2019 BMW X3 M40i: M influence makes everything more fun

No, it's not the ballistic X3 M, but the X3 M40i is no pushover, with a turbocharged I6 making 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. 

Working with the turbocharged I6 is an excellent ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that cracks off lightning-quick shifts.

BMW says the X3 M40i can hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. 

To improve handling, the X3 M40i packs a rear-bias all-wheel-drive system and bigger M brakes, and offers  adaptive dampers. 

This particular test car is outfitted with optional 21-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone tires. 

Compared with the base X3, the M40i visually sets itself apart with more aggressive fascias, body-color side sills, high-gloss black roof rails and double-spoke wheels.

The cabin of the X3 M40i gets more supportive sport seats, a thick-rim M steering wheel and some additional M badges. 

On the tech front, infotainment is taken care of by an iDrive 6 system that features navigation, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay. 

Sadly, Android users are still left out in the cold as BMW still doesn't support Android Auto. 

The 2019 BMW X3 M40i starts at $54,650, not including $995 for destination.