Used 2021 BMW X3

The BMW X3 is the German luxury brand’s 2-row compact crossover, slotting between the midsize X5 and subcompact X1. Think of the X3 as the SUV version of the 3 Series. These days the X3 outsells that icon, part of a larger shift in buyer preference from sedans to crossovers.

The X3 remains one of the leaders in its class, a booming one that includes the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, and Volvo XC60. Those are all strong rivals, but the BMW X3 continues to appeal to drivers who desire a crossover with SUV practicality and sport sedan driving manners – not to mention the prestige of a BMW badge.

All 2021 BMW X3 models boast athletic manners, and there is now a broader choice of powertrains than ever to meet many tastes and budgets. Base models use a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that will satisfy the majority of buyers, while more power is available in BMW’s smooth, turbocharged inline-6. Enthusiasts really seeking a punch can get it in the X3 M, a rocket of an SUV available with 503 horsepower. Introduced last year is a plug-in hybrid model that can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone.

This year, BMW has remedied one of the few sticking points of the X3 by integrating Android Auto along with the existing Apple CarPlay. It has also made more active safety features standard. With a starting price of $43,000, the 2021 BMW X3 sits on the higher end of the luxury SUV scale, but is in line with other luxury SUVs of its caliber and European pedigree.

In the past, those wanting a car that could corner, accelerate, and brake like a sports car but needed the convenience of four doors had to turn to a car like the BMW 3 Series. Crossover SUVs have challenged that notion, and the BMW X3 is arguably one of the best examples. Even with its added ground clearance, the X3 is among the sportiest of sport utility vehicles.

Even in base form, the X3 offers plenty of horsepower for quick acceleration. The X3’s inherent rear-wheel-drive layout and well-sorted suspension allow it to round corners like a low-slung sedan while simultaneously offering enough ground clearance for light off-roading. The rear-wheel-drive X3 sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i can dash to 60 mph in 6 seconds — pretty quick for a small SUV. Move up to the 6-cylinder X3 M40i, and that time drops to 4.4 seconds. The high-performance (and high-priced) X3 M can hit that benchmark in as little as 4 seconds. That’s just a tick behind the other little monsters in this class, the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLC and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

As we noted, the X3 has a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) bias, whereas most of its rivals are front-wheel-drive or front-biased. The BMW’s RWD setup allows the front wheels to focus on steering as opposed to also powering the vehicle, which, as every driving enthusiast knows, is the preferred setup when speeding through tight turns. A smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic includes paddle shifters for manual gear changes, while BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control allows the driver to tailor vehicle settings to his or her likings.

During our time with the system, we found the Sport+ mode made the steering too heavy. By playing with the customizable settings, we were able to tone down the steering feel while boosting settings for the engine and throttle response, in essence creating our own unique BMW.

BMW’s X3 has the same design aesthetic as other recent vehicles from the German luxury brand. There’s a wide-view display mounted high on the dash, the iDrive control knob alongside BMW’s unique gear selector, and the same ergonomics of the BMW ownership experience for the past couple of decades. It leans more toward the minimalistic end, but there’s a built-in premium feel to its simplicity. Controls for common functions like audio and climate are logical and easy to reach, but the iDrive circular controller for screen functions and even the pistol-like gearshift take some getting used to. We recommend getting familiar with both during your test drive.

Interior tech includes a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen or optional 10.25-inch display. One really nice touch is the optional all-digital instrument panel that replaces the analog gauges with a fully configurable 12.3-inch screen, similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

As we highlighted in Favorite Features, the X3 is roomy inside, even for its compact class. The driver and front passenger have plenty of space, and most rear-seat passengers will find good legroom. Headroom is similarly plentiful, and the cargo space is near the top of the class in both usability and outright space. In addition to a flat-floor cargo area, there’s room for small items should you want to hide them beneath the floor. The new X3 plug-in hybrid xDrive30e doesn’t sacrifice much space even with its battery pack under the rear seats. It has only 1.5 cubic feet less space than the standard model.

If it seems even small cars today are bigger, it’s not your imagination. This latest, third-generation X3 is actually slightly larger than the first-generation BMW X5, which is technically a size bigger. But the X3 wears its volume well and doesn’t look oversized. The optional 20- or 21-inch wheels look great, and the wide stance imparts a sense of stability.

We think the overall integration of headlights, grille, and other elements feels more cohesive on this model than that of the previous generation. The same is true in the back, where the taillights flow cleanly into the tailgate. The X3 M40i wears more aggressive sheet metal, with deeper front and rear bumpers, body-color side-sill extensions, and more aggressive wheel-and-tire combinations. The X3 M sits lower to the ground, rolls on 21-inch wheels and tires, and boasts quad exhaust outlets.

