If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that performs more like a sports car, the 2022 BMW X3 M checks both boxes. The X3 is consistently one of the best luxury compact crossovers, and the upgrades to the 2022 M model look to make it one of the best-performing SUVs as well. Plus, the warranty helps make it one of the more affordable luxury SUVs to maintain. So, what upgrades did BMW make to improve the performance of the X3 M? And is it worth the price?

The 2022 BMW X3 M’s performance upgrades

With a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six harnessing 473 hp, the BMW X3 M is a little monster. For 2022, though the horsepower stays the same for the 2022 model, BMW boosted the torque from 442 to 457 lb-ft, MotorTrend reports. This increase is thanks to some engine tuning and updated internals, plus the addition of the lightweight forged crankshaft seen in the M3 and M4 models. The X3 M Competition maintains the same horsepower as well, at 503, but the torque jumps from 442 to 479 lb-ft.

This extra torque shaves a bit off the BMW X3’s 0-to-60-mph time, with the M model hitting it 4.1 seconds and the Competition hitting it in 3.9 seconds. For comparison, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 has a 0-to-60 time of 4.0 seconds. The Competition models will also sport new, lighter-weight 21-inch wheels. Both models will keep the M-specific eight-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drivetrain that’s a little rear-biased.

How the BMW X3 is changing in general

There are some other changes outside of the performance for the 2022 model. The X3 M comes with two 12.3-inch touchscreens, one for the infotainment system and one for the digital gauge cluster. In addition, the center console will feature the gear selector, start button, and some other fun switches from the M3 and M4 models.

The outer appearance is changing a bit as well. The grille is changing from the separate kidney-style grilles to the more familiar conjoined nostril-style grilles. The headlights, taillights, and front and rear fascias are all getting a new look, but they still will not resemble any body parts, at least not any so-called normal ones.

How much will the 2022 model cost?

Interestingly enough, one thing that isn’t changing is the base price. The 2022 X3 M will have the same starting price as the 2021 model: $70,895. BMW hasn’t released the official price for the Competition package yet, but with the base price not changing, it’s expected to stay at $7,000. Additionally, the M Driver’s package, which ups the top speed from 155 to 177 mph and gives you a full day of professional driving lessons, is expected to stay the same at $2,500.

So if you have $80,000 to spend on a sporty crossover, you’ll probably love the 2022 BMW X3 M. Most of the lucky ducks who get to test drive these for a living agree that the Competition package, as well as the M Driver’s package, are worth the extra $10,000. If you’re already willing to spend $70,000, does an extra $10,000 really make a difference? Particularly if it gets you a top speed that rivals some sports cars.