2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, had undergone significant updates by 2020, including the addition of a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 was a refined version of its predecessors, offering a luxury level of refinement that BMW had previously struggled to achieve in its smaller SUVs. The exterior of the X3 mirrored the larger BMW X5, while the interior maintained the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as visually appealing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. The 2021 model offered various trims, including the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M available separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, with numerous options for customization.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long history in luxury SUVs. The Velar's design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a sporty yet sophisticated profile. Its exterior boasted a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and the iconic Land Rover grille, with subtle adjustments like a sloping roof and flush door handles. The Velar's interior matched its exterior's sleekness, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base trim, the Velar S offered a refined cabin with a reconfigurable instrument panel and two touchscreens. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing the Velar's already striking appearance.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, both equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive, providing solid performance for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. For those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and enhanced cornering abilities. The high-performance X3 M, with 473 horsepower, catered to speed enthusiasts needing family space.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The Velar's lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to its smoother ride, even on the standard coil-sprung suspension. The optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush "magic carpet" ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque for the base S and R-Dynamic models, and 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft for the R-Dynamic HSE. This powertrain provided the high performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

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. This generous cargo capacity was among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. The X3's interior was spacious for all passengers, with ample 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with less headroom for rear-seat passengers and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, offering 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, but it also made some questionable design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control. The new P button controlled both the transmission and parking brake, which could be confusing and potentially dangerous in emergencies. Despite these issues, the Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial catered to different user preferences. The X3 came standard with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto was optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. The system included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest traffic detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road measurements. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable layouts, although the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.