Petrol

2021 BMW X3 M40i

The 2021 BMW X3 M40i is a SUV. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 382 hp (285 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 4.4 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).

2021 BMW X3 M40i
2021
Year
3,000 cc
Engine
382 hp
Power
Automatic (S8)
Trans.
Petrol
Fuel

ABOUT THE 2021 BMW X3 M40I

The 2021 BMW X3 M40i is the fastest regular version of the third-generation X3 (G01), positioned below the full X3 M. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), with xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. It is built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, and BMW quotes 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

Final year of the original look

The G01 X3 launched for 2018, with the M40i available from the start. For 2021 the line-up stayed largely unchanged ahead of the 2022 facelift, which gave the X3 new lights and bumpers and a larger central screen. Buyers of a 2021 car get the earlier styling and interior layout.

Daily usability

The M40i combines a strong, smooth six-cylinder with the practicality of a mid-size SUV. M Sport brakes and firmer chassis tuning give it sharper handling than the four-cylinder xDrive30i without the harshness of the X3 M. The cabin seats five, and the rear seats fold to extend the load area.

What to check

Commonly reported issues on the B58 engine include coolant expansion tank and pipe leaks and oil filter housing gasket leaks. Listen for driveline clunks and check that the transfer case has been serviced as recommended.

Rivals

The X3 M40i competed with the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Porsche Macan S.

Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

SPECS

Make BMW Model X3 M40i
Year 2021 Version / Trim BMW 2021 X3 M40i
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 382 hp / 285 kW Torque 500 Nm / 369 lb-ft
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) 4.4 sec Top Speed 155 mph (249 km/h)
Fuel Economy 21 mpg city / 27 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 382 hp is 25% more than the average 2021 SUV (305 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.1 seconds quicker than average.

2021 BMW X3 M40iAverage 2021 SUVsDifference
Power 382 hp 305 hp (98 cars) +25%
Torque 500 Nm 413 Nm (98 cars) +21%
0–60 mph 4.4 s 6.5 s (103 cars) -32%
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 M40i.

CarPower0–60 mphKerb weight
2021 BMW X3 M40i 382 hp 4.4 s 1,800 kg
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD 381 hp 7.5 s 2,550 kg
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 384 hp 4.8 s 1,979 kg
2021 Audi e-tron 355 hp 5.5 s 2,590 kg
2021 Tank 300 Hi4-T 348 hp 5.8 s 2,250 kg
Compare side by side →

OTHER YEARS OF THE BMW X3 M40I

FEATURES

Air Conditioning
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Leather Seats
Power Front Seats
Memory Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Wireless Phone Charging
Navigation System
Head-Up Display
Digital Instrument Cluster
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Premium Audio
ABS
Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control
Airbags (Multiple)
Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
Reverse Camera
360-Degree Camera
Front Parking Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Sunroof
Alloy Wheels
LED Headlights
Adaptive Headlights
Fog Lights
Roof Rails
Power Tailgate
Keyless Entry
Push-Button Start
Tow Bar / Tow Package