2021 BMW X3

 The striking looks, conservative well laid out instrument panel and dashboard which is surprisingly easy to use, loads of space for passengers as well as luggage, and sporty driving dynamics with two different powertrain options to choose from, all of which makes the BMW X3 so much popular. 2021 X3 rivals the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5.

The BMW X3 is available in the following options – sDrive30i, and xDrive30i. The Base trims retail for around $43,000 and come with a turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four engine under the hood which produces 248 hp of power. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Power is sent to the rear wheels in the sDrive30i whereas the xDrive30i gets an All-Wheel Drive System. 

Which Trim should you buy?

We recommend the xDrive30i powertrain of the 2021 BMW X3 because it is the best value-for-money variant. Plus it offers All-Wheel Drive which proves beneficial while cornering at high speeds and in wet road conditions. It is also helpful for mild off-roading since the X3 has a considerably good ground clearance.

The 2021 BMW X3 gets a modest turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four engine under the hood which churns out 248 horses and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharger is of a twin-scroll type with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and a high-precision direct injection system. The automatic transmission gets sport and manual shift modes along with steering-mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control. The X3 also gets an Active Kidney Grille, and Air Curtains which practically make the car more aerodynamic. 

The active kidney grille shuts off the vents in the front to improve aerodynamics and opens only at intervals to cool down the engine. The X3 also gets a Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT modes. The powertrain provides sufficient performance for all traffic conditions and allows for quick overtakes as well as comfortable cruising at triple-digit speeds but the performance is nothing exhilarating. In that case, if you want a heart-wrenching performance, the X3 M40i would solve your cravings.

In terms of performance and engine capacity, all the cars go neck in neck. But the X3 appears to be a bit more responsive and agile than the others. The 8-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters is smooth and precise. This combination is what makes it the most fun-to-drive car in the lot. Audi Q5 and Merc GLC Class offer much higher peak torque but they are on the farther end of the engine revs.

How well does the 2021 BMW X3 handle?

The 2021 BMW X3 handles pretty well for an SUV with 8 inches of ground clearance. There is considerable body roll, but the car remains stable due to the Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars. The X3 also gets Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which keep matters in control while cornering at speed.

The vehicle also gets Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers and 5-link rear axle suspension. The ride quality is on the firmer side, but it is nothing uncomfortable. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system also intervenes and sends power to the inside wheels while cornering to give a planted and stable experience.

2021 BMW X3 Braking Performance

The 2021 X3 gets 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The vehicle also gets composite front rotors along with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). To further enhance the deal, it also gets brake-pad wear indicators and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). All this tech means that you get superior bite and feedback from the brakes, along with a good feeling of progression. The Brake Fade Compensation system does a good job of improving brake feedback.

The brakes of the Volvo XC60 are the best in its class measuring 13.6 inches and 12.6 in the front and rear respectively. The considerably lighter Mercedes offers a great braking performance too followed by the Volvo XC60 with a stopping distance of 172 feet. The BMW is expected to offer a great braking performance but sadly it is not up to the mark.

The 2021 X3 gives 25MPGin the city while it gives 29MPG on the highway. The car returns a combined MPG of 27 which is better than the competition. The X3 will give around 447 miles of combined range from a 17.2-gallon fuel tank. The car consumes even less fuel in ECO mode, improving the fuel economy by quite a bit.

X3 is the most economical car among the competition. The Volvo also offers dismal fuel economy figures but it offers the maximum driving range in the competition, as it gets the largest fuel tank of 18.8 gallons. The BMW returns an extraordinary city/highway/combined range of 430/499/464 miles. The Audi Q5 manages to offer a tad less than the BMW X3.

The 2021 BMW X3 gets two-tone Sensatec upholstery – Canberra Beige and Black. There is an option of Vernasca Leather Upholstery for $1,450. The vehicle gets power front sport seats. tri-zone climate control and rear seatback adjustment as standard. The seats are plush and comfortable even for long hauls. The car also gets a front-seat center console with an armrest and storage compartment. Moreover, you get Dark Oak Wood trim on the dashboard and Anthracite headliner as standard. But heated front seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, and HUD display are optional extras. 

The fit and finish quality are exceptional. But the interior looks a bit outdated in some aspects considering 2021 standards. The ride quality is on the stiffer side but it is comfortable. The cabin also offers superiorly low NVH levels with the road and engine noise completely insulated. Moreover, the X3 has a fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting and remote trunk release. 

