Hyderabad to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve in my BMW X3 m40i

I used the XP 95 fuel and got a mileage of 11 kmpl during the trip.

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Since I bought my BMW X3 M40i in Nov 2023 I have been itching to take it on a long drive. My first long trip was to Tipeshwar tiger reserve in Maharashtra in Feb 2024. Had some good tiger sightings there. So I planned a trip to Tadoba in April from 18-21st 2024. I have been an avid bird and wildlife photographer and once you are bitten by the tiger bug there is no stopping. Booked 4 safaris and planned stay at Svasara lodge near Kolara gate. The drive from Hyderabad to TATR (Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve) is approximately 530KM with most of the road in excellent condition barring the last 50 odd KM which has lot of diversions as they have been laying a concrete road since a couple of years which is still under progress.

Took a lunch break at Avni resort (Foxtail earlier) at Tipeshwar where we have stayed many times earlier. The manager Mr Shiv arranged a sumptuous meal for us. We did the same on our way back and it took approximately 8 hours each way. I drove by myself with my family with me.

The practicality of the M40i is unbeatable. Loads of luggage and good space for family to chill in.

We did 2 safaris in Kolara core and 1 each in Belara buffer and Alizanza buffer.

In all, we saw tigers in all safaris and a total of 9 tigers all together! Got some good photo opportunities and put my Canon 1Dx II and 500mm F/4 L IS II lens to good use.

A pair of siblings quench their thirst at Belara buffer. One of my favourite shots from the trip

Playful tigers at the waterhole. It was such a delight to see them pounce and chase each other and splash around!

The young tiger enjoying a drink while giving me a stare down the lens barrel

The siblings relaxing at a puddle at Belara buffer sone of Tadoba

The tiger having its fill after a good meal

Portrait of the tiger with that intense stare. Its just unnerving when they do that!

An adult female tigress at Alizanza buffer plays hide and seek with us giving just a glimpse through jungle foliage

Choti Tara tigress at Kolara core area of Tadoba. The picturesque setting with fallen log, peacock in background and 'calls' from spotted deer will be etched in my memory for ever

Another head on shot of tiger in water

A wet and wild big cat Choti Tara emerges from the waterhole and walks towards us

The M40i was absolutely a JOY to drive! The ride was balanced. Right amount of comfort and sportiness with no fatigue after 8 hour journey each way. I used the XP 95 fuel and got an average of 11 kmpl during the trip. The ground clearance of 200mm was more than adequate with the car making light of monstrous speed bumps and ugly diversions. The car maintained triple digit speeds without breaking a sweat. On open stretches put it in sport plus and the acceleration and sound was just terrific.

The Brooklyn Grey M40i parked under shade at Svasara Lodge

The aggressive front end is such a joy to see every time one leaves the car! I just dig this design over the newer BMW designs

The side silhouette is so pleasing. Clean design and balanced proportions!

What really makes this special is the M tuned B58. The exhaust note in sport mode with the pops and burbles was so addictive. Many cars tried to out pace me but just couldn’t. While one can’t enjoy the top speed of such cars in India, it’s the launch and acceleration that is worth every penny. And the lack of speed chimes was such a boon. Allowed me to enjoy the Harman/Kardon system to the fullest.

Pros of the X3 M40i

1. Powerful yet nimble to drive
2. Explosive acceleration and addictive sound track in sport plus mode
3. Comfortable and spacious, super practicality for family trips
4. Ground clearance is ample and gives peace of mind on our roads. Water wading of 500 mm.
5. Ergonomics in side are spot on. iDrive 7 is still the best I feel

Cons:

1. A bit stiff ride quality but scores over the M340i due to its adaptive dampers
2. Gas guzzler but still respectable milage on long highway runs
3. RFTs can be a boon or a bane. Touchwood so far no issues in my 3 long journeys.
4. Need for 95 octane fuel (not a real con as its fairly easily available)

Overall 1000km plus was a delightful drive in my Brooklyn Grey BMW X3 M40i.

A unique, limited and fantastic offering from BMW. Glad I got it!

Pure driving pleasure, every kilometre driven !

Sharing some images with you all.

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