2019 BMW X3 M40i

The 2019 X3 is BMW's compact luxury SUV, slotting between the X1 and X5 and competing with the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60. The X3 is genuinely fun to drive, with quick steering and a willing powertrain that makes it easy to hustle through traffic. The ride is firm, especially on the M40i, so you feel bumps in the city, but that stiffness pays off with flat cornering. Inside, the X3 offers a well-built cabin with comfortable seats, quality materials, and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Standard tech includes a crisp infotainment system with navigation, plus available driver aids like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The M40i is the performance pick of the X3 range, giving up some ride comfort versus the 30i trims but gaining a much stronger engine and sharper handling. Its 3.0L I6 makes 355 horsepower and pairs with the eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, good for 23 mpg combined. The M Sport exhaust lets you hear the engine's character more clearly, and the adaptive suspension is worth finding if you want to soften the ride on rough roads.