[Auto] 2021 BMW X3

[King_of_lion]

Pros 
Great handling, SUV practicality
Variety of powertrains
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Brand appeal
Cons 
Priced on higher end of spectrum
Options quickly increase cost
Ride can be firm
What’s New this year? 
Android Auto integration arrives
SiriusXM with 1-year subscription standard
Active Driving Assistant becomes standard
Live Cockpit Professional standard on xDrive30 & M40i
KBB Editors’ Overview
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.

How Much Does the 2021 BMW X3 Cost?
The 2021 BMW X3 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $43,000, plus a destination fee of $995. The all-wheel-drive xDrive30i is $2,000 more at $45,000.

The freshly debuted xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model starts at $49,600, but it qualifies for a $5,836 federal tax credit. Factor in that credit, and it actually costs less than a standard all-wheel-drive mode.

The more powerful 6-cylinder X3 M40i is a significant jump in price at $56,600, while the X3 M starts just shy of $70,000. With options, these prices can easily rise by over $10,000.

At its base point, the 2021 X3 is in line with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5. Rivals with lower starting prices include the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, and Infiniti QX50. The Porsche Macan is several thousand higher.

Before buying your luxury-crossover SUV, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying in your area. The BMW X3’s resale value is expected to be about mid-pack, on par with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but trailing the Lexus NX and class-leading Porsche Macan.

Driving the 2021 BMW X3 
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.

Favorite Features 
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.

2021 BMW X3 Interior
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-flo