AndroidRobot

I'm looking forward to it as well. If I had time to wait I would definitely consider (then likely buy) an X3M.

I wrote it to be informative with some humor in there for fun. The car really is great, I recommend driving one and the SQ5 then deciding for yourself. My wife got a kick out of it too, even though she hates when I drop it into sport mode...

Koolio

AndroidRobot

Yes, the X3M is a true M model while the M40i is a M Performance model. Think of M as equal to Audi RS and Mercedes AMG 6X while M Performance is like Audi S and Mercedes AMG 4X. I'm looking forward to the RS Q5 and X3M, hopefully Audi isn't too far off the BMWs launch date.

samchuang33

Thx for sharing the experience OP. It was a good read.

I come from a BMW family having own over half a dozen bmw and still owing a F36 440i GC. I think at the end of the day, it is really a personal choice. I wanted something new so BMW was not even on my list after owing so many Bimmers. One thing is for sure, out of all of the BMW I have owned, most of them have minor and few have major issues with reliability which really put me off buying another one. It really put a sour taste after spending so much money on a premium car and having more problem compare to something half it price. The newer bimmer seems better as the most recent JDPower review suggest BMW above Audi and merc so hopefully BMW have improved.

The biggest difference for me is the drive. BMW is driver oriented where audi is more all round car which to me kinda sits between BMW (performance) and Merc (luxury). You will have a bit more fun in a BMW but at the end of the day but the audi have more tech/comfort/refinement which is really what this class of vehicle is about.

You cant go wrong with either one at the end of the day!