2021 X3 Interior
Interior quality and design are a big selling point for most in this segment, and BMW is all too aware of that fact: the interior of the X3 is stylish and feels as premium as any of its German rivals. In typical BMW fashion, the X3's cabin isn't overly flashy; in fact, it can seem a bit drab compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but we appreciate the brand's take on a modern cabin. The choice of materials is great, as always, and the panel gaps are tight. Even in base form, the BMW X3 comes with premium features such as power-adjustable front seats and three-zone automatic climate control.
2021 X3 Interior Photos
Seating and Interior Space
People buy SUVs for space, and while the BMW doesn't deliver class-leading passenger space, it is still a roomy vehicle that will feel spacious enough for most. In the front, six-footers will be pleased with the generous 40.3 inches of legroom, and with power-adjustable seats in the front and a memory system for the driver, there's no reason to be uncomfortable. Space in the rear might not be as generous as in some other rivals, but taller passengers should find no issue with the 36.4 and 38.5 inches of leg- and headroom. BMW says that the X3 can take up to five people, but we'd recommend sticking to just two adults at the back for extended trips. However, three adults can fit when needed.
2021 BMW X3 Interior Dimensions:
| BMW X3 Trims | sDrive30i | xDrive30i | xDrive30e Plug-In Hybrid | M40i |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom Front Seat | 41.1 in. | 41.1 in. | 41.1 in. | 40 in. |
| Headroom Back Seat | 39.1 in. | 39.1 in. | 39.1 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Legroom Front Seat | 40.3 in. | 40.3 in. | 40.3 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Legroom Back Seat | 36.4 in. | 36.4 in. | 36.4 in. | 36.4 in. |
| Shoulder Room Front | 57.6 in. | 57.6 in. | 57.6 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 56 in. | 56 in. | 56 in. | 56 in. |
Interior Colors and Materials
The 2021 BMW X3 is free from most cheap plastics and feels like a suitably premium product. The no-cost SensaTec upholstery is available in either Canberra Beige/Black or Black. It feels durable and surprisingly pleasant to the touch, but those who want the real deal get a couple of tasteful Vernasca leather options. In the base model, buyers can choose between Canberra Beige/Black, Black, Cognac, or Oyster leather for $1,450. Trim options include Aluminum, Dark Wood Oak, and Fineline Cove Matte Wood. When the M Sport package is added, Aluminum Rhombicle trim becomes available. Carbon fiber is a $300 option on the M40i but will also require adding ambient lighting for another $250. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on all variants.
2021 X3 Trunk and Cargo Space
BMW has managed a delicate balance between passenger comfort and overall cargo space, and despite not offering class-leading dimensions, the X3 is still a practical machine that will easily handle the luggage requirements of an average family. Behind the rear seats, the X3 boasts a substantial 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space, beating the Audi Q5 by a fair margin. A standard power tailgate is a useful touch. With the 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seats folded, that space increases to 62.7 cubic feet.
Small items can be stored in the deep door pockets, glove compartment, sizable center console storage bin, and handy storage compartment in front of the shifter. There are dual cupholders both in the front and at the back.
2021 BMW X3 Trunk and Cargo Space Photos
2021 X3 Infotainment and Features
Features
Pay premium prices, get a premium product: the 2021 BMW X3 SUV comes packed with standard features right off the showroom floor, even in base specification, and most will find that the standard list of luxuries and technologies will be more than enough. All models are offered with standard exterior features such as automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power liftgate.
On the inside, the X3 includes power-adjustable front seats, a stop/start engine button, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The M40i adds features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and comfort access keyless entry. Extra comfort can be added with heated front seats, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a parking assistant. All models come standard with driver assistance features such as front and rear park distance control, frontal collision warning, active blind-spot detection, and lane departure warning. Optional systems include adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.
Infotainment
BMW corrected a significant issue in 2021 by adding Android Auto connectivity to the infotainment feature list. All models come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that offers voice activation, navigation, Bluetooth streaming, over-the-air updates, and Apple CarPlay. A Wi-Fi hotspot and USB charging are also standard. Sound is channeled through a capable 205-watt 12-speaker system. A 10.25-inch head-up display is also on offer, as is wireless phone charging. The iDrive interface is relatively easy to use, and current BMW owners will feel right at home. The brand's gesture control system is also available optionally but in our own BMW X3 review, we found that not everyone enjoys using this setup.