2021 BMW X3 M SUV Performance

BMW cars are known to deliver performance and driving pleasure. The 2021 BMW X3 M is one such kind. Bearing the M-badging it differentiates itself from the standard X3 SUV. The M-version is focussed rather more on performance as AMG does for Mercedes-Benz. The car is quicker and faster than most of the crossover and the majestic agility it has to offer makes people fall in love with this piece of machine. 

The 2021 BMW X3 M comes with a powerful engine that has tremendous capabilities making the car sprint in no time. The BMW X3 M comes in a single trim but comes with the optional packages. They are namely Competition Package, Driver Assistance Plus Package, and an Executive Package. It comes with a price tag of $69,900. Having such an engine and performance on offer the BMW X3 M faces fierce competition from the Mercedes AMG GLC 63, Audi SQ5, and the Porsche Macan Turbo.

What powers the 2021 BMW X3 M?

Under the front hood of the BMW X3 M lies a humongous 3.0 Liter twin-turbocharged Inline 6 cylinder engine. The engine is capable of producing 473 horsepower and 442-pound feet of torque. Previously the Competition was a separate trim but now it now has been incorporated as a package and named as Competition package. You have to shed an extra $7000 for it. 

The Competition package tunes the engine of the SUV to push out 30 horsepower more. Also included in the package are 21-inch alloy wheels and comes with an M Sport exhaust system. All X3 M comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission that transmits the power of the engine to all the wheels of the car. The AWD is quite intelligent and delivers 100 percent of the torque from the engine to the wheels when needed. 

Model	BMW X3 M	Mercedes AMG GLC 63	Audi SQ5	Porsche Macan Turbo
MSRP	$69,900	$73,750	$52,900	$83,600
Engine	3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline Six-Cylinder	4.0L Bi-Turbo V8	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	2.9L Twin-Turbo V6
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Power	473 hp @ 6,250 rpm	469 hp @ 5,500 rpm	349 hp @ 5,400 rpm	434 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm	479 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1,370 rpm	406 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm

Being powered by a powerful engine, that is focussed on delivering performance, the BMW X3 M easily outsmarts other in terms of horsepower delivery. The Mercedes AMG GLC 63 has a much beefier engine but the power output is marginally low when compared to the BMW. The Audi SQ5 is the least powerful as it churns out a mere 349 horsepower. 

How quick is the 2021 BMW X3 M from 0-60MPH?

The BMW X3 M is incredibly fast considering it to be an SUV of its size. Paddle shifters are located behind the steering which eases the way of shifting gears. While smooth gear shifting acts as an advantage, the car jumps into triple-digit speeds in no time. There is space for 5 people to sit inside the cabin of the BMW. However, the middle occupant on the rear seat is the one who has to compromise the comfort level to some extent because of the underlying transmission tunnel. The 2021 BMW X3 M is an acceleration hustler and takes just 4.1 secs to jump from zero to sixty. It is not the best as the Mercedes AMG GLC 63 does it in a much shorter time frame of just 3.8 secs. 

Model	BMW X3 M	Mercedes AMG GLC 63	Audi SQ5	Porsche Macan Turbo
0-60 MPH (Sec)	4.1 secs	3.8 secs	5.1 secs	4.1 secs
Quarter mile (Sec)	11.6 secs	12.5 secs	14.7 secs	13.6 secs
Curb Weight(lbs)	4620 lbs	4486 lbs	4321 lbs	4430 lbs

It can be said that the BMW is quick and fast for its curb weight of 4620 lbs. The car is quite heavy and running for a quarter-mile takes around 11.6 secs. The Mercedes AMG beats it in the 0-60mph sprint but gets beaten in the quarter-mile run where the BMW is unstoppable. The Mercedes Benz GLC 63 also comes second in position for its curb weight 4486 lbs followed by the Porsche Macan Turbo and the Audi SQ5.

How good are the brakes on the 2021 BMW X3 M?

When it comes to braking performance, the BMW X3 M is quite a charmer. The brakes are the largest in size among the rivals. With such huge brake rotors, it can confidently be said the braking performance is going to be stellar. And it is indeed impressive. Even the brakes have proved to fade very slowly for the most part of the driving conditions. The brakes are smooth and don’t hinder the comfort level of the passenger during daily driving. Even with the hardest braking, the BMW is so designed that it doesn’t skid anyhow. 

Model	BMW X3 M	Mercedes AMG GLC 63	Audi SQ5	Porsche Macan Turbo
Brake Front(in)	15.6 in	15.4 in	13.8 in	14.2 in
Brake Rear(in)	14.6 in	14.2 in	13.0 in	13.0 in
Curb Weight(lbs)	4620 lbs	4486 lbs	4321 lbs	4430 lbs
60-0 MPH (ft.)	112 ft	N/A	112 ft	N/A

The BMW X3 M has staggering stopping power. The brakes are so capable that it puts the car to a complete stop from 60mph in just under 112 ft. The Audi SQ5 also delivers the exact braking distance but it has its own advantages of being lighter than the BMW. In fact, the BMW X3 M is the heaviest in the lot with a curb weight of 4620 lbs.

How does the 2021 BMW X3 M handle?

The BMW X3 M is no doubt an incredible machine. It has phenomenal handling and blistering acceleration that is quite impressive and pleases the minds of every auto enthusiast out there. It is sharp around corners and there is immense stopping potential from the brakes on offer. The standard adaptive dampers that are present as a part of the suspension system provides a comfortable and gentle ride in the softest settings. 

While the gear is buttery smooth the suspension system does disappoint a bit. Though it absorbs most of the bad patches on roads it can’t be called luxurious as it is a bit on the stiffer side. The steering is moderately weighted giving you enough confidence when you try to be harsh on the gas pedal. Hands down, it provides one of the best enthusiastic road driving experience one might ever experience.

Is the 2021 BMW X3 M good in terms of performance?

No doubt the car is very good in terms of performance. The acceleration figures are impressive. It is quick and takes no time to reach a ridiculous speed. It is agile to drive and the engine is quite refined and powerful. Handling is one of its perks and cornering and cruising on the highway feels like a breeze. It is designed to get you a first-hand experience of its driving pleasure. If you have an enthusiastic mindset and speed thrills you the car is definitely gonna please you in many ways.