2021
BMW X3 PHEV

Starts at:
$49,600
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New 2021 BMW X3 PHEV
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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
See all specifications

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.

Available cars near you

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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
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

75% of drivers recommend this car
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

  • By BMW Family from Sarasota, Florida
    Owns this car
    April 14, 2022

    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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  • By Jean Carlson from Rockford
    Owns this car
    May 30, 2021

    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?
    Yes No
  • By UNSATISFIED BMW OWNER from Laguna Beach CA
    Owns this car
    May 7, 2021

    2 FAILED IN 8 MONTHS

    Purchased 2020 in September 20. Recalled for bad battery in Oct. BMW could not fix and bought it back. Bought second one in March 2021. Failed after 13 days. part backorder from Germany, for a month. Part arrived. Didn't fix. next part backordered from Germany. Waiting for BMW to buy back.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    18 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Dave1945 from Pittsburgh Pa
    Owns this car
    May 6, 2021

    Great car

    Can’t wait to utilize the Hybrid aspect of this vehicle on our daily short trips to save money on gas. Her satisfied with the overall performance
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • 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 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Derrick Flint from Albuquerque, NM
    Owns this car
    January 13, 2021

    An impressive SUV

    Purchased this car in mid-November 2010 and have now driven it 2000+ miles. The car has plenty power and it can pass cars and trucks at highway speeds with little effort. It is quiet and handles well and I don't feel the extra weight of the batteries. I live in a mtn state and am getting 40-55 mpg on trips of 50-80 miles in length, which drops to mid to low 30's on longer trips. Also has great IIHS crash numbers. Overall, an impressive vehicle. Its safe, has lots of power when you need it, and can be fun to drive when you want it to be. I had worried about it needing premium gas but I hardy buy it gas. The cons are: its price but this is lessened by the $5836 Fed tax credit making it $1200 cheaper than the gas version, the lousy run flat tires it comes with, a bit smaller cargo area, and a fairly complex i7 operating system which takes some time to get use to. So far, I am happy with the purchase.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By X3HYB from Mountain View
    Owns this car
    January 11, 2021

    Amazing interior quality/driving EV battery too sm

    I just bought 2021 X3 30e Hybrid Dec 31 2020 trading in 2018 BMW i3 electric EV. The X3 300e is so much nicer inside, the interior quality and assembly is an A+. Idrive 7 is great but the shear number of menus and options is way over the top and difficult to find a specific setting. The X3 drives like a dream, very quiet and handles great. I have the convenience package w/full pano moonroof and would recommend it for the cost. I also have the parking package and hate it, a total waste of money - instead get the lane/collision avoidance package because it will actually turn the wheel if you change lanes and another vehicle is there. Mine also had the light package, total waste of money and the $500 wireless phone charger - total waste of money and the trailer hitch another waster of money that removes the "leg/kick" opening feature of the tailgate a feature I really wanted. Due to the battery recall on X3 30e models (stop sell) these are not easy to find on BMW lots because it had to be manufactured after Sept 2020 to be legally sold. Thats why mine has all of these junk features that I didnt want but I had to have a light color interior and this was all that was available on 12/31 to still get the Fed Tax Credit of $5,800 so it was actually Zero down to buy. About the EV mode - I use it everyday and it will go 100% elec for 16-20 miles, if you do not use AC or drive really fast (over 70). I have been using the pure EV mode in Sport mode mostly, this gives a sporty EV like feel that I was used to with the i3. I heard the new iX3 all elec will be out soon but it will cost $70k totally ridiculous and not worth it. I want to repeat, if you can find one - the X3 30e is a fantastic vehicle I would buy it agin for sure. But it needs longer range to be realistic 25-30 EV miles but if you have a charger on the other end of your trip at work it could work. I also considered the MB GLC EV, and Honda Clarity but the MB was too expensive but had longer EV range and the Clarity was too ugly and drove terrible (the sm 4 cyl engine sounded like it would explode on the freeway, but inside the Clarity was very nice) I do miss the 100+ EV range of the i3, and I havent used any gas yet after 10 days. I would have bought a Tesla Model 3 which I prefer but trading in a vehicle with them is a joke they wholesale out the trade in and give you nothing for it - the model 3 also felt really small inside and a friend has one and hates using the screen for everything, but the range and price are great but no Fed tax credit. I really think BMW has made a great vehicle here, the build quality, features, and the way it drives are great for the price. I was able to get more than 10k off the sticker on my X3 30e so if you cant, goto to another BMW dealer preferably a high volume location that was the key for me after getting ignored at 2 other BMW dealers.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Steve Smith from Des Moines
    Owns this car
    January 7, 2021

    Love it

    Just what I was looking for love all cars and this one fits my needs the best and I love driving it ,,,One day I hope to be able to more of the many models
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Barry from Naperville, IL
    Owns this car
    December 13, 2020

    Best vehicle I have ever owned.

    This vehicle meets my need to reduce the amount of CO2 put into the atmosphere, while still providing tremendous performance and comfort. Interior decibel level is quite low, and the vehicle responsiveness is amazing.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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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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