2021 BMW X3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$43,000 to $56,600

Original MSRP

7.5
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(14 reviews)

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • On the expensive end of the segment

7.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2021 BMW X3 off-road.

The popular BMW X3 checks all the boxes for a compact luxury SUV.

The BMW X3 is one of the cornerstones of the luxury compact SUV market. Thanks to its combination of a spacious interior, solid driving dynamics, and wealth of technology, it’s one of BMW’s most popular offerings as well. For the 2021 model year, BMW enhances the X3 with more standard safety features and newly available in-car tech features. If you want an upscale, versatile crossover that’s just a bit more exciting to drive than most of its competition, then read on to learn more about the 2021 BMW X3.
8/10

The third generation of the BMW X3 was introduced for the 2018 model year. In 2020, it received a number of updates, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants.

The 2018 redesign was a critical refinement in the X3 formula. With the X3 (and smaller X1) BMW struggled to introduce a small SUV with a true luxury level of refinement. This current generation has the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The outward appearance of the X3 presents the image of a downsized BMW X5. Inside, the X3 has the same cold, mechanical interior styling that you’ll find across the BMW model lineup. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as the rival Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but the X3’s dash is more functional.

Trims for the 2021 BMW X3 are sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. BMW also offers the high-performance X3 M, which is covered in a separate review.

The sDrive30i and xDrive30i come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats.

There are a host of options and packages for these trims, which add genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. Other options include heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The standard-and-optional feature offerings are also true of the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid.

Many of the above optional features come standard on the M40i trim. It also features 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

George Kennedy
Published Jan 25, 2022 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2021 BMW X3

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jul 30, 2024
its good if you know how to use it jejeJul 30, 2024
by Dharshini D
May 30, 2024
This is great SUV with enough power when you need and my personal opinion is a good in between a sedan and SUV and drives like the 3 & 5 series GT ( discontinued) models but drove really well May 30, 2024
by steve m
Dec 31, 2023
I was happy with the features on this car. I already own another X3 and wanted heads up display and larger screen which this car did not have. Dec 31, 2023

2021 BMW X3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$43,000 to $56,600
Price range
$26,557 to $28,649
Average price on CG
$26,570
YoY price change
$28,649 to $26,570

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.78 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 5.7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.78 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 5.7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.78 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 12 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 107 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 80 · Electric Motor Torque: 77 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 17 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 180 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 4000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 258 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1450

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brake width: 1.41 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.5 · Rear brake width: 0.94 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: aluminum · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: black · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (4)