2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received several updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, reflecting its origins, combined Nissan Armada and Infiniti styling elements. The body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, was evident in the roofline profile and rear window curve. The QX80's front-end styling, introduced in 2018, featured the same grille and headlight design as other Infiniti SUVs, giving it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, along with 20-inch wheels on the base Luxe trim and 22-inch wheels on higher trims, added to its distinctive appearance.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim boasted a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model provided 473 horsepower.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as a $3,100 option. The V8 engine felt responsive in all situations, though transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models, provided a comfortable ride. However, the QX80 felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The QX80's 4WD drivetrain featured low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capability. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 provided ample space for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, a three-row SUV, came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a center console. An eight-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat was optional. Standard features included a 10-way power driver’s seat and an eight-way front passenger’s seat, both with two-way lumbar support. Passenger space was competitive, with enough room for adults in the third row. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded. The QX80 also featured a power liftgate and power 60/40-split-folding third row.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The X3 included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. The optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, with 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, with a 17-speaker Bose system and a Theater Package rear-seat entertainment system available as options. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, requiring trial and error to operate. The standard Smart Rearview Mirror and optional Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system enhanced visibility and ease of driving.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, 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.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for side crash tests, four stars for frontal crash tests, and a three-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the QX80. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and Backup Collision Intervention.