The X3 has been BMW’s player in the small luxury SUV segment for a long time, incrementally improving with every generation. Especially this year, where it has come forth as the most refined X3 yet.
As always, don’t let its tall and meaty SUV form fool you—it is just as fun to drive as its 3 Series sedan sibling.
The changes made to the 2021 X3 are not plentiful but significant. All models now have an Active Driving Assistance package installed for much-improved safety. Moreover, both the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e and the M performance M40i model now have 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional as standard.
Exterior
The 2021 BMW X3 is a proper-looking SUV, and it can look posh or sporty depending on how you spec it. The dimension measures as proportionally as well. At 185.9 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 66.0 inches tall, the X3 is larger than its competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Porsche Macan.
The X3 has an attractive presence on the road with its large signature kidney grille that opens and closes automatically depending on the cooling/aerodynamic needs. It has LED exterior lighting that stands out, and with 7.2 inches of ground clearance, a light off-road is no sweat. Moreover, it has a rather boxy design for an uncompromised interior space.
Overall, it is a good-looking SUV with a hard-to-fault design.
Interior
Inside, the X3 seats 5 people, and it is very roomy. It has a 99 cubic feet passenger volume, and those who sit at the back would have sufficient headroom and knee room. Their comfort is also uncompromised thanks to its reclinable rear seats, making it suitable for long journeys.
Although the dashboard looks dull ever so slightly, the layout is highly driver-oriented. The materials are top-notch, and the build quality is class-leading—solid and sturdy with hard-to-find cheap materials. Also, the X3 is not short of small storage spaces.
It provides quite plentiful cargo volume, too, at 29 cubic feet. Folding flat the rear seats would expand it to 63 cubic feet. However, although already larger than most competitors, something like a Volvo XC60 still provides a slightly roomier cargo space and a more modern interior overall.
Trims
This year, BMW offers the X3 in five trims. Only petrol engines are on tap and all of the trims but the entry-level feature AWD. A plug-in hybrid and M performance models are also available.
2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i
Starting price: $43,000
The sDrive30i is the entry-level X3 offered in RWD. Despite that, it is still equipped with features expected from a premium German SUV.
Powertrain
It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that channels its power to the rear wheels. The powertrain is no slouch, providing a 0-60 mph sprint in just 6 seconds and a 130 mph top speed.
Fuel efficiency is far from bad, performing at 25 MPG/city and 29 MPG/highway. The X3 has a 17.2-gallon fuel capacity, good for an expected range of 464 miles.
Exterior Features
From the outside, the sDrive30i looks quite basic with the xLine exterior trim. It features single-tone 18-inch wheels, power-folding and heated side mirrors, roof rails, roof spoiler, a power liftgate, and chrome exhaust tips. Moreover, it comes as standard with non-metallic color in either Alpine White or Jet Black, with the rest of the metallic palette available for an extra $550.
Interior Features
Inside, it comes as standard with tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and simulated leather SensaTec upholstery with the higher quality Vernasca leather available for an extra $1,450.
The Live Cockpit Plus features a 5.7-inch analog instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system, complete with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Meanwhile, the audio system packs 12 speakers.
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i
Starting price: $45,000
For $2,000 more, the xDrive30i is the AWD version of the entry-level sDrive30i, featuring the same powertrain and features inside and out. However, the fuel economy is down to 23 MPG in the city. Nonetheless, it is still a worthy upgrade over its RWD twin as the xDrive AWD system provides better stability on slippery roads and more off-road capability.
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e
Starting price: $49,600
The xDrive30e is the plug-in hybrid variant based on the xDrive30i. This trim is to go for if fuel efficiency is your priority. Better yet, it is eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $5,836, making its starting price even lower than the non-hybrid xDrive30i.
Powertrain
It packs the same 2.0-liter engine as the previous trims. However, there is an additional electric motor, bumping the powertrain to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The gearbox stays the same, as well as the xDrive AWD system.
Despite the extra weight from the hybrid battery, it still manages a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds – slightly quicker than the xDrive30i.
Not only better performance, but the slightly bumped-up price also buys you the most fuel-efficient X3 on the market. You could expect it to perform up to 60 MPGe and a combined range of 792 miles. Moreover, cruising with electric power alone is possible for roughly 17 miles.
Exterior Features
Outside, there is barely any difference from its previous trim. However, you can tell the xDrive30e is a plug-in hybrid by spotting the charging port at the left front fender. Purchasing this trim also includes the Occasional Use Charging cable for charging the plug-in-hybrid battery from any available power outlet. Meanwhile, a BMW Wallbox for faster home charging is available at an extra $1,550.
Interior Features
The interior feature is fairly similar to the previous non-hybrid trims, apart from the digital driver’s display that is now upgraded to a more advanced Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
2021 BMW X3 M40i
Starting price: $56,600
The M40i is the base model of the M performance X3 and packs with a lot of punch.
Powertrain
The M40i is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, producing 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. It features the same 8-speed gearbox as the previous trims and the same xDrive AWD system. Indeed, this engine is a huge step up from its lower trims.
Moreover, this trim now features variable sport steering, M Sport suspension, and M Sport brakes as standard for better handling. As a result, there is a huge leap in performance—0-60 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, and the top speed is limited at 155 mph.
However, the performance does take its toll on efficiency. At 21 MPG/city and 27 MPG/highway, it’s a slight downgrade to its more economical 2.0-liter siblings. Nonetheless, it still has the same 17.2-gallon fuel capacity and an adequate expected range of 395 miles.
Exterior Features
There are a few changes and upgrades on top of the standard features found in previous trims. Namely, the M40i’s exterior adopts Shadowline exterior trim, featuring sportier 19-inch M wheels and an aerodynamic kit. There are also adaptive headlights for better corner illumination and panoramic moonroof as standard.
