2021 (71) BMW X3 M xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

BMW's third generation G01-era X3 is a premium mid-sized SUV that was originally launched in 2017, but here, we're looking at the updated version of this design which arrived in 2021. This facelift version was a slightly smarter and more sophisticated choice than the car it replaced, stacking up impressively against prestigiously-badged alternatives from Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar and Volvo in this sector. Like its rivals, dynamically targeted almost exclusively towards on-road use, it's another example of just how car-like a model of this kind can be.

History

This 'G01'-series X3 design was originally launched at the end of 2017, like its predecessor built at BMW's US plant in Spartenburg, South Carolina and styled by Australian Calvin Luk. With this revised model announced in 2021, cabin quality took a big leap forward. And there was also a properly potent 'M Competition' petrol flagship variant for the first time equipped to take the fight to road-burning rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+. Which was just one of a wide range of powerplants for this model line that included both PHEV and all-electric options. It's all a long way from the origins of this model line, an 'E83'-series MK1 design launched in 2003 basically a re-bodied 3 Series Touring estate. The second generation 'F25'-series X3 launched in 2010 was a lot better, positioned by BMW as an 'SAV' (or 'Sports Activity Vehicle') to try and differentiate it from less dynamic SUV rivals. That car gained a coupe-like X4 derivative in 2014 - as this replacement X3 did too. This updated MK3 X3 sold until the fourth generation G45-era MK4 design arrived in mid-2024.

What You Get

The look of this third generation X3 in this updated post-2021 form became cleaner and smarter. Nothing dramatic was done to the familiar shape, originally penned by Australian designer Calvin Luk. But the facelift tidied up some fussy detailing and gave the car a slightly more premium look. In profile, the proportions will be familiar to previous X3 buyers, with a long bonnet and the short front overhang emphasising this BMW's classic 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear axles. Take a seat at the wheel and if you remember the original version of this G01 MK3 design, it may feel as if this X3 has gone up half a class. Gone are the analogue instrument dials and rather restricted infotainment screen size of that original MK3 model. And the sports seats were enhanced with classier leather upholstery, which will be either of the man-made Sensatec sort or of the real Vernasca kind, depending on the trim level you've selected. You might notice a few of the little detail changes too, like the move of the start button to a place down by the gearstick: evidently, that's a mark of 'premium-ness'. As before, you're seated in the pleasingly commanding position you'll want if you've switched into an X-series model from either a 3 or a 5 Series. The 'Live Cockpit Professional' twin screen set-up isn't quite as cutting edge as the 'Operating System 8' curved screen arrangement that by 2021 BMW was offering in the X1, but it still feels suitably high end, with wondrous graphics and thoughtful functionality. In the back, a six-footer will be able to sit comfortably behind a driver of similar size, which is about as much as you can ask of a mid-sized SUV of this sort. Once the powered tailgate rises, you're provided with 550-litres of capacity in the standard mild hybrid models. Need more room? If you've an X3 whose original owner paid extra for the reclining back seat, this process is neatly activated by cargo sidewall latches and once they've been pulled, a 1,600-litre cargo area is revealed.

What to Look For

Our owner survey revealed many satisfied users of this 'G01'-series X3 model, but inevitably, there were a few issues reported. The four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine of the xDrive 20i has proved to be pretty strong but we've come across some problems with it such as coolant leaks and gasket failures. It's also used as part of the xDrive 30e Plug-in Hybrid powertrain and with that, we've come across occasional sensor module failures. Some X3 PHEV owners have also had issues with charging and one even had a problem with the car's central computer. The six cylinder petrol engine in the M40i is also pretty reliable, but we have come across issues with coolant and oil loss, failing gaskets and VANOS solenoid failure. With the diesels, the main thing we'd check for is for diesel particulate filter problems for diesel cars which haven't ventured onto the highway very frequently. The DPF has to be up to temperature before it can regenerate. Obviously, a fully-stamped service history is vital. This car uses complex engines and only regular and appropriate maintenance will see them go the distance. Otherwise, it's just the usual things. Insist on a fully stamped-up service record and check the alloys for scratches and scuffs.

