2021 BMW X3

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.

BMW has added several standard features to the X3 lineup for 2021- Car and Driver

The 2021 BMW X3 features sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims as an entry point to the X3 lineup. The difference between the two trims is just of the drivetrain. The chassis and powertrain are the same for both the trims. From the base trim itself, BMW has made sure to offer comfort, practicality, technology and creature comforts at an accessible price point in the luxury crossover segment. The 2021 BMW X3 interior also offers Android Auto connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. 

The 2021 BMW X3 30i trims offer different features like auto start-stop function, satin aluminum roof rails and exterior trim, 3-dimensional kidney grille, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, full-color HUD, 10.25-inch central touchscreen display, and 18-inch satin carbon alloy wheels. For the 2021 model year, BMW has also introduced Active Driving Assistant Package as standard, including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring as standard. 

BMW offers multiple optional packages to make the 2021 X3 stand out. But we would recommend the Dynamic Handling Package and M Sport Package adding features like dynamic damper control, M Sport brakes, performance control, and variable sport steering. The M Sport Package includes M-inspired features like 19-inch wheels, SensaTec dashboard, aerodynamic kit, shadowline exterior trim, and sport leather steering wheel. 

Judging the X3 by its EPA ratings places it only midpack among its rivals- Car  and Driver

The 2021 BMW X3 gas mileage is very good considering the performance on offer. The 2021 X3 mpg ratings of 25 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in combined driving conditions are good. Opting for the AWD system reduces the combined fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon. The auto start/stop feature is one of the main reasons for its good fuel economy. With a fuel tank capacity of 17.2 gallons, the BMW X3 can travel up to 430/499/464.4 miles in city/highway/combined driving conditions.

The 2021 BMW X3 is the most fuel-efficient crossover among the competition. The Volvo XC60 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 but its highway gas mileage and range is better than the BMW X3. 

The X3's cabin is spacious and smartly arranged- Edmunds

The BMW X3 interior 2021 is well-equipped with creature comforts that you would expect from a luxury crossover. The dashboard is neatly designed and features hexagonal trim elements. 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 front seats are comfortable with power-adjustability and the rear seats get adjustable seatbacks. The cabin also offers superiorly low NVH levels with the road and engine noise completely insulated.

The 2021 BMW X3 gets two-tone Sensatec upholstery – Canberra Beige and Black. There is an option of Vernasca Leather upholstery for $1,450. Some color options with the Vernasca Leather upholstery are Black, Canberra Beige, Mocha, Oyster and Cognac. The vehicle gets power front sport seats. tri-zone climate control and rear seat back adjustment as standard. Moreover, the 2021 X3 has a fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting and remote trunk release. The 2021 BMW X3 cargo space of 28.7 cubic-feet is decent and can be extended to 62.7 cubic feet. The X3 also gets a front-seat center console with an armrest and storage compartment. 

All these SUVs come with a seating capacity of five. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The Volvo XC60 on the other hand offers 29.7 cargo capacity and is followed by BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.. All these cars offer similar interior spacing with respect to rear seat legroom. 

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.

Some of the key interior features of the BMW X3 2021 are: 

• Sport Bucket Seats
• Sport Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
• Leather/Piano Black Gear Shifter Material
• 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

A tall roof means large windows all around, so there's a good view outside no matter where you look- Edmunds

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 2021 BMW 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. BMW also refreshing exterior color options like Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Jet Black, Mineral White Metalic, and Phytonic Blue Metallic. 

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. The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 fares better with 0.3- and 0.5 inches of better clearance. In this aspect, the Mercedes offers the least with just 5.0 inches of ground clearance, which is not respectable for a crossover SUV.

Some of the standout exterior features of the BMW X3 2021 are:

• 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.

Some of the key safety features of the BMW X3 2021 are:

• 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 crossover also has a 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.