The 2021 BMW X3 M only appears to have the mild manners of Bruce Banner, but underneath its luxury façade is a raging twin-turbo engine and amazing capabilities akin to those of the Incredible Hulk. Based on the civil BMW X3 compact crossover, the M version—as well as the sloped-back X4 M—is a certified beast that boasts up to 503 horsepower and quicker acceleration than lightweight sports cars such as the Porsche 718 Cayman and the Toyota Supra. A Competition package completes the BMW’s monster mutation with track-focused upgrades that make it charge even harder, corner even better, and stop even shorter. Its useful back seat and sizable cargo area are simply pleasant reminders of its versatility. Shrug off its overly stiff ride and mind-numbing number of drive-mode settings and the 2021 X3 M is an extreme, incredible machine. Let’s review BMW X3 M Sport 2021 with Bestechz!
Contents
BMW X3 M Sport 2021 Review – More equipment, increase the price
Exterior
As an upgraded version equipped, the appearance of the BMW X3 M Sport 2021 does not change compared to its predecessor. While for Mercedes-Benz GLC increasingly “rounded”, the X3 M Sport 2021 maintains a strong, solid and masculine style. The car has overall dimensions of DxRxC 4708 x 1891 x 1676 mm respectively.
The only change in the exterior of the interior is the light cluster that has been upgraded to an Adaptive LED with the feature to expand the projection angle. Thereby providing more powerful performance, improving visibility when driving at night.
Similar to new BMW models, the X3 M Sport 2021 also has a grille that customers refer to as “big nostrils”. Besides the aesthetics is controversial, but admittedly the size expansion helps to cool the engine better.
Seen from the side, the X3 M Sport 2021 exudes a sporty look when using the 19-inch 5 split-spoke rim. Pillars B and C are painted glossy black to feel like the side of the car is extended. The rearview mirror on the car is integrated with electric folding-adjustment, automatic anti-glare and turn indicator lights.
The most attractive detail in the rear of the BMW X3 M Sport 2021 is the exhaust system. While the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has only a small exhaust wrapped in a diamond-shaped chrome casing. Worse, the Audi Q5 only has fake exhaust, the X3 M Sport 2021 has two “real” round exhaust pipes that directly communicate with the negative absorber.
When walking gently in the street, the electric control valve inside the exhaust will close to limit the noise. However, as soon as the Sport and Sport Plus modes are activated, the valve opens automatically to produce an excited roar. This helps the BMW X3 M Sport 2021 to score absolute points in the eyes of customers who like to drive.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The X3 M shares its interior design and dimensions with the regular X3. However, the sportier version enjoys more standard luxury features and an assortment of exclusive details. The latter mainly consists of “M” badging, red drive-mode buttons on the steering wheel, and aggressively bolstered front seats. The Competition package brings front chairs with even more bolstering. Throughout the cabin, attractive materials show off BMW’s adherence to upscale aesthetics. Along with this crossover’s standard leather upholstery and selectable interior accents, BMW has provided a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 14-way power front seats, customizable ambient interior lighting, and heated front-seat cushions. Still not swanky enough? Buyers can opt for finer leather and a host of premium options, including a head-up display, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and side window shades in the rear. There’s plenty of passenger space for all, as well as a generous amount of cargo room. We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases behind the X3’s rear seat and 20 with the seatbacks folded. Buyers of the mechanically similar X4 M will give up some of that space to that model’s dramatically sloped rear end.
Safety
Every X3 comes standard with anti-lock brakes that automatically dry the pads in wet weather plus front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and BMW Assist eCall emergency services, which includes automatic crash notification and an emergency services request button.
Standard active safety features include the Active Guard system with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking at city speeds. Now standard for 2021 is the formerly optional Active Driving Assistant. That adds lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Optional are active cruise control with stop and go and lane-keeping assistance.
The X3 earns a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the X3 its highest accolade of Top Safety Pick Plus after it earned maximum scores in every major category.
