about third-row passenger monstrosities, when realistically, the market has a lot more to offer. Similarly, my sister-in-law wanted to upgrade from her 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to something a little bit bigger, but with a similar price range and without third row seats to capitalize on the storage space. She ended up with a Honda Passport, hands down, a great all around family vehicle and a Grasso’s Garage favorite. But when it comes to upscale luxury family vehicles, there are tons of options. In Grasso’s Garage, we now have the 2022 BMW X3 M40i, a perfect upscale option for families abound.

Identified as Phytonic Blue Metallic, and you know my love for blue, this five-seat luxury SUV is just that, luxury. It fills the gaps between the wants and the needs while still maintaining a price range that is affordable for the average upscale family. Not only does it look good, but it is comfortable too.

Safety seems to be top of mind for BMW and adds an array of features and security all for good reason. It has a Front and Rear Head Protection System, full LED headlights, active driving assistant for frontal collision warnings, blind spot detection as well as lane departure warning.

With comfort top of mind, it’s all about the interior and the driver’s cockpit. Wrapped in Oyster Vernasca Leather, we enjoyed the premium package including heated steering wheel and front and rear seats, heads-up display as well as gesture control for $1,600 more. There’s the typical plain-Jane interior and upscale infotainment system utilized by either touchscreen or center console controls.

A 3.0-liter, TwinTurbo inline six-cylinder engine paired with 48-volt mild hybrid technology was really quiet and provided just enough power for all consumers. Matched with a seamless eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, the BMW X3 was just perfect. The xDrive all-wheel drive system was also standard.

Don’t forget the 3 year or 36,000 mile Ultimate Care Maintenance Program, which comes included in your purchase and includes scheduled maintenance for free.

As the BMW model footprint maintains its traditional size with an array of vehicle options, the X3 remains the staple and for good reason. BMW is known as the Ultimate Driving Machine, but in Grasso’s Garage, the X3 M40i, is the Ultimate Family Machine.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: [email protected].

BMW X3 M40i

MSRP: $ 57,800

As tested: $64,290

MPG: 21 city, 26 highway, 23.2 as tested