2021 BMW X3 M
The 2021 BMW X3 M is a SUV. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 473 hp (353 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.1 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2021 BMW X3 M
The 2021 BMW X3 M is the full M version of the third-generation X3 (G01), known internally as the F97. It uses the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six, rated at 473 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) in standard form, with M xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic. Like other X3 models it is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The last pre-facelift year
The X3 M and its Competition sibling arrived for the 2020 model year as the first X3 to wear a full M badge. The 2021 model is the final year before the 2022 facelift, which brought slimmer headlights, revised bumpers and more torque for the Competition. BMW quotes 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds for the standard 2021 X3 M.
What it is like
The S58 engine is shared with the M3 and M4 of the same era, and the X3 M feels much more like a performance car than a family SUV. M xDrive is rear-biased, and the ride is firm even in its softest settings. Despite that, it keeps the X3’s practical cabin, five seats and wide tailgate.
Buying one today
Expect high running costs for tyres and brakes. The S58 does not yet have a long record of common faults, so a documented service history matters most. Check the condition of the large wheels, which are easily damaged.
Rivals
Rivals included the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, Porsche Macan Turbo and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | X3 M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2021 | Version / Trim | BMW 2021 X3 M |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Dravit Gray Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Portimao Blue Metallic, San Francisco Red Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Individual Colours available |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 473 hp / 353 kW | Torque | 600 Nm / 442 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 4.1 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 14 mpg city / 19 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,864 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2021 SUVS
Compared with other 2021 SUVs in our database, its 473 hp is 55% more than the average 2021 SUV (305 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.4 seconds quicker than average.
| 2021 BMW X3 M | Average 2021 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 473 hp | 305 hp (98 cars) | +55% |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 413 Nm (98 cars) | +45% |
| 0–60 mph | 4.1 s | 6.5 s (103 cars) | -37% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 129 mph (103 cars) | +21% |
| Kerb weight | 1,800 kg | 1,919 kg (105 cars) | -6% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 2,729 cc (87 cars) | +10% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2021 SUVs with similar power to the 2021 BMW X3 M.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 M | 473 hp | 4.1 s | 1,800 kg |
| 2021 Voyah Free Max | 476 hp | 4.6 s | 2,280 kg |
| 2021 Aion LX Ultra | 480 hp | 4.0 s | 2,300 kg |
| 2021 Nio ES6 100kWh | 483 hp | 4.7 s | 2,170 kg |
| 2021 Li Auto Li ONE Standard | 449 hp | 5.3 s | 2,161 kg |