Interior Features
Inside, the upgrades were subtle, such as the appearance of a sportier M Sport steering wheel and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
2021 BMW X3 M
Starting price: $69,900
The M is the most athletic X3 in its lineup, and it is one of the most powerful performance SUVs on the market. The X3 M would go head-to-head with the mighty Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, Porsche Macan Turbo, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
Powertrain
The M features the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine from the M40i, but the power output is beefed up to a massive 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, it features an M Sport 8-speed automatic gearbox and a more advanced AWD system with M Sport differential.
As a result, 0-60 mph takes a rapid 4.1 seconds and with a 155 mph top speed. This acceleration figure could even smash some blistering sportscars, such as the Porsche 718 and Toyota GR Supra.
However, all of that power meant the fuel efficiency is much lower, performing at only 14 MPG/city and 19 MPG/highway. You could expect a range of 275 miles with its unchanged 17.2-gallon of fuel capacity.
It is worth noting that with the available Competition Package (which would be further explained in the Highlighted Packages section), the X3 M would significantly boost performance.
Exterior Features
The M has a few exterior upgrades from the M40i to support its enhanced powertrain. It now has larger dual-tone 20-inch M wheels, M rear spoiler, and M quad tailpipes.
Interior Features
Inside, the upgrades include Carbon Fiber interior trim with Vernasca leather upholstery (full Merino leather is upgradable at $1,000), an M-specific instrument cluster, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system.
Safety and Driving Assistant
BMW has never keen to compromise on safety, and the 2021 X3 is no exception. The SUV packs 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-roll bars as standard. It also has an Active Driving Assistant, featuring frontal collision warning, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning.
Moreover, there is an impact sensor for post-crash protection, BMW Assist eCall™ that calls emergency services for you in the event of an accident, and an anti-theft alarm system.
In the driver assistant department, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera would ease you in the parking process. Furthermore, an automatic parking assist is available for an extra $700, and the M models can have adaptive cruise control for an extra $1,700.
Highlighted Packages
Convenience Package
Price: $1,850
Available on the non-M trims, the Convenience Package adds a panoramic moonroof, hands-free power liftgate, and driver’s seat lumbar support.
M Sport Package
Price: $4,600
Available on the non-M trims, the M Sport Package adds all features from the Convenience Package, added with a few M bits such as M Sport steering wheel, 19-inch M wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, and an aerodynamic kit.
Premium Package
Price: s/xDrive30i – $4,500, xDrive30e – $3,600, M40i – $1,450
Available on all trims but the X3 M, the Premium Package adds all features from the Convenience Package and adds heated front seats and steering wheel, head-up display, and Live Cockpit Pro, which features a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display with navigation and a high-resolution 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
Executive Package
Price: s/xDrive30i – $7,100, xDrive30e – $6,200, M40i – $3,600
Available on all trims but the X3 M, the Executive Package adds all features from the Premium Package with adaptive full LED lights with automatic high beam, Vernasca leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, and gesture control for the infotainment system. There is also an automatic parking assist and a surround-view camera with a 3D view.
Dynamic Handling Package
Price: $1,400
Available on non-M trims, the Dynamic Handling Package improves handling and ride quality by adding M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and Dynamic Damper Control.
The variable sport steering firms up during highspeed maneuver and lighten up during slow speed. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Damper Control adjusts the damping characteristic of the shock absorbers most suitable for the current driving/road condition.
Competition Package
Price: $7,000
Available exclusively for the X3 M, the Competition Package unlocks the maximum potential of the performance SUV. This package adds 30 hp more, slicing the 0-60 mph time almost a full second from the original to just 3.3 seconds. Moreover, the top speed is increased to 177 mph.
Additionally, an enhanced M Sport exhaust system is added to the mix for better performance and louder noise. The exterior gets a few upgrades, such as larger 21-inch M wheels and black finishes on some elements. Meanwhile, the inside gets M Sport seats with full Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery.
Although costly, we’d still suggest getting this package if you are going for the X3 M.
Towing Capacity
The 2021 BMW X3 can tow up to 4,400 lbs. The trailer hitch is an optional extra worth $550. Although it’s already on the higher side, more capable towing SUVs can still be found in something like a Jaguar F-Pace or Range Rover Velar.
Warranty
The warranty that BMW will include on top of your 2021 X3 purchase includes:
- Limited warranty of up to 4 years/50,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance Program of up to 4 years with unlimited mileage
- Rust perforation limited warranty of up to 12 years with unlimited mileage
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance of up to 3 years/36,000 miles
In addition, you could also opt for the additional BMW Ultimate Care+ maintenance program, which adds coverage for wear-and-tear items such as brake pads and wiper blades and a 1-4 years warranty extension. The price ranges from $700-$4,699, depending on the bundle you choose.
Verdict
If you are in the market for a small luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong with the BMW X3. It is spacious, fun to drive, has a solid build quality, and is loaded with technology and safety features. It is yet another proof of an ultimate driving machine made by the German brand.
With 473 hp from the M model being highly attractive, most people would do just fine with the entry-level s/xDrive30i. If you plan to get the AWD xDrive30i, consider the plug-in hybrid version for a slightly lower price after the Federal Tax Credit is applied. Nonetheless, if you’re still going with the M, don’t forget to opt for the Competition Package, as it is a worthy upgrade.
Lastly, the small luxury SUV market is swamped with many other options worth comparing against, such as the more elegant-looking Mercedes-Benz GLC, the nicer-interior Volvo XC60, and the sportier to drive Porsche Macan. Also, if you like the X3 but fancy more of a coupe-shaped SUV at this segment, the BMW X4 provides just that.
Gallery: 2021 BMW X3
