The X3 is BMW’s contribution to the compact SUV market, competing with the likes of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It entered production in 2003, with the latest rendition entering the market in 2017 and the desirable X3 M and M Competition being unveiled in 2019 as the first full fat ‘M’ version of the X3 to ever be produced.

The X3 M and M Competition both feature a 3-litre straight-six engine, with the Competition being the more powerful of the two, producing 503bhp and shifting from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds. This is also the first time that this engine has ever featured within the X3 family. The combined cycle efficiency figures remain relatively impressive considering the Competition’s performance capability, sitting at 24.8mpg.

The interior of the X3 M Competition is business as usual in many areas, which is definitely not a bad thing. The usual BMW quality Merino Leather covers the seats, with carbon fibre featuring throughout the centre console and climate control area of the dashboard. Much like its sports car relatives, the X3 M and M competition feature the ‘M mode’ memory buttons on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to select an individual driving mode quickly and easily at the touch of a button. Head-Up Display and Harmon/Kardon sound system both also come as standard for the Competition, adding to the premium feel of the flagship X3 variant.

For a car that has been on the market for nearly 20 years, the X3 has been developed into an incredibly competitive option in the compact SUV sector and truly presents a fantastic choice among its rivals. With some of the more affordable variants being more economical and comfort-focused, and the M and M competition variants appealing to the more power-hungry types, there really is an X3 for everyone.