Replacement Parts

(approx prices based on a 2021 M40d ex VAT -autodoc.co.uk) An air filter costs in the £8 to £18 bracket. An oil filter costs around £6-£56. Fuel filter prices vary widely - you can pay from £3 upwards, depending on brand. Cabin filters sit mainly in the £8-£55 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £39-£72 bracket for a set; for rears, it's around £18-£72. Brake discs can be very expensive; fronts from £88-£214; rear discs tended to be in the £49-£196 bracket.

On the Road

You might think that sandwiched between the X1 and the X5, the X3 wouldn't have to spread its talents too broadly, but such is the span of rivals of this size that this improved version of the third generation X3 needed to cater for quite different customer expectations in the mid-sized luxury SUV segment. If those expectations extend towards a dynamic driving experience, then this X3 comes well prepared. With ideal 50:50 weight distribution, a finely honed chassis and standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, linked to Dynamic Stability Control, this SUV proudly shows off the handling characteristics for which the Munich maker is renowned. By this point in its life cycle, this third generation X3 had gained quite a lot in terms of powertrain development. First, a petrol Plug-in Hybrid xDrive30e model had been added to the line-up and proved popular with its flexible 252hp 2.0-litre four cylinder powerplant and 34 mile electric driving range. Then, in 2020, the all-electric iX3 had arrived, rear-driven with a 286hp electric motor powered by an 80kWh battery giving a 285 mile driving range. Both those variants benefitted from this package of updates. And as part of this facelift, the mainstream combustion models also become electrified, though not quite as much. All the usual petrol and diesel engines available gained the Munich maker's latest 48V mild hybrid tech. This draws on a powerful 48-volt starter generator and an additional battery, both offering more possibilities for brake energy regeneration. The energy harvested by the system when braking or cruising is stored in a 48-volt battery and can be used to generate drive power. What's more, the 48-volt starter generator can also create an electric boost of 11hp during hard acceleration, which is particularly helpful for overtaking. Apart from this embellishment though, the mainstream engine menu has a familiar look to it. Most buyers will choose a diesel, probably the 190hp 2.0-litre xDrive 20d variant but there's also a 286hp straight-six xDrive30d diesel derivative. For petrol people, there's an entry-level xDrive 20i version with 184hp, plus there are two straight six 3.0-litre 'M Performance' models: the 360hp X3 M40i petrol variant, which most directly takes on the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. And the 340hp M40d diesel version of the same car - which targets Audi's SQ5. Plus as part of this model update, the Bavarians also added an even faster X3 M Competition six cylinder petrol high performance model to the line-up, with 510hp on tap.

Overall

BMW has had a lot to do with the rise in popularity of mid-sized premium SUVs, having pioneered this segment back in 2003. Rivals have grabbed the headlines since, but with the improved version of this third generation model, the Bavarians were out to redefine what a car of this kind should be. In many ways, this car did just that. Yes it's true that it didn't offer much that was radically different to what we'd seen before in this class, but everything it did do was so complete and polished that it was hard not to admire the end result. Probably the most significant thing about this update is that it gave the X3 a luxury demeanour it had lacked before, both in terms of its streetside presence and its classy cabin. In this form, it really became the junior X5 we had always been promised and quite a number of owners of that larger model might well be tempted to downsize into this one. It's also good enough to drive to ensure that up-sizing 3 Series drivers won't feel short-changed. Of course, no BMW X-model will take you very far off road - and this one certainly can't - but it doesn't deliver that kind of capability because it doesn't need to. In summary, we think that buyers in this sector looking for a premium-badged mid-sized SUV from the 2021-2024 period who can afford the asking price should find that this improved version of the MK3 X3 adds up very nicely indeed. A vehicle this good ought to speak for itself. Try one and we think you'll find that it does.