2021 BMW X3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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.

The sDrive30i and xDrive30i come equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It routes 248 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i has rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i comes with all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provides solid pickup for getting around town and getting up to highway speeds.

The xDrive30e’s plug-in hybrid powertrain makes 288 hp and delivers brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds. The X3 plug-in hybrid has a 17-mile electric-only range and can be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, BMW says. It will take almost 12 hours to recharge using a 120-volt wall-style outlet.

As quick as the plug-in is, if you want a real performance driving experience, look to the M40i. It features a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six. This engine delivers robust acceleration and pairs well with more responsive cornering abilities. If you have a true need for speed but also need space for the whole family, check out the 473-hp X3 M performance model.

With the rear seats folded, the X3 provides up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it still provides a generous 28.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate comes as standard equipment, and buyers can also select a hands-free power liftgate as an option.

The X3 is impressively spacious for all its passengers. The front row has plenty of headroom and legroom, as well as a commanding driving position. The rear seats are adult-friendly, even on longer trips.

For the driver and front passenger, BMW provides real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen. These helpful toggles remove the learning curve when tossing the keys to a friend or family member.

The X3 comes standard with an impressive 10.2-inch touchscreen. It runs the iDrive infotainment system, which is easy to use compared to other luxury infotainment systems. Acura and Lexus have more confusing systems, but the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system is in the same ballpark as iDrive when it comes to ease of use. The key here is the combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console. Infotainment users fall into two camps: those that prefer the dial and those that prefer touch capability. This allows both camps to use iDrive as they see fit.

The 2021 X3 comes standard with Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is optional. Many rivals provide both smartphone programs as standard equipment. Other options include wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Buyers can also select the optional gesture control, which allows the driver (or front passenger) to perform some basic controls simply by waving their hands in front of the dash. It should be noted that if you talk with your hands, this system may result in some false positives.

The X3 comes standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors.

Optional safety features on the X3 include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The most efficient version of the X3 is the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. It returns an EPA-estimated 30 MPGe in electric mode. When the electric range is depleted, the xDrive30e returns a combined 24 mpg in hybrid mode. The non-hybrid, RWD X3 sDrive30i returns fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The AWD xDrive30i returns 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The performance-oriented X3 M40i returns 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

Base MSRP for the 2021 BMW X3 is $43,000 for the RWD sDrive30i. The AWD xDrive30i starts at $45,000. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid starts at $49,600, and the sporty M40i starts at $56,000.

This might seem steep for what is technically a compact sport utility vehicle, but BMW is on par with the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Mercedes-Benz GLC on pricing. There is another tier of more affordable compact luxury SUVs—including the Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, and Lexus NX—but they fall short in one area or another.

The one big fly in the ointment is the Acura RDX, which starts at $38,400 and is a spacious alternative with terrific fit-and-finish, a powerful engine, and tons of standard features. Though it is engaging to drive, the RDX is not as sporty as the X3. More crucially, the RDX’s remote-operated infotainment system lacks the touch functionality of the X3’s iDrive. This helps solidify the X3 as a functional and fun-to-drive luxury SUV with the right features that are easy to use. Its inherent practicality and its long list of standard features ensure you can keep an X3 relatively close to that base price as well.