ANDROID AUTO INTEGRATION
This is more a “finally!” than a “favorite,” but It’s worth highlighting nonetheless. While BMWs have long integrated Apple CarPlay, that hasn’t been the case with rival Android smartphones. That changes with the 2021 model year, with BMWs finally getting Android Auto, too.

SPACE MANAGEMENT
Little on the outside doesn’t always mean little on the inside, too. The X3 provides good legroom both front and rear, and even better headroom stats. The X3’s cargo hold measures 28.7 cubic feet, which is more than the Audi Q5 but less than the Infiniti QX50. A triple-split/folding rear seat allows 2-passenger seating while the center section can be folded to accommodate long items like skis or 2x4s.

The 2021 BMW X3 comes in five main forms: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, xDrive30e, and the high-performance X3 M.

Out the gate, the 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i comes nicely equipped with a power tailgate, 3-zone automatic climate control, 10-way-power front seats, SensaTec faux-leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, universal garage-door opener, and standard parking sensors.

The standard iDrive infotainment system bundles an 8.8-inch screen that can be controlled by touch or the iDrive dial, navigation, and a 12-speaker/205-watt AM/FM/HD Radio with USB input and Bluetooth streaming. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. For 2021, SiriusXM satellite radio with a one-year trial is included.

Standard active safety features include frontal-collision warning and the Automatic City Collision Mitigation braking system, which can automatically apply the brakes if the vehicle senses an impending crash. Now standard for 2021 is the formerly optional Active Driving Assistant package with lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.

New BMWs also include Ultimate Care, which covers three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

The X3 xDrive30i adds all-wheel drive (BMW calls it “xDrive”), and like the sDrive30i model offers three jumping-off points: xLine, Luxury and M Sport. The Luxury line, for example, adds chrome trim, while the M Sport gives the standard model sporty-looking flair.

While there are plenty of stand-alone options, BMW has grouped many of them into “tiers.” The Convenience tier adds amenities like lumbar support, keyless entry, and a panoramic sunroof. Premium adds the sweet 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, heated front/rear seats, and heated steering wheel. The Executive tier includes adaptive full LED headlights, parking assistant, surround view with 3D view, and BMW’s rather finicky Gesture Control.

Besides a more powerful engine and other performance gear, the M40i takes a different approach, offering many of those features as stand-alone option packages. Note that both models offer leather as an option, not standard. Other options include the Driver Assistance Plus package that bundles adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and other active-safety features, while the Dynamic Handling package features dynamic damper control, M Sport brake and variable sport steering. Also in the offering are a premium Harman/Kardon audio system, wireless phone charger, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The high-performance X3 M includes a 473-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and upgraded hardware to back up its extra power. That includes performance brakes, differential, and transmission. The X3 M rolls on standard 20-inch wheels with performance tires and includes upgraded amenities like leather interior, Harman Kardon audio system, and a hands-free liftgate. Even this model can be spruced up. The $7,000 Competition Package adds 30 horsepower, 21-inch wheels, blacked-out aesthetics, sport exhaust, and more.

You get a choice of four powertrains in the 2021 BMW X3 lineup. At the entry-level, the sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder developing 248 horsepower. This engine exists throughout the BMW lineup and has proven itself as reliable as it is fuel-efficient.

Moving up to the X3 M40i brings two more cylinders in the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, as well as standard xDrive all-wheel drive. With 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine never feels taxed or labored, even with four persons aboard. Fuel economy does go down by a few mpg, but is still acceptable for an engine of this size and output.

The xDrive30e is the first plug-in hybrid version of the X3. It pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter and battery-fed electric motor to produce a total of 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the xDrive30e does 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Moreover, it’s also very efficient, earning up to 60 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). The xDrive30e can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone. In Hybrid mode, it goes up to 68 mph on electric power alone, and up to 84 mph in Electric mode. On a level 2 charger, the plug-in X3 can be recharged in approximately 3 hours.

For the power-hungry, the X3 M uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to make a ridiculous 473 horsepower or 503 horsepower in the X3 M Competition.

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also onboard is the fuel-saving start/stop system that can be somewhat annoying as it’s far from seamless. The system can be deactivated, but the driver must do so every time the car is started, as with most other systems of this type.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
248 horsepower @ 5,200-6,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/29 mpg (RWD), 23/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (X3 M40i)
355 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,520-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 + electric motor (xDrive30e)
288 horsepower combined
310 lb-ft of torque combined
EPA city/highway fuel economy, estimated: 60 MPGe, 24 mpg

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 (X3 M)
473 horsepower @ 5,600-7,300 rpm
503 horsepower @ 5,600-7,300 rpm (Competition)
442 lb-ft of torque @ 2,600-5,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg