2021 BMW X3 M

The 2021 BMW X3 M carries over into the new model year without any significant changes after being all-new last year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as few vehicles manage to combine performance, luxury, and versatility in one complete package like the X3 M.

The compact crossover SUV certainly pushes the boundaries for the nameplate and has athleticism befitting a sports sedan. Not every consumer will be interested in a bonkers, high-performance crossover. But for those that are, the BMW X3 M is an extraordinary machine.

The X3 M is only available in one trim of the same name. Pricing starts at $70,895 including destination.

The BMW X3 M is only available with one engine at the moment, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, but it comes in two states of tune. The standard setup produces 473 horsepower and 442 pound feet of torque. The available Competition Package brings a version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder that makes 503 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.

An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on the X3 M. It returns an EPA-estimated 14 miles per gallon city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 combined in either state of tune.

Seeing the 503-hp version of the engine get the same fuel economy as the standard variant is surprising. While the Competition Package is pricey at $7,000, you won’t be paying for it in the long run in terms of fuel economy.

The X3 M has seating for up to five people and has 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the second row folded, it offers up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s one of the largest cargo areas in the segment.

BMW offers a good amount of standard safety features on the X3 M. Lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams are all standard.

An available Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) brings adaptive cruise control with stop and go and an extended collision mitigation system. Meanwhile, the Executive Package ($3,900) includes an automated parking system.

All X3 M models come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, two USB ports, wi-fi hot spot capability, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Android Auto isn't available.

The aforementioned Executive Package brings a head-up display, wireless charging, and gesture control functionality for the infotainment system.

The X3 M may be a performance-oriented crossover, but it still knows how to do luxury. Standard equipment includes heated 14-way power front seats, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power tailgate, carbon fiber trim, keyless entry, and three-zone automatic climate control.

On the outside, the X3 M flexes its muscles with 20-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler, and an aggressive body kit. Heated and power-folding side mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers are also included. Standard performance parts include an M Sport Differential, a tuned all-wheel-drive system, an adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and multiple drive modes.

The Competition Package costs $7,000 and brings more horsepower, an M sport exhaust system, M sport seats, and M seat belts. The $3,900 Executive Package adds the automated parking system, gesture control functionality, head-up display, and wireless charging, as well as a moonroof, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

If you’re not interested in paying for all of the goodies in the Executive Package, you can opt for a few items on their own. The heated steering wheel costs $190, while the panoramic moonroof is priced at $1,350. Ventilated front seats are a $350 standalone option, while M sport seats are an extra $950.

Compare X3 M Specs