10,000 Miles in Our Long-Term 2022 BMW X3

• We added BMW's most popular vehicle, the 2022 X3, to our long-term fleet for a yearlong test.
• The X3 balances comfort, utility and a reasonable amount of performance in a five-seat SUV.
• We compare the M40i and M Competition models against our X3 xDrive30i tester.

The xDrive30i is plenty of X3

We track-tested both the M40i and M Competition versions of the X3, and while we were blown away by their performance (the M40i took 4.4 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph and the M Competition took just 3.6 seconds), we were happy to get back into our long-term xDrive30i when the comparison was over. Here's what I thought after driving the M40i and M Comp back to back:

"The M40i felt like an unnecessary but fun version of a solid SUV whether on road, highway or track. The M Competition seems determined to push the limits of how much power an SUV can carry before the driver says, 'No, thank you, maybe I am more of a minivan person after all.'"

"And while the M Competition throws 100 more horses under the hood, it doesn't feel particularly inviting compared to the M40i. It's terrific driving in a straight line, and the noise is spectacular (like other BMW Ms, there is a loud/less loud button in the center console area). Unfortunately, it doesn't lend itself to fun or carefree track driving quite like the M40i or the sedans and coupes it's trying to emulate."

We're split on the X3's comfort

Our long-term X5 offered a bit of a stiff ride, and while the X3 isn't quite as firm as its larger sibling, opinions are mixed on its comfort.

"BMW's been accused of turning its back on its traditional enthusiast clientele for many years now, but the X3 is one vehicle whose comfort-biased dynamics seem just right to me. There's a lot of suspension travel in this rig — big dips and speed bumps really get it bouncing around — and no shortage of body roll either. But honestly, how many people really want flat cornering and a stiff ride in a luxury SUV?" asks Josh.

Senior editor of written content Brent Romans is more concerned about the front seat: "I've found myself fiddling with the seat's adjustments more than I thought I would. The seat isn't lacking for anything (our test X3 has the upgraded four-way lumbar, too) but I just can't seem to dial in a driving position I really love. Ultimately, I feel like I'm just sitting on a chair rather than being fully supported by something great."

Edmunds says

We're only halfway through our journey with our X3 but so far we've been impressed with BMW's best-seller. We've avoided any major issues so far, but there's still a long way to go.