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2021 BMW X3 M Trims Comparison

2021 X3 M trim level differences

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 (alert 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)

Which 2021 X3 M trim does Edmunds recommend?

Stick with the standard X3 M. The ride quality is better, and you still have that staggeringly swift acceleration from the 473-hp turbocharged six-cylinder. Also check out the Driving Assistance package and the Executive package if you want maximum-level tech and some extra creature comforts.

Compare 2021 X3 M trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Duluth, MN
Vehicle
X3 M Base
Vehicle
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Bluetooth
standard
Navigation
standard
Satellite radio
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
Cruise control
standard
Adaptive cruise control
optional
Parking assistance
standard
Upholstery
leather
Heated seats
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
optional
Folding rear seats
standard
Sunroof
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Country of final assembly
United States
Drivetrain
all wheel drive
Engine power
473 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Engine torque
442 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm
Engine displacement
3.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 6
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
245/45R20 (FRONT) 265/45R20 (REAR)
Wheel size
20 X 9.0-in (Front) 20 X 10.0-in (Rear)
Wheel type
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
14 / 19 / 16 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
17.2 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
241 / 327 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Dimensions

Turning circle
41.4 ft.
Curb weight
4,620 lb.
Ground Clearance
8.0 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
84.2 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
74.7 in.
Height
65.6 in.
Length
186.2 in.
Wheelbase
112.8 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
28.7 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
62.7 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
41.1 in.
Front Leg Room
40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room
57.6 in.
Rear Head Room
38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room
36.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
56.0 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$86,685
Average Cost Per Mile
$1.16
Depreciation
$22,978
Financing
$8,094
Taxes & Fees
$5,039
Fuel
$19,222
Insurance
$7,088
Maintenance
$15,271
Repairs
$8,993
Section Title

Colors

Interior
Sakhir Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Black Vernasca w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Oyster Vernasca w/Contrast Stitching, leather
Black/Black Merino w/Midrand Beige Contrast Stitching, premium leather/alcantara
(Ind) Ivory White Extended Merino, premium leather
(Ind) Tartufo Extended Merino, premium leather
Adelaide Grey/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Exterior
Sunstone Metallic
Alpine White
Black Sapphire Metallic
Toronto Red Metallic
Donington Grey Metallic
Dark Graphite Metallic
Phytonic Blue Metallic