BMW X3 M 2021 Review

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.

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.

Which X3 M does MatoCar recommend?

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 (alerts 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 seats

In 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)