2021 BMW X3 review
BMW X3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of space and comfort in the classy, easy-to-use interior
- Good performance from all engines
Cons
- The plug-in hybrid's EPA-estimated fuel economy isn't that spectacular
- X3 M model has an overly firm ride
Mileage (EPA estimate)
14 city, 19 highway, 16 combined
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2021 BMW X3 adds some desirable standard equipment
The BMW X3's continued success is unquestionably due to its combination of qualities. Not only is it among the most upscale and enjoyable of compact luxury SUVs, but it's also comfortable, spacious, and practical, making it a very talented and desirable all-rounder. BMW offers the 2021 X3 in a number of models, including the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e and, at the other end of the range, the high-performance X3 M. The plug-in allows some electric-only motoring, but it typically comes at a hefty price point and its EPA-estimated fuel economy isn't overly impressive beyond those short-run battery-powered trips. The X3 M fulfills a different aim: It's a wickedly fast yet still very capable premium compact SUV. The thing is, the X3 M's power comes with a stiff suspension that makes it uncomfortable on all but the smoothest of roads.
In the middle, the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i, the all-wheel-drive xDrive30i, and the M40i have all the X3's strengths without the compromises found on opposite ends of the lineup. Even the entry-level 248-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine in the 30i models provides good performance, backed with solid EPA-estimated fuel economy. The M40i raises the stakes a bit, adding more power via a turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine for very enjoyable, quick driving. It might prove the sweet spot, because it comes with equipment that you'd have to add as options to the 30i models, and it benefits from the sharper M Sport styling. Also of note for 2021, the X3 adds some standard driver-assistance features and Android Auto™ capability joins the existing Apple CarPlay®.
All BMW X3 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each BMW X3 generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 BMW X3?
- The Competition trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- X3 trims have been upgraded with Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The M40I trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
- The sDrive30i trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The XDrive30i trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The M trim now comes with Leatherette Seats and Run Flat Tires as standard equipment.
2021 BMW X3 trims
Curious how BMW X3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiessDrive30i:
Includes LED headlights, roof rails, power tailgate, selectable driving modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, navigation, parking sensors, and more
XDrive30i:
Adds all-wheel drive and hill descent control
M40I:
Adds the more powerful six-cylinder engine, sport exhaust, upgraded brakes, sport-tuned suspension, M Sport styling features, plus everything from the Convenience package, including a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry
M:
Features a twin-turbo engine, upgraded brakes, sport seats, leather upholstery, Harman Kardon® premium audio, a carbon fiber interior trim, and unlocks the available Competition package for extra horsepower
BMW X3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW X3
1. Thoughtful details
The details on the 2021 BMW X3 are designed to make life easier for you as the driver. For example, you get a standard power tailgate, but inside there's also a handy strut to hold up the trunk's floor while you pack or access luggage. If you love to travel with family and friends, this is a convenient detail that you'll wonder how you lived without. There's also the digital assistant, which gives you voice control over settings, navigation, and entertainment so you can always keep your eyes on the road.
2. Trim levels to suit you
Whether you want something easy to drive and refined, a sporty weekend warrior, or an off-road adventurer, you'll be able to find the BMW X3 to suit you. If you're looking for luxury and creature comforts, check out the sDrive30i, which features 10-way power front seats, power tailgate, universal garage door opener, and dynamic cruise control. If it's power and sporty handling that excites you, the 2021 BMW X3 M is the way to go. The 473-hp engine is a whole lot of fun, plus you get sport suspension and sport brakes, too. Add the Competition package for an extra boost of power and bolstered sport seats.
3. Plenty of features on every trim
Even if you find a base model sDrive30i or its AWD counterpart (xDrive30i), you won't be disappointed at the level of equipment inside 2021 BMW X3 models. You'll get everything you need for an engaging drive, including navigation, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, and tri-zone climate control. As you move up the trim levels and package options, more features get added. The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e hybrid, for example, adds a digital gauge cluster and Android Auto connectivity.
4. Upscale, comfortable interior
The front seats in the 2021 BMW X3 are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom. You'll get 40.3 inches of legroom up front and 36.4 inches in the back, which is plenty for an adult. Plus, everyone gets 41.1 inches of headroom. The BMW X3 features synthetic leather upholstery as standard; upgraded models boast genuine leather, as well as heated and ventilated front seats. If you're regularly transporting children, look for the available rear sunshades, too.
5. Ready for adventure
The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i has standard all-wheel drive, which makes it ready for all your adventures. On models with the dynamic handling package, you also get a slightly stiffer ride, which is great if you want to put the all-wheel drive to good use on mountain roads. While the standard equipment is mostly the same as the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i, the all-wheel-drive package adds hill descent control so you can have confidence on tricky slopes.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 BMW X3, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV with seating for five. Model years 2016–2018 come standard with a 279 hp, 3.5-L V6 engine paired with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option. In 2019 Acura redesigned the RDX, swapping the V6 for a 272 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even in the base trim, the Acura RDX has standard leatherette seats for all model years.
2016–2021 Acura RDXs come with the following features:
279-horsepower V6 on model years 2016–2018; 272 hp turbo-four on model years 2019 and later
Standard seven-speaker audio system with USB and Bluetooth connections
Standard leatherette seats, heated in the front
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV that delivers a premium driving experience for every situation. The 2020–2021 Corsair is powered by a 2.0L turbo-four with 250 horsepower with standard front-wheel drive. If that's not quite enough, look for the available 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 295 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive.
Standard features on 2020–2021 Lincoln Corsair models include:
Leatherette upholstery
10-way power-adjustable front seats
Power liftgate
The 2017-2019 Volvo XC60 is an upscale five-seat SUV that makes comfort and convenience a priority. If you're a family that travels together often, the 2017-2019 XC60 has you covered. Second-row bench seating can incorporate two optional fold-down child booster seats, while front-row passengers enjoy deeply cushioned, power-adjustable seating. Cargo space is exceptionally generous too, with 30.8 cubic feet behind the second row. This increases to 67.0 cubic feet with the rear row folded down.
Standard features for the 2017-2019 base trim Volvo XC60 include:
Traction and stability control
Panoramic sunroof
Bluetooth connectivity
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW X3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X3 16th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X3BMW X3 features and specs
Curious how BMW X3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
sDrive30i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
248
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.2
Wheelbase
112.8"
Overall length
185.9"
Width
74.4"
Height
66"
Leg room
F 40.3"/R 36.4"
Head room
F 41.1"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 BMW X3 FAQ
The 2021 BMW X3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- M: 14 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- XDrive30i: 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- M40I: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- sDrive30i: 25 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The BMW X3 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the BMW X3 as 15 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUV
The 2021 BMW X3 has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 BMW X3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 BMW X3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW X3:
- Android Auto
- Run Flat Tires
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Mirrors
- Satellite Radio Ready
More about the 2021 BMW X3
Color options
Exterior colors:
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Glacier Silver Metallic
Jet Black
Mineral White Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Interior details
Seat five across two rows
28.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats
62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (M40i and xDrive30e) and 10.25-inch central display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 BMW X3 received received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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