All these SUVs come with a seating capacity of 5. The BMW X3 offers the maximum amount of space in the front but the rear-seat legroom is a bit tight. All the cars offer considerably good cargo space, except the Merc. The Swedish maker Volvo on the other hand offers 29.7 cargo capacity. All these cars offer similar interior spacing. Standout interior features:

• Sport Bucket Seats
• Leatherette Door Trim Insert
• Sport Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
• Leather/Piano Black Gear Shifter Material
• 3 12V DC Power Outlets
• Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting

What’s there to keep you entertained?

 The 2021 X3 comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display infotainment system in the center of the dashboard. The infotainment system is equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The vehicle also comes with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. Also, BMW's Live Cockpit Professional option gets you a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster behind your steering wheel. 

Moreover, the instrument cluster displays all essential information about the car and also doubles up as a navigation display. The 2021 X3 gets a 205-watt 12-speaker HiFi audio system In short, the infotainment system on the BMW is one of the best in the market and it is very intuitive to use. Standout infotainment features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display infotainment system
• HiFi Sound System with 12-speakers and a 205-watt digital amplifier
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Streaming Audio

The 2021 BMW X3 doesn't get any new changes to the exterior. This means that it gets the LED automatic headlights coupled with LED DRLs and the imposing front fascia with the dual kidney grilles from the 2020 model. It looks quite stunning and impressive due to the nicely integrated layout. It gets 18-inch Y-Spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225 section run-flat tires. It also gets a lip spoiler at the back, with LED taillights. 

Moreover, the automatic rain-sensing wipers come in handy and the powered tailgate is very convenient to use. The X3 also gets cornering lights. To sweeten things up, you can opt for two non-metallic colors and six metallic colors for a premium. Moreover, if you opt for the Executive package you also get automatic high beam assist, panoramic sunroof, and a comfort access keyless entry system.

The BMW X3 is the longest, widest and highest car amongst the competition. It commands a great deal of attention and has an exceptional road presence. It also gets a stellar ground clearance of 8 inches and coupled to that is the xDrive AWD system which means that the vehicle can handle quite a bit of moderate off-roading. In this aspect, the Mercedes offers the least with just 5.0 inches of ground clearance, which is not respectable for a crossover SUV. Standout exterior features:

• Automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs
• Heated and powered side mirrors
• Rain sensing wipers
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Powered liftgate
• LED taillights

In the 2021 BMW X3, a lot of driver assistance features like Lane Keeping Assist, Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure Warning have been made standard. As a result, the NHTSA has given the 2021 X3 a complete 5 Star safety rating. Though IIHS did not include the X3 in the Top safety pick for 2021, the organization gave good ratings in most of the subsections. Apart from the normal airbags array and ABS, traction control, and driver assistance features, it also comes with BMW Assist eCall which includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification. Standout safety features:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• BMW Assist eCall

2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, comes at a base MSRP of $43,200 and provides better power and torque output than the BMW. It is also lighter than the X3 and that results in peppier performance. The interior is also a lot better and more futuristic than the BMW. But the Merc lacks cargo space and ground clearance. BMW offers a better driving experience, ride quality, much more ground clearance, more cargo space, and better gas mileage. Hence, the X3 definitely comes out as the winner here.

2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 which comes for $44,000 offers a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, a feature-rich infotainment system, and the best-in-class fuel efficiency of 26 MPG. But it is not actually very engaging and does not provide a good driving experience. The X3 is much more exciting to drive and therefore it takes the crown.

2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 is one of the best cars in this segment. It offers a great driving experience, exceptional interior comfort and features, a futuristic dashboard, sharper styling, and greater ground clearance, and a bit peppier performance than the X3. The gas mileage is a bit lower than the BMW at 24 MPG, but overall the Audi Q5 at $43,300 is a much better deal than the BMW.

The engagement and driving dynamics of the BMW are unmatched, and while the BMW X3 has a bit outdated interior layout, the infotainment system in itself is very intuitive and easy to use. The vehicle also has good interior space, an exciting powertrain, and offers great gas mileage which is why we recommend you to buy the 2021 X3. But if you are looking for a better interior, then the Mercedes GLC 300 seems to be the better pick.