2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e Review

Did you know the BMW X3 was the best-selling BMW SUV globally in 2023? That’s not surprising. In 2003, BMW introduced the X3 after noticing an increasing demand for a compact premium SUV. Now, decades later, after three different generations, the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e still lives up to expectations. As the first facelift of the third generation, the 2021 model was expected to have significant upgrades in technology, design, and performance, which it did.

Efficiently Powerful And Fun

The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s complemented by a 12-kWh electric motor resulting in 288 horsepower and 310 lb.ft sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. When the battery is fully charged, you get around 18 miles of range, which is decent enough considering the car’s nearly 4,300-pound weight. We understand that efficiency is paramount, but for those interested in performance figures, 0-60 mph takes 6.0 seconds, give or take, and the top speed maxes out to an electronically limited 155 mph. That’s nearly in X3 M40i territory despite weighing more and having almost 100 horsepower less.

Doesn’t Feel Mid-Tier

As a mid-tier SUV, the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e uses SensaTec Upholstery as the standard for seat material and cushioning in most parts of the interior. Still, there are luxury and comfort touches such as wood-themed accents, sport bucket-style seats, front and rear HVAC systems with separate controls, and much more. You can probably drive this SUV daily and fail to utilize half of the features. There’s ample room for five, plus enough headroom and legroom and a huge trunk space.

Upbeat PHEV Design

BMW has a habit of making their releases look almost identical but with minor changes, although they retain that iconic BMW look, especially on the front end. For instance, there are several similarities between the 2020 and 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e. In 2021, it maintained the one-piece kidney grille, with active grille shutters that open when you hit certain speeds. There’s not much going on on the sides, but the rear fascia maintains the upbeat theme seen in PHEVs.

Loaded With Essentials And More

When discussing technology features, we often fail to mention some that deserve mentioning. One such feature is the Valet function, included in the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e. This feature disables the car's controls when someone else is, say, parking your car. Maintaining the safety theme, it also came with a whole load of them, such as Active Blind Spot Detection, ABS, RSC, ESC, and more. iDrive infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility came standard, too. From the driver’s seat, you can easily access several settings, including changing the driving modes and configuring the digital cluster.

Quite A Bargain

A well-maintained 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e with reasonable mileage will run you about $30,000, a reasonable price given that these SUVs are still relevant by today's standards. If you’re already sold on buying one, check out our BMW listings, which have well-curated BMW X3s for sale.

Final Thoughts

As far as plug-in hybrid SUVs go, the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e is among the best you can buy. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a satisfying balance of power and efficiency, all while retaining its practicality, unlike some of its competitors, which trade cabin room due to the battery pack placement. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.