Nowadays, most brand new performance models seem to feature some sort of mild hybrid assistance, at the very least. The BMW X3 M40i however does not, which technically should be a disadvantage.
Its rivals during this performance test by Carwow are the Volvo XC60 Polestar and the Audi Q5 55 TFSIe, both of which are assisted by small electric motors.
The Volvo’s drivetrain combines for more than 400 horsepower and 675 Nm (498 lb-ft) of torque, while the Audi comes in at 367 PS (362 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. As for the BMW, it puts out 354 PS (349 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
Watch: The Audi RS7 And Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Are Family-Hauling, Street-Legal Rocketships
On paper, the two hybrids are actually a tiny bit slower to 62 mph (100 km/h) than the more conventionally-powered BMW X3, which will hit the mark in just 4.8 seconds. Meanwhile, its rivals from Volvo and Audi will get there in 5.2 and 5.3 seconds, respectively.
All cars were subjected to standing and rolling start drag races, as well as a brake test. In the end, a winner did emerge, although we won’t spoil the outcome for you.
As a side note, in April we brought you our own review of the 2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, where we came away impressed by its overall versatility and technology. So, given that it’s the most powerful here by quite some margin, did it beat its two German rivals?