2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e
The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e is a plug-in hybrid SUV. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 288 hp (215 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.9 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2021 BMW X3 XDRIVE30E
The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e is the plug-in hybrid version of the third-generation X3 (G01). It pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic, for a combined 288 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm), with xDrive all-wheel drive. The EPA rates its electric-only range at 18 miles (about 29 km), and BMW quotes 0–60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
Where it fits
The xDrive30e joined the US range for the 2020 model year, so 2021 was its second year. It is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside the petrol X3 models, and 2021 was the last year before the X3’s mid-life facelift. It offered more combined power than the xDrive30i while allowing short commutes on electricity alone.
Practicality
The high-voltage battery sits under the rear seat, which preserves cabin space, but the fuel tank is smaller than in the petrol X3 and the boot floor is slightly higher. Charging is via an on-board AC charger; it does not support DC fast charging, so a home charger or workplace charging makes the most sense. Owners who rarely plug in will see little benefit.
Buying one today
Check that the charging port and cable work correctly and ask about battery health, as electric range declines over time. The four-cylinder engine shares known issues with other BMW B46/B48 units, such as coolant leaks.
Rivals
Plug-in rivals included the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8, Audi Q5 55 TFSI e and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | X3 xDrive30e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2021 | Version / Trim | BMW 2021 X3 xDrive30e |
| 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 288 hp / 215 kW | Torque | 420 Nm / 310 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.9 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 21 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy | ||
| Electric Range | 18 miles (29 km) | Max Charge Rate | — |
| 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 288 hp is 6% less than the average 2021 SUV (305 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.6 seconds quicker than average.
| 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e | Average 2021 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 288 hp | 305 hp (98 cars) | -6% |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 413 Nm (98 cars) | +2% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.9 s | 6.5 s (103 cars) | -9% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 129 mph (103 cars) | +21% |
| Kerb weight | 1,800 kg | 1,919 kg (105 cars) | -6% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 2,729 cc (87 cars) | -27% |
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 xDrive30e.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e | 288 hp | 5.9 s | 1,800 kg |
| 2021 Roewe Marvel X Pro | 288 hp | 4.9 s | 1,920 kg |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 295 hp | 7.5 s | 1,995 kg |
| 2021 Honda Passport AWD | 280 hp | 6.5 s | 2,005 kg |
| 2021 BAIC ARCFOX αT 708km | 272 hp | 6.2 s | 2,015 kg |