Squeezing between the sub-compact X1 and mid-size X5, the BMW X3 is the German automaker’s entry into the hotly contested compact luxury SUV segment. Despite competing for buyers in a class that includes the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60, the X3 continues to be one of the most popular luxury vehicles in Canada.
All 2021 BMW X3 trims boast room for 5 occupants and athletic driving manners. Plus, there is now a broader choice of powertrains than ever to meet many tastes and budgets.
The base X3 xDrive Essential trim uses a 248 horsepower and 258 pound-foot of torque turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that will satisfy the majority of buyers. It scores a 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100-km) combined city and highway fuel economy estimate.
More power (382-hp/365 lb-ft ) is available with the X3 M40i trim. BMW’s smooth, turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 replaces the 4-cylinder and scores a 10.1 L/100-km estimate.
For buyers who don’t mind plugging in, there’s the X3 xDrive30e plug-in gas-electric hybrid trim that arrived last year. Its powertrain consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor for a combined 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, allowing this electrified X3 to travel up to 29 kilometres gas-free.
Whatever is under the X3’s hood, all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard. As is BMW Canada’s 4-year/180,00-km factory warranty with no charge scheduled maintenance.
While there are plenty of stand-alone options, BMW has grouped many of them into Packages that bundle together a wide variety of safety, performance, luxury and convenience features.
To help you make the right call on your next BMW compact luxury SUV, here's a breakdown of 2021 X3 trim levels:.
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i Essential - Starting MSRP: $49,990 CAD
Key standard features include:
- 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine/8-speed automatic transmission/AWD
- 19-unch alloy wheels
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated/Leather Sport steering wheel
- Electric Sport seats with driver memory
- Heated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- LED headlights
- BMW Assist Emergency Call, TeleServices, Online and Apps
- Connected Package Plus
- Apple CarPlay
- BMW Live Cockpit Plus
- BMW ConnectedDrive Services Essential
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i - Starting MSRP: $52,550 CAD
Includes or replaces xDrive30i Essential features, plus:
- Leather upholstery
- Advanced Driver Assistance Package ($2,900)
- M Sport Package ($3,500)
- Premium Package Essential ($4,500)
- Premium Package Enhanced ($6,500)
- Ultimate Package ($12,100)
2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e - Starting MSRP: $59,990 CAD
Includes or replaces xDrive30i features, plus:
- 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine + electric motor
- Leather Sport steering wheel
- Leatherette upholstery
- LED headlights/LED fog lights
- Hi-Fi sound system
- Advanced Driver Assistance Package ($2,900)
- M Sport Package ($3,500)
- Premium Package Essential ($6,400)
- Premium Package Enhanced ($8,000)
- Ultimate Package ($14,600)
2021 BMW X3 M40i - Starting MSRP: $66,250 CAD
Includes or replaces xDrive30i features, plus:
- 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- M Sport Brake
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Performance Control
- Variable Sport Steering
- Electric Seats with Driver Memory
- Leatherette dashboard
- Park Distance control, front and rear
- Adaptive LED headlights/LED fog lights
- High-beam Assist
- Hi-Fi sound system
- M Leather Steering Wheel
- M Aerodynamics Package
- Advanced Driver Assistance Package ($2,900)
- Premium Package Essential ($3,900)
- Premium Package Enhanced ($6,350)
- Ultimate Package ($11,750)
