“The A/C system is not as good as Toyota or Honda. The rear view camera is not as easy to read as in a Toyota and actually seems dangerous if I can't see clearly any objects behind me. After all, that IS the point.”
2021 BMW X3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 BMW X3 is that the Active Driving Assistant safety suite becomes standard across the lineup, adding blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning to every trim. This is a light equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 BMW X3
3rd gen (G01, 2018-2024), fourth model year, last pre-refresh year before the 2022 facelift.
BMW positions the X3 as a compact luxury SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with a more athletic driving feel than many rivals. In BMW language it is a “Sports Activity Vehicle,” meaning family-duty practicality, upscale cabin materials, and road manners that feel closer to a sport sedan than a soft crossover. The 2021 lineup stretches from a rear-drive entry model to AWD, plug-in hybrid, and M Performance versions, but the core idea is the same: premium compact SUV utility without giving up driver engagement.
The 2021 X3 lineup spans the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i, the all-wheel-drive xDrive30i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid with up to 18 miles of EPA-estimated electric driving. The M40i is the performance-focused model, pairing a 382-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with sharper suspension tuning, stronger brakes, and a digital cockpit. All trims have navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, parking sensors, and the Active Driving Assistant safety suite.
What changed, by category
Safety
The Active Driving Assistant safety suite becomes standard across the lineup. It includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and related driver alerts.
Tech
Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup. The M40i gains Live Cockpit Professional as standard, while the sDrive30i and xDrive30i gain standard navigation and satellite radio.
2021 BMW X3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 248 hp | 288 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 28.7 cu-ft | 28.7 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 28.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 18 | |||
| MPGe Combined | 60 | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 BMW X3?
The biggest change is standard Active Driving Assistant on every 2021 X3. This safety suite brings blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and related alerts to the full lineup.
Does the 2021 BMW X3 have Android Auto?
Yes. Android Auto becomes standard across the entire 2021 BMW X3 lineup, joining Apple CarPlay for built-in smartphone integration.
Was the BMW X3 redesigned for 2021?
No. The 2021 BMW X3 keeps the same third-generation design introduced for 2018. Its changes focus on standard safety and technology equipment, while the larger styling and cabin update arrives for 2022.
What changed on the 2021 BMW X3 M40i?
The 2021 X3 M40i gains standard Android Auto, Active Driving Assistant, and Live Cockpit Professional. It retains its 382-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, adaptive sport suspension, and upgraded brakes.
Is the plug-in hybrid still part of the 2021 BMW X3 lineup?
Yes. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid remains in the 2021 lineup with all-wheel drive, a 288-hp gasoline-electric powertrain, and up to 18 miles of EPA-estimated electric driving.
2021 BMW X3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 BMW X3.
4.3
2021 BMW X3
(2,268 reviews)
“I was looking for a performance SUV and that is exactly what I got. This vehicle makes me smile every time I step on the gas.”
“The X3 is a very nice looking vehicle and handles nicely. I am still trying to figure out how to use my iPhone in a hands free manner when it is in CarPlay mode. My Cadillac had much better hands free mode.”