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The BMW X3 M Competition reigns supreme over all other compact performance crossovers.

At the time of writing this article, BMW is arguably one of the most controversial carmakers out there. Although they produce some breathtaking machines like the M5 Competition, more often than not, there seems to be a heated debate about their design choices. Take for example the newly unveiled BMW XM. In spite of it being the most powerful Beemer to ever exist, it still isn't welcomed with open arms by the automotive community just because it's less attractive than we were expecting.

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That said, we're here to talk about BMW's often overlooked crossover SUV, the X3 – in particular the X3 M Competition. Today we'll be analyzing the X3 M Competition from top to bottom and explain to you why this is one of the very few crossovers we'd actually love to drive.

The BMW X3 M has two trim levels, that is the base model X3 M and the X3 M Competition. The X3 M inhabits a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that produces 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The X3 M Competition on the other hand packs the same twin-turbo straight-six but develops 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

These numbers should seem familiar, after all, it's the same amount of power the current G80 M3 Competition produces. Both the X3 M and the M3 share the same powertrain dubbed the S58.

According to BMW, the pre-facelift BMW X3 M Competition reached 60 mph from a standstill in 4 seconds dead, but since the facelifted model (also known as the LCI) produces 37 lb-ft of torque more than the pre-facelift Competition, that figure brought down even more.

BMW states that the X3 Competition LCI will do 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. However, these figures seem to be a tad modest. Through real-world testing, we have concluded that the X3 Comp can do 0-60 mph in as little as 3.3 seconds - that's just a few hairs behind the Audi RS6.

BMW has never let down buyers when it came down to what's on the inside. Sure, most of them might look the same, but then again, the expression "don't fix it if it ain't broke" exists. Mounted at the center of the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that makes use of BMW's latest Drive system, and it's more intelligent than ever before.

The materials used in the cabin are also well-crafted. Its seats are well bolstered, heated, and electronically adjustable. Speaking of seats, did we mention that at the X3 M Competition's core, it remains family-friendly?

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If you want the hardcore M car experience everyone always talks about, you're better off going for something like the track-focused M4 CSL. That said, SUVs aren't typically fun cars, but then again, the X3 M Competition isn't a typical crossover.

In proper M car fashion, the X3 M Competition has adaptive M suspension that makes use of electronically controlled adaptive dampers which allow for either a smooth relaxing drive or a harsh and rigorous one. By stiffening the dampers, the X3 reduces overall body roll and allows it to dive nose first into corners, much like its other M brothers.

The BMW X3 might not be able to accommodate as many people as the BMW X5, but it's more affordable and can comfortably seat up to 5 people. Oh, and don't forget, all X3 M Competition models come standard with BMW's impeccable all-wheel-drive system called xDrive hence its insane acceleration.

As you can see illustrated above, although the X3 M Competition is tailor-made for those who want to carve down mountain roads, it can still hold its own on dirt roads.

On the one hand, some buyers despise a "normal-looking" performance car, but on the other, you have those who lust over them. Why would a downplayed exterior design ever be beneficial you might wonder? Well, one word: Sleeper.

A sleeper is essentially a maniacally fast car with the exterior characteristics of lesser, slower vehicles - for example, a crossover. In essence, sleeper cars are the perfect tools to embarrass supercar owners, and the BMW X3 M Competition will most certainly accomplish that feat.

Right off the bat, we have to address the elephant in the room, the X3 M Comp's price tag. A base model X3 M will run you about $74,000 and a Competition model will surpass $80,000. Sure, that's a lot of money for a crossover, but do remember, this one is blisteringly quick, handles like a race car, and its S58 powertrain is reliable as well. How does it fare against other compact SUVs with similar performance statistics?

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There are two blaring rivals that come to mind: The Italian-built Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrofoglio and the criminally underrated Gensisis GV60. The Stelvio QV pushes 505 hp and does 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, but it costs more than $80,000 and has some questionable reliability issues... The Genesis GV60 Performance, on the other hand, only produces up to 429 hp and costs around $10,000 less than the X3 Comp. However, it is an electric crossover, so it won't have the glorious grunt of the Beemer.

It's a sight for sore eyes to hear an actually decent-sounding car in 2022. Sure, you still have some supercars like the V8-powered Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that cause a massive ruckus when racing down the road, but to have an SUV still sounds great seems near impossible.

You could argue that the best-sounding modern SUV is the Ferrari Purosange, but then again, it has twice the number of cylinders the X3 M has. The X3 M Competition comes standard with a variable M Sport exhaust system that crackles and pops, but also has the iconic straight-six cry BMW is famous for. Have a listen at this pre-facelifted X3 M Competition, and don't blink, there's a cheeky drift in there too.

Fuel economy is one of the last things one worries about when one wants to buy a fun, exciting car, but in the X3 M's case, it's just another reason why its price is justified. On paper, the X3 M and Competition are both supposed to achieve an average of 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. This is not the case, however.

Various X3 M and Competition owners noted that their vehicles are sipping less gas than expected, especially on the highway. When the X3 went on long trips, more often than not, it garnered an average fuel economy rating of 26 mpg.

Usually, fun crossovers exist at the expense of a few things, whether that be comfort, price, or even handling. Nonetheless, we're happy to report that the BMW X3 M Competition is a near-perfect car suitable for every person's wants and needs.

The X3 M Competition can tackle rugged terrains, take a hot lap around your local racetrack and set a time better than most sports cars, and can be fun for the whole family. Although BMW is facing some backlash from its fans, the X3 M Comp is most definitely not one of the reasons why.

Marnus Moolman is a young aspiring automotive writer from South Africa who is making a name for himself, despite his young age. Currently, he is studying to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting to pursue his lifetime dream of running his own automotive detailing establishment.