2021
BMW X3 PHEV

Starts at:
$49,600
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New 2021 BMW X3 PHEV
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV 2021 BMW X3 PHEV

Notable features

More active safety features, Android Auto now standard
Five-seat compact luxury SUV
Choice of turbocharged engines
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Plug-in hybrid and performance X3 M versions available

The good & the bad

The good

Ride quality
Refined four-cylinder engine
Front-seat comfort
Apple CarPlay integration
Highly customizable

The bad

Backseat comfort
Numb steering
Modest cargo room
Less expensive X1 nearly as nice

Expert 2021 BMW X3 PHEV review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is a five-seat compact luxury SUV. It’s offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, and power comes from a standard 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Available powertrains are a 288-hp plug-in hybrid; 382-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six; and 473-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six for the X3 M. All X3s have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and competitors include the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Volvo XC60.

What’s New on the 2021 BMW X3?

Android Auto smartphone connectivity joins Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio is also now standard. Newly standard active safety features include blind spot warning and lane departure warning. 

What Features in the 2021 BMW X3 Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Forward collision warning 
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Navigation with a 10.25-inch touchscreen
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Power liftgate

Available features include:

  • Heated and ventilated front seats 
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Wireless device charging
  • Harman Kardon surround-sound system
  • 360-degree camera system 
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability

Should I Buy the 2021 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 rides well and has a refined base four-cylinder engine, but it suffers from numb steering and modest cargo room. If you’re considering an X3, we’d recommend taking a look at BMW’s less expensive X1, too. It’s nearly as nice and has a roomy interior.

2021 BMW X3 PHEV review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is a five-seat compact luxury SUV. It’s offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, and power comes from a standard 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Available powertrains are a 288-hp plug-in hybrid; 382-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six; and 473-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six for the X3 M. All X3s have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and competitors include the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Volvo XC60.

What’s New on the 2021 BMW X3?

Android Auto smartphone connectivity joins Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio is also now standard. Newly standard active safety features include blind spot warning and lane departure warning. 

What Features in the 2021 BMW X3 Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Forward collision warning 
  • Low-speed automatic emergency braking
  • Navigation with a 10.25-inch touchscreen
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Power liftgate

Available features include:

  • Heated and ventilated front seats 
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Wireless device charging
  • Harman Kardon surround-sound system
  • 360-degree camera system 
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability

Should I Buy the 2021 BMW X3?

The BMW X3 rides well and has a refined base four-cylinder engine, but it suffers from numb steering and modest cargo room. If you’re considering an X3, we’d recommend taking a look at BMW’s less expensive X1, too. It’s nearly as nice and has a roomy interior.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 80,000 miles
Maintenance
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

3.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.8
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

Unresolved hybrid system failures

We placed an order for a BMW X3 plug-in hybrid in March, 2020 and received/purchased it on July 18, 2020. BMW recalled the X3 for the hybrid battery on October 22, 2020. We parked the car at the dealer until about six weeks later when BMW said our battery was not in the recall. BMW again recalled the car on October 13, 2021 for the hybrid battery. BMW completed the battery replacement on November 30, 2021. The check engine light came on a couple weeks later. BMW completed service on the hybrid battery cooling system approximately January 3, 2022. The check engine light came on again approximately February 25, 2022. The car has been in the shop to the current date, April 14, 2022, without resolution. This dealer reportedly has several X3s in its shop with a similar history and similar unresolved hybrid system issues. BMW reportedly has not been able to identify the source of the faults and has resorted to replacing sensors in hope to find/fix the issue, without success. BMW refuses to declare the car a lemon. Dealer has provided a loaner or rental car for extended service visits. We loved almost everything about this X3 when it is drivable, from the road feel, power, comfort and style. The most significant disappointment beyond the hybrid system issues is the fuel economy/driving range is unexpectedly low when in towing mode. When towing, the fuel consumption is about 12-14 miles per gallon which, when combined with the (smaller) hybrid fuel tank, provides a full tank driving range of only about 150 miles. The finish and quality of interior materials are noticeably inferior to our last 4 BMWs though the technology options continue to impress. We particularly appreciate the newer safety systems, but these are useless if the car is not otherwise drivable.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 3.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 1.0
22 people out of 22 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Like the E assist

Very comfortable and great handling car. The car is a great size for our needs and is very economical to drive. I also like the tax credit.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
3 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV?

The 2021 BMW X3 PHEV is available in 1 trim level:

  • xDrive30e (1 style)

What is the electric range of the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV?

The 2021 BMW X3 PHEV can travel 18 electric-only miles before the gas engine kicks on.

EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, trim level, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV?

The 2021 BMW X3 PHEV compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV reliable?

The 2021 BMW X3 PHEV has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 BMW X3 PHEV owners.

Is the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 BMW X3 PHEV. 75.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 3.8

BMW X3 PHEV history

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