The 2021 BMW X3 M is like Bruce Banner - polished and practical on the surface, but with a hidden Hulk-like persona. Don't be fooled though, because when you unleash its twin-turbo engine, it transforms into the Incredible Hulk! A monstrous 503 horsepower leaves lightweight sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman and the Toyota Supra in the dust. The X3 M's secret weapon is the Competition package. Think of it as Hulk's purple shorts - not essential for the transformation, but it completes the look. This package provides track-focused upgrades that allow the X3 M to charge even more aggressively, corner even more smoothly, and halt even more abruptly.
Yet, amidst all the power and performance, the 2021 BMW X3 M retains its inherent practicality and versatility. It offers a comfortable back seat and a sizable cargo area, making it as suitable for a family road trip as it is for a track day. Be ready to juggle an overwhelming number of drive-mode settings and brace yourself for an overly stiff ride, but if you appreciate a vehicle that is both mild-mannered and monstrously powerful, the 2021 X3 M is an incredible, extreme machine.
Read on to learn more about the 2021 BMW X3 M.
The 2021 BMW X3 M boasts a luxurious and comfortable interior. The front seats are aggressively bolstered, ensuring you're held firmly in place when you're pushing the X3 M to its limits. If you opt for the Competition package, you'll enjoy even more bolstered front chairs that cradle you in during your thrilling drives. The seats are not only supportive but also offer 14-way power-adjustability for the perfect driving position. They come standard with leather upholstery, heating, and 'M' badging to remind you of the beast you're in control of. You can customize the interior accents to suit your style, and the ambient lighting sets the mood for every journey. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster displays crucial driving information in a crisp and clear format. The cargo space is adequate for daily use and weekend getaways, offering practicality to balance out its performance persona.
At first glance, the 2021 BMW X3 M features a muscular stance with sleek lines that speak to its sporty pedigree. The X3 M wears its 'M' badge with pride, flaunting distinctive design elements like the large, kidney-shaped grille that's a signature of the BMW brand. This stylish SUV does not shy away from showing off its performance attributes either, with large air intakes and quad exhaust tips suggesting its athletic prowess. The aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors with integrated M-specific double-bar design are more than just a design statement; they also enhance the vehicle's sporty character. The optional 21-inch M light-alloy wheels not only add to its aggressive look but also promise an exhilarating driving experience. Adaptive LED headlights provide excellent visibility, while the panoramic moonroof gives it an air of luxury. The X3 M isn't just about style though, as practical features like roof rails and a power tailgate underline its everyday usability.
Under the hood of the 2021 BMW X3 M, you'll find a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that's as smooth as a ballet dancer but strong as a linebacker. Developed by BMW's M division—think of it as a school for gifted engines—this power plant churns out between 473 to 503 horsepower. The latter is available with the Competition package, ramping up the vehicle's performance to proportions that would make the Hulk green(er) with envy. But that's not all. The engine also delivers a hearty 442 pound-feet of torque, providing the kind of acceleration that makes your stomach do somersaults. The engine's power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that's as swift as it is smooth. But here's the fun part: the all-wheel-drive system can channel all of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when conditions demand it, making for some seriously entertaining driving moments. If the X3 M's engine were a symphony, it would be Beethoven's Fifth – dramatic, powerful, and unforgettable.
The fuel efficiency of the 2021 BMW X3 M may not be its strongest suit, especially when we draw comparisons with some of its rivals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the mileage to be around 14 miles per gallon in city driving and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. These figures don't quite stack up to competitors like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which offers 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Similarly, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV is slightly more fuel-efficient, with 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. So, while the X3 M scores high in performance, luxury, and technological features, it's worth noting that this muscular SUV's thirst for fuel is a bit more pronounced. But, for those who value performance over pump prices, the X3 M still delivers an unforgettable driving experience.
The 2021 BMW X3 M doesn't just impress with its performance and luxury, it also prioritizes safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't crash-tested the X3 M, but we can take cues from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which named the last evaluated version as a Top Safety Pick+. This title reassures that the vehicle has undergone rigorous testing and meets high safety standards. The X3 M comes with an impressive suite of standard driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring to keep you and your passengers secure. For those who want to add extra layers of safety, options like self-parking assist and a surround-view camera system are available. The BMW X3 M, therefore, offers not just a thrilling drive but also peace of mind, proving that safety need not be compromised for performance.
So, what's the final word on our dear friend, the 2021 BMW X3 M? Well, mate, if you're into pure, unadulterated, adrenaline-pumping performance, then this sporty SUV is the ticket to your personal roller coaster. Did we mention it boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine? It's basically a UFO in disguise. With an interior that oozes luxury like an overfilled éclair and an exterior that's sportier than a gym full of athletes, it's got the looks to match its brawn. Sure, it might drink more than your Uncle Gary at a family barbecue, but hey, who's counting miles when you're having this much fun, right? And safety? Top-notch! It doesn't just do 0-60 in a flash; it keeps you secure while doing so. So, would we recommend it? Absolutely! It's like having your cake, eating it, and then finding out the cake also comes with free unlimited Wi-Fi.
