2021 BMW X3 M Review

　　

2021 BMW X3 M Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　A pumped-up version of the standard X3, the 2021 BMW X3 M offers more power, more high-performance parts, and more exclusivity than the standard car. Under the hood of the X3 M is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 473 horsepower. Not enough? Go for the X3 M Competition version that ups the ante to 503 hp. It also comes with a few extra performance enhancements such as thicker suspension stabilizer bars and an upgraded exhaust.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$291/mo  for X3 M Base

　　X3 M Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $69,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　BMW still keeps an eye toward luxury. Much like the standard X3, the X3 M offers a plush and practical interior. It comes with plenty of standard features, but of course you can add even more high-end features that are available in packages or as stand-alone options. But how much does the X3 M's harsh ride overwhelm this small luxury SUV's appeal? Read our Expert Rating below to learn more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the X3 M drive? This hopped-up X3 does its M badge justice. We tested the Competition model with its 503-horsepower motor. In our testing, it sprinted to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and ripped through the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds at an impressive 116.4 mph. It's fast, though other high-performance SUVs are similar — the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio logged identical 0-60 sprints of 3.5 seconds.

　　Braking performance is impressive. Our X3 M stopped from 60 mph in a scant 104 feet. The brakes are also smooth in daily driving situations. High levels of grip are on offer, and the X3 M pulled a stunning 0.99 g on the skidpad. As exciting as all that grip may be, the X3 M, like BMWs in general, offers nearly zero feedback through the steering wheel. That critical lack of feel can prevent you from having the utmost confidence during spirited driving.

　　Around town, you'd be hard-pressed to remember you're in a 503-hp SUV. The main issue is a trigger-happy gas pedal. It's tricky to pull away from a stop smoothly.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X3 M? The X3 M Competition has special sport front seats. They're comfortable and remain so after long distances. They also have heating and ventilation, although we found the ventilation fans a bit noisy.

　　It's a good thing the seats are as comfortable as they are because the ride most certainly is not. You expect to have a firm ride in such a high-performance vehicle, but the X3 M Competition's ride borders on punishing on anything but an immaculate surface.

　　This SUV, though, is remarkably quiet. The only constant source of noise is roar from the wide performance tires. Engine noise is nicely subdued with just enough growl to enhance the driving experience without being obnoxious.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The X3 M has the same general interior design as the regular X3. One noticeable difference is the gear shifter, which is the same one BMW puts in the M5. It has a unique gear-selection pattern that continually caught us out. Can we just have a normal shifter, please?

　　The other sources of frustration are also located in the center console area. The high-gloss black plastic around the shift lever causes excessive glare on sunny days. Also, there are too many flush-mounted buttons. Their similar shape and size make it difficult to locate the right one while you're driving. Otherwise, all the hallmarks of a standard X3 are here, including a spacious interior for all passengers, expansive forward and side visibility, and a comfortable driving position.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The X3 M uses the same infotainment system as the standard X3. That's a good thing — we like the crisp graphics and fairly intuitive and easy-to-use control knob. Unfortunately, the system doesn't support Android Auto smartphone integration, though it should be coming for 2021. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, and wireless charging and onboard Wi-Fi are options.

　　The X3 M also comes with a high-quality Harman Kardon audio system and BMW's excellent voice recognition system. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability is still part of an option package. We experienced a few false alarms from the X3's frontal collision mitigation system (it applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision) that resulted in unneeded braking.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? BMW didn't diminish the X3's already excellent practicality in the conversion to M duty. There's still 28.7 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. Fold them down and you get 62.7 cubic feet of space. That's considerably more than competitors such as the Porsche Macan Turbo, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

　　Up front, there's ample space from various pockets and cubbies to store smaller items. Even rear passengers have fairly generous door pockets for drinks and larger items. And thanks to the spacious back seat and easy-to-access anchor points, installing a child safety seat is straightforward.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The X3 M Competition has an EPA estimate of just 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). But in our time with this super SUV, we found it quite easy to exceed the EPA's estimates. On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we saw a credible 19.1 mpg. And that included some fairly brisk driving. City mileage was closer to 16 mpg, but if you use a light foot, the X3 M won't need fuel as often as you might expect.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the X3 M a good value? With the X3 M40i offering a good deal of performance and the X3 M Competition not offering much in the way of luxurious upgrades, you might wonder if the M Competition's extra price is worth the money. But if you're into high-performance hardware, the M Competition is worth every penny. From the bespoke motor to the trick M5-sourced driveline parts, the M Competition delivers the goods and is definitely special.

　　Even with all the unique performance parts and amazing engine, BMW still offers its standard warranties of four years/50,000 miles for basic and powertrain protection. That's average for the segment, but the four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of free maintenance are above average.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　If you set out to build a perfect modern-day sleeper — something capable of incredible speed but without any hint of its capability — you'd likely wind up with the X3 M Competition. The engine makes a thumping 503 hp yet uses a stealthy exhaust system so as to not alert the authorities (or your neighbors). It rivals an all-wheel-drive sports car in traction and handling capabilities too.

　　There are other high-performance SUVs that shout louder and likely handle a bit better, but the low-key packaging of the X3 M and tremendous performance envelope make this SUV a compelling option.

　　

Which X3 M does zzdcar recommend?

Stick with the standard X3 M. The ride quality is better, and you still have that staggeringly swift acceleration from the 473-hp turbocharged six-cylinder. Also check out the Driving Assistance package and the Executive package if you want maximum-level tech and some extra creature comforts.

　　

2021 BMW X3 M models

The 2021 BMW X3 M is a high-performance version of the BMW X3 small SUV. Two versions are available: the standard X3 M and the even more potent X3 M Competition. Both use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that powers all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It develops 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque in the X3 M. The Competition increases output to 503 hp, while torque remains the same.

　　X3 M

　　Standard features for the X3 M include:

　　20-inch wheels Adaptive LED headlights Power liftgate Adaptive suspension dampers Three-zone climate control and heated front seats Leather upholstery 10.25-inch touchscreen with Navigation 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system Wireless Apple CarPlay The X3 M also comes with a number of advanced safety systems, such as:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)X3 M Competition

　　The X3 M Competition is distinguished from the standard X3 M by its:

　　More powerful engine 21-inch wheels and sport exhaust Thicker suspension stabilizer bars Black-painted exterior trim Premium leather upholstery and upgraded sport seatsIn typical BMW fashion, the X3 M is offered with a few packages and stand-alone options. These include:

　　Driving Assistance Plus package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X3 M and the car in front) A more advanced version of the forward collision mitigation system Executive package Panoramic sunroof Heated steering wheel and heated rear seats Wireless charging pad Rear side window shades Gesture control (allows you to control certain aspects of the infotainment system by gesturing in the air) 360-degree camera (gives you a bird's-eye view of the car for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Ventilated front seats Carbon-fiber exterior accents Upgraded sport seats (X3 M only)

　　

2021 X3 M Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$69,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$291/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles