Are SUVs still practical multipurpose vehicles or have they become missiles on stilts?

We recently had the BMW X3 M40i for review, a vehicle we had been waiting for with excitement and anticipation. Having driven it over a short period during its launch, we had a pretty good idea of what we were in for. After all, it does share an engine with the X3 M Competition and other 'M' badged BMWs.

BMW's product offering has evolved, and part of this evolution is giving customers pre-packaged features in the different model variants. The X3, for instance, comes with BMW's M sport body kit as standard. Included in this styling kit are sportier bumpers and exhaust tips, M Sport alloys and 'M' mirror caps. Overall, it doesn't take a genius to realise that the M40i means business. It's not just for show. Our test unit was fitted with 21-inch M Sport wheels, which didn't quite fill the arches to our satisfaction. One or two sizes up would have done the trick here. Unfortunately, in this variant, you only have the choice of 20-inch and 21-inch alloys.

In line with the standard 'M' equipment, the inside is fitted with M Sport seats, which not only offer adequate support and a sporty driving position, but they're also comfortable for daily commuting. The X3 now comes with a larger media screen with iDrive and can be operated by using both touch and the rotary dial and buttons on the centre console. One thing BMW has maintained which we must applaud them for, are manual controls for audio volume and climate control.

If you're eying the X3 as your next family wagon, you might want to hear this next part. As much as it is an SUV and has reasonable proportions, that doesn't always translate to interior space. The front has enough room to satisfy those seated there, but the X3's rear quarters couldn't be leaner. Rear legroom is not enough to fit an adult unless the individual in either of the front seats is of short stature. This sort of defeats the purpose of buying a car this size - as you may as well go for a 4 Series. On the contrary, should you find yourself being fortunate enough to fit into the rear, you'll enjoy a reclining backrest, making the rear experience more comfortable.

With all that said, it leaves one questioning the purpose of Sport Utility Vehicles nowadays. They're moving further away from the practical vehicles they once were, and are contending with performance cars in speed and acceleration. The X3 M40i and its M Competition sibling are two prime examples – three if you add the X3 30d. Now don't get me wrong, we aren't complaining. The M40i is as exciting to drive as any performance vehicle with its 280kW and 500Nm from an inline six 3.0l engine. It also delivers an intoxicating soundtrack, laced with exhaust burbles and hisses from the single turbo. We're merely questioning the practicality of the modern SUV and its purpose in this world.

The only reasonable conclusion to our conundrum is that manufacturers are simply responding to consumer demand. For some reason, the majority of you want an SUV-like vehicle and have lost interest in sedans and hatchbacks. In your quest for an SUV, you'd still like it to be fast and offer the same performance found in a smaller performance vehicle. As a result, cars like the X3 M40i and the more potent X3 M Competition are born, alongside rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 and Audi's SQ5.

Words: Gugu Masuku