The 2021 BMW X3 M dials up huge levels of performance without compromising an ounce of practicality. The engine is a near masterpiece, and the drivetrain fights hard to ensure optimal (and fun) use of all its prodigious power. But its dedication to performance comes at the cost of traditional luxury SUV strengths such as comfort. Simply put, the ride is quite brittle on anything but a perfectly smooth surface. If you want something a little less punishing, consider getting a regular X3 in M40i guise.
Part of the third X3 generation introduced for 2018
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.41 per gallon for premium unleaded in Oregon.
My last car was an Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio and was fun and super fast. I traded it for this practical SUV that is just as fast in a straight line and handles turns better than most sport cars. It can haul stuff and I even go camping in this thing. Almost super car speed for a reasonable price! Out performs G Wagon for a fraction of the price and way more fun as a daily driver. … Very nimble and has a great exhaust! Not quite the track animal the Alfa is but much more practical. Stick with the M over the M Competition for a little softer ride.
2020 BMW X3 M COMPETITION IS A PERFECT MONSTER
5 out of 5 stars
Lord Todd L. , 07/25/2020
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I'm a life long Porsche guy and was ready for a change for a daily driver. I'm very brand loyal and had a Cayenne Turbo S that I loved but before getting a new one I wanted to see what else was out there to compare as I like performance. I looked at many options and let me say the x3M competition is scary fast and mind blowing. The technology it so impressive and then driving it I was … sold its truly unreal the performance of this thing! DO yourself a favor dont think about it and just buy one!
A surprisingly good value
5 out of 5 stars
Shawnski, 09/10/2020
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
If you need an SUV for whatever reason, the X3M is a good compromise is you are used to sports cars/sedans. Its practical, good visibility and unlike to many cars today (I am looking at you 992 911) it has real character and is fun even when obeying traffic laws. I have to say its an impressive car for the money that is practical and a hoot to drive!
Update 3/10/22: We still enjoy … the car and fits our current needs. Fuel economy is averaging a little less than 19 MPG, that and expected tire life are the really 2 biggest demerits and worth it if driven the way it’s intended. A hardcore sports SUV that is comfortable.
Just plain awesome, practical too!
5 out of 5 stars
MB, 09/29/2020
2020 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
So much fun to drive and you really get a lot for the price! In addition, there is plenty of space in the rear and even more with the seats dropped.
I have a car seat installed in mine and I can still fit three across the rear seat. Would buy this car again. The only minor complaint I have is that comfort suspension mode is still really stiff. But at the same time economy engine mode … is still really quick. Engineers probably had to stiffen it all up to keep it from rolling when the throttle opens. Which, by the way, it hangs on the road like a high end sports car which is a really strange feeling in an SUV. Awesome vehicle!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 BMW X3 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X3 M since its last redesign.
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