[[Cyanide]]

We own both an X3 M Competition and an M2 Competition.

The X3 M drives like a car. It does not drive like an SUV at ALL.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[ASAP]

I have an M2C and a family member has an X3 sdrive 30i.

They are not similar vehicles however;

The X3 is a fine vehicle. It has great SUV dynamics (we have the larger wheels), actual leather (don't get sensatec that is BS) and a few other features and it feels very premium.

It's still fun to drive and would without a doubt be my #1 choice for an SUV... I drove a Q5 for a week and it was a LOL how much worse that SUV is than an X3. I think you wouldn't get the same feeling as an M2 Comp for obvious reasons but I think that you would be very happy with an X3m40i suv as an alternative.

[omasou]

I have a M2C and X4M40i. The former puts a much bigger smile on my face.

[chiefsubjugator]

Congrats! I have a car seat in the back of my M2. Unless both you and your SO are very tall, it'll work fine. The worst will be the initial rear-facing seats. Once you move up to the front facing car seats it's just like having a small person in the back. Otherwise save the cash and buy a japanese brand SUV.

This is all IMHO of course. Good luck!

[M2PDX]

Just drove the 2022 X3M Competition. It was fabulous. Incredible engine. Buy that one!

[Jimjamz]

We have a M2 and a X4 M40i.

The X4 is great for utility and the engine sounds great and pulls hard. I notice though how wafty the suspension is compared to the button downed M2. Both cars are great but I couldn't imagine picking the x4 over the m2 if I had to chose only one. My wife would go for the x4 though as she prefers it's ride height, extra luxury tech and engine sound.

[WOT Bimmer]

We have a 2016 X3 along with an M2. I also had an X3 M40i that I sold to buy the M2, so a couple of perspectives here:

The X3 is a great family car. Look up the specs if you want to see more on space, power, etc. I love the car, but it is woefully underpowered with the turbo 4 cylinder. However, we drive it when we are doing family things and I don't need speed. It is comfortable, and definitely the perfect car to cruise around town shopping and hauling the family.

The M2 is the M2… I love the car and feel like it is an extension of my personality. However, I wouldn't want to take the family around town or go shopping for home decor in it. It's not good at hauling things. The point is, both vehicles excel at what I need.

Now, the interesting one - the X3 M40i. It was fast (not to fast), felt high quality (it had every package), and just all around fun to drive. However, it was not a good vehicle for me to drive as my daily driver because I didn't need the space.

In my opinion, the winning combination would have been an M2 for me and an X3 M40i as the family car. If you don't care about performance and just want a nice vehicle to keep you comfortable while driving around town with the family, save some $ and get an M2 and base model X3.

Hopefully you enjoy this overly subjective point of view!

[ghstm2]

I have an M2 and the wife has the X3MC. Although the X3MC is nice and has all the performance rolled up into a practical space for kid hauling duties, I still prefer the driving experience of my M2.

[AndyinHou]

My wife just got out of her RS3 into an X3M, as she was looking for a softer ride. She's been an Audi girl for the last 12 years.

She really likes the get-up-and-go and handling of the M, and the ride is much easier.

For my part (M2, non comp), I enjoy the M proper bells and whistles, and the bucket seats are really nice. It's not the M2, but it's not a million miles away, and we haven't had the break in service yet, so haven't really been pushing it too hard.