2021 BMW X3 Values & Cars for Sale | Kelley Blue Book

The BMW X3 is the German luxury brand’s 2-row compact crossover, slotting between the midsize X5 and subcompact X1. Think of the X3 as the SUV version of the 3 Series. These days the X3 outsells that icon, part of a larger shift in buyer preference from sedans to crossovers.

The X3 remains one of the leaders in its class, a booming one that includes the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, and Volvo XC60. Those are all strong rivals, but the BMW X3 continues to appeal to drivers who desire a crossover with SUV practicality and sport sedan driving manners – not to mention the prestige of a BMW badge.

All 2021 BMW X3 models boast athletic manners, and there is now a broader choice of powertrains than ever to meet many tastes and budgets. Base models use a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that will satisfy the majority of buyers, while more power is available in BMW’s smooth, turbocharged inline-6. Enthusiasts really seeking a punch can get it in the X3 M, a rocket of an SUV available with 503 horsepower. Introduced last year is a plug-in hybrid model that can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone.

This year, BMW has remedied one of the few sticking points of the X3 by integrating Android Auto along with the existing Apple CarPlay. It has also made more active safety features standard. With a starting price of $43,000, the 2021 BMW X3 sits on the higher end of the luxury SUV scale, but is in line with other luxury SUVs of its caliber and European pedigree.