Archived model-year dossier
2021 BMW X3
The 2021 BMW X3 adds Android Auto and SiriusXM as standard and a digital gauge display on the xDrive30e and M40i. NHTSA lists 10 recalls and 111 complaints, led by electrical system and engine problems. Used ones run $20,900 to $31,600 per Kelley Blue Book, and EPA rates it 16 to 27 mpg combined.
Configurations6
Model/option labels6
Combined efficiency16–27 MPG/MPGe
Electric range18 mi
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2021 BMW X3
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says BMW added several standard features to the X3 for 2021, including Android Auto smartphone connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The plug-in hybrid xDrive30e and the high-performance M40i both now come standard with a digital gauge display, and a 10.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2021 X3 prices at $20,900 for the sDrive30i up to $31,600 for the M40i at a dealer. Trade-in values run from about $15,100 to $24,400 depending on the style.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2021 X3. Two cover rearview camera software (20V598000 and 21V096000), one a fuel tank inlet check valve weld (21V199000), and two the plug-in hybrid's battery systems (20V601000 and 20V490000). Later campaigns cover a seat frame (23V211000), the cargo rail attachment in a rear crash (24V534000 and 24V764000) and starter assembly relays (25V636000 and 26V056000).
Owners have filed 111 complaints: electrical system with 33, unknown or other with 25, engine with 23, structure with 11 and vehicle speed control with 8. Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for the year.
Fuel economy across the 2021 X3 range
EPA rates the 2021 X3 at 16 to 27 mpg combined and $2,850 to $4,850 a year in fuel. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) lists the xDrive30e at 18 miles of all-electric range and 60 mpg-e combined. In Car and Driver's highway test the M40i returned 29 mpg against 31 mpg for the four-cylinder xDrive30i, so the extra power costs little on the highway.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 BMW X3: 4 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | RWD | 248 | 258 | 6 s | 130 mph | 25 / 29 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| xDrive30i | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 248 | 258 | 6 s | 130 mph | 23 / 29 / 25 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| xDrive30e | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 288 | 258 | 5.9 s | 130 mph | – / – / 24 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| M40i | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 382 | 368 | 4.4 s | 130 mph | 21 / 27 / 23 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sDrive30i | 3,931 lb | 185.9 in | 66 in | 112.8 in | 17.2 gal | 41.1 in | 40.3 in | 3,000 lb | P245/50R19 |
| xDrive30i | 4,047 lb | 185.9 in | 66 in | 112.8 in | 17.2 gal | 41.1 in | 40.3 in | 3,000 lb | P245/50R19 |
| xDrive30e | 4,586 lb | 185.9 in | 66 in | 112.8 in | 13.2 gal | 41.1 in | 40.3 in | 3,000 lb | P245/50R19 |
| M40i | 4,244 lb | 186.1 in | 66 in | 112.8 in | 17.2 gal | 40 in | 40.3 in | 3,000 lb | P245/50R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 BMW X3 trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | sDrive30i | xDrive30i | xDrive30e | M40i |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Adaptive headlights | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | – | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated rear seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42597X3 M | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 14 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
| 42598X3 M Competition | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 14 | 19 | 16 | N/A |
| 42900X3 M40i | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 21 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 42849X3 sDrive30i | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 25 | 29 | 27 | N/A |
| 43740X3 xDrive30e | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium and Electricity | 21 | 27 | 24 | 18 mi |
| 42899X3 xDrive30i | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 23 | 29 | 25 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 BMW X3 versus the 2020 BMW X3?
Model year
Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2021 BMW X3 carries the 2020 BMW X3's figures forward: 6 certification records labelled X3 M, X3 M Competition, X3 M40i, X3 sDrive30i, and 2 more, 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 3L 6-cyl SIDI, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive on premium, premium and electricity, rated 16-27 combined MPG/MPGe, 18 miles of electric range and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,850 to $4,850. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 16 for the 2020 to 11 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02Has any 2021 BMW X3 recall told owners to stop driving or park outside?
Safety record
Yes. Campaign 25V-636 (Sep 2025, electrical system (starter assembly)) carries a park-outside warning. A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q03How do the 2021 BMW X3 trims differ from one another?
Trims
The xDrive30i has AWD instead of RWD over the sDrive30i. The xDrive30e has 288 hp against 248 and voice recognition as standard equipment over the xDrive30i. The M40i has 382 hp against 288 and adaptive headlights, a panoramic moonroof, proximity keyless entry and remote keyless entry as standard equipment over the xDrive30e.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How quickly does the 2021 BMW X3 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 BMW X3's 0-60 mph time is 4.4 seconds on the M40i, 5.9 seconds on the xDrive30e and 6 seconds on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What is the 2021 BMW X3's top speed?
Performance
The 2021 BMW X3's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What size wheels does the 2021 BMW X3 have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 BMW X3's wheel diameter is 19 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 BMW X3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the BMW X3 across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Hybrid and electric vehiclesHybrid fuel economy suddenly lower than expectedRoutine →Buying, records and recallsRecall, technical service bulletin and warranty: the differenceRoutine →OBD codes and emissionsP0420 catalyst-efficiency codeSoon →OBD codes and emissionsP0401 insufficient EGR flow codeSoon →Driver assistance and infotainmentBackup camera shows a black, blue or intermittent screenSoon →Towing and traileringElectric trailer brakes are not workingStop driving →