A car is really only as good as its ability to deliver its passengers to the nearest taqueria. Or so it goes at the TFL offices. So, we created the TFL taco test to measure a car’s ability to find, and navigate to the nearest, most delicious tacos. In this case, we tested the 2018 BMW X3 M40i. It features one of the latest iDrive systems from BMW, which we put to the test.
M-Powered Taco Delivery System
Before we get to the results, a little about the BMW X3 M40i. Unlike its M-less counterpart, the M40i version of the X3 nets you a bigger engine. This one is a 3.0L twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six cylinder that makes 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
For the record: This is the coolest sounding midsize crossover ever. Put it in sport mode and the exhaust pops and crackles endlessly. Too much fun. Back to the test.
TFL Taco Test
We decided to use google assistant as a benchmark. The phone software found our desired taco location in just 5.03 seconds. For the Bimmer, we first tested the natural voice recognition software. Upon our request for the “closest Mexican restaurant” the BMW delivered directions to our favorite place in a swift 8.72 seconds. That is a pass in our book.
However, the 2018 BMW X3 M40i has more than one way to find tacos. This iDrive system features a scroll wheel that doubles as a touch pad. You can both scroll and select the letters to search, as well as typing the letters with finger strokes on the touch pad.
The last interesting thing about this iDrive system is BMWs use of gesture controls, which we covered in more detail in this video.
Watch the whole video to learn all about gesture controls, and to see how well the new iDrive system works in the 2018 BMW X3 M40i.
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