2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional Range Rover design. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end that appeared intimidating in rearview mirrors, and its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious feel, with a cockpit-like design that made occupants feel enveloped by the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, offered a refined luxury experience akin to larger BMW models. Its exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior maintained BMW's signature cold, mechanical styling. The X3's dashboard was more functional than aesthetically pleasing, but it provided a practical layout. The X3 came in various trims, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, each offering a range of standard and optional features. The M40i trim stood out with its unique styling and M Sport suspension, appealing to those seeking a sportier drive.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as dominant as some competitors. The Dynamic Edition also included enhancements like bigger brakes and retuned suspension, but it didn't fully transform the Velar into a performance SUV. The rest of the Velar lineup retained the base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 247 hp, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with either 340 hp or 380 hp, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 248 horsepower. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid produced 288 hp and offered a 17-mile electric-only range. For those seeking more performance, the M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model took it further with a 473-hp engine, catering to those with a need for speed. The X3's powertrains were complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive for the sDrive30i and all-wheel drive for the xDrive30i and xDrive30e.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs like the BMW X3 but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar didn't offer more interior space, with the GLC providing more legroom and the X3 more headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, including a chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled in interior space, offering up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with them in use. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, with a commanding driving position in the front row. The interior featured real buttons and dials alongside the main touchscreen, making it user-friendly for drivers and passengers alike. The X3's spaciousness and practicality made it a strong contender in the small luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite its high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to reflecting sunlight.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system combined touch operation with an iDrive dial, catering to different user preferences. Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto was optional. Other available features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. Gesture control was also an option, allowing basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who gestured frequently.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.