[mega156]

Hi everyone,

I live in Egypt where the X3 M40i costs around 91,600 USD while the X6 50i is around 111,000 USD. Taxes and customs are high in here but both cars are locally assembled so the pricing is way higher compared to US.
Both cars are great and fully loaded with full M packages, adaptive LED lights, premium seats package, etc...
One of the main reasons I'm a bit reluctant to buy the X6 is that it will change its shape soon while the X6 will stay around for at least another 4 years. Moreover, the X6 will be a stretch in terms of cash.
Did anyone here try driving both and came up with a conclusion that can help me take a decision. Personally, I prefer the looks and the size of the X6 but the interior seems a bit outdated compared to the M40i.

[RichM50d]

It depends what you want from a car. The X3 is more involving to drive, is more of a drivers car, and goes back to BMW’s roots. It’s the most fun you can have in an SUV from BMW right now. The driving experience in the current X6 is a bit removed, in comparison. The X6 is probably the more comfortable cruising alternative, whereas the M40i is FUN!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by RichM50d

It depends what you want from a car. The X3 is more involving to drive, is more of a drivers car, and goes back to BMW’s roots. It’s the most fun you can have in an SUV from BMW right now. The driving experience in the current X6 is a bit removed, in comparison. The X6 is probably the more comfortable cruising alternative, whereas the M40i is FUN!

The X3 also looks like a proper SUV, no offense to any X6 owners, but its a bit to hunchback and has too much of a bull-like face. The X3 M40i is sooo much fun to drive, and the exhaust note is awesome, and the X6 will be updated next year, so I say you should get the X3, its just a far better car, and the cheaper of the two.

[mega156]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

The X3 also looks like a proper SUV, no offense to any X6 owners, but its a bit to hunchback and has too much of a bull-like face. The X3 M40i is sooo much fun to drive, and the exhaust note is awesome, and the X6 will be updated next year, so I say you should get the X3, its just a far better car, and the cheaper of the two.

The only drawback with the M40i is that it has M suspension which is not adaptive, roads in Egypt are mostly rough so it might feel harsh driving it in the city, while the X6 suspension is M as well but adaptive.

On a side note, we also have the M40i smaller buddy, the X3 30i, which is 15,200 $ cheaper than the M40i, it excludes the following:
M aerodynamics kit, M suspension, M brakes, M steering wheel, Head up display, 6 speakers instead of 12, variable sport steering and the instrument display is also digital but different than the M40i. Would you consider it? I haven't had the chance to test drive any of them yet.

[verysideways]

Can you not add adaptive suspension to the M40i on your market?
Or delete the M suspension?
Both of those options are available in the European market.

[mega156]

Originally Posted by verysideways

Can you not add adaptive suspension to the M40i on your market?
Or delete the M suspension?
Both of those options are available in the European market.

Unfortunately not. This is the drawback of local assembly, you don't get to choose much as everything is preset.

[nogren]

Originally Posted by mega156

Unfortunately not. This is the drawback of local assembly, you don't get to choose much as everything is preset.

What do you mean with local assembly? I thought X3 was assembled only in Spartanburg (US), and Rosslyn (SA).
Perhaps you mean that Egypt is only importing a small set of "preordered" specs?

[swestland85]

Originally Posted by nogren

What do you mean with local assembly? I thought X3 was assembled only in Spartanburg (US), and Rosslyn (SA).
Perhaps you mean that Egypt is only importing a small set of "preordered" specs?

Probably it's shipped in parts to Egypt and will be assembled together there. This is usually a tax reducing thing. It's the case with other products as well that they put on less import duty if the goods are 'raw materials to be further processed'. I think this happens in more countries like Algeria for example. (At least in my business FMCG)

I was in Egypt beginning of the year but to drive an expensive car like an X3 over there in the most insane traffic I've ever encountered must not give you any shivers. I would never drive there, in any car. 😂

[mega156]

Originally Posted by swestland85

Probably it's shipped in parts to Egypt and will be assembled together there. This is usually a tax reducing thing. It's the case with other products as well that they put on less import duty if the goods are 'raw materials to be further processed'. I think this happens in more countries like Algeria for example. (At least in my business FMCG)

I was in Egypt beginning of the year but to drive an expensive car like an X3 over there in the most insane traffic I've ever encountered must not give you any shivers. I would never drive there, in any car. 😂

hahahaha ur probably right, driving near city center is crazy, this is why everyone is heading to outskirts where it's far less crowded, commuting is a lot easier and majority of roads are highways. Anyways if you would consider, would it be M40i or X6 50i given the price diff.

[swestland85]

Originally Posted by mega156

hahahaha ur probably right, driving near city center is crazy, this is why everyone is heading to outskirts where it's far less crowded, commuting is a lot easier and majority of roads are highways. Anyways if you would consider, would it be M40i or X6 50i given the price diff.

Difficult to answer but I would choose a X3 over the X6 but mostly because I don't really like the X6 design, it's to big and if I was shopping in that price segment I would always go for the new X5. Same price, newer and better.