Meticulously Crafted to Ensure Your Convenience

The 2021 BMW X3 conveys elegance, a touch of splendor, as well as a striking, dynamic design language that captures the heart of car enthusiasts around Columbia, SC. It also brings powerful yet efficient drive systems with luxurious appointments only BMW can offer.

If you’re considering a luxury compact SUV that offers a spacious interior and easy-to-use features, we would strongly recommend the latest BMW X3. However, we recognize that you have options and would consider them. So we compare the 2021 BMW X3 to its close contender, the 2021 Audi Q5, so you can see how they stack up against each other.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your car shopping process, you may schedule a test drive of the 2021 BMW X3 with us at BMW of Columbia, Columbia, SC.

Experience a Smooth, Powerful Drive That’s Unapologetically German

The 2021 BMW X3 comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 248-horsepower (sDrive30i). The engine works alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive by default. However, drivers who crave a more dynamic performance can opt for the available all-wheel-drive system.

The X3 also offers other powertrain options, including a 288-horsepower plug-in-hybrid four-cylinder (xDrive30e), a turbocharged straight-six that makes 382-horsepower (M40i), and a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged straight-six (X3 M).

The base BMW X3 sDrive30i gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the xDrive30i model gains 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The M40i model achieves 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the X3 M model earns 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

For its part, the BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid earns 24 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy and up to 17 miles of fully electric driving range. It takes about 11.5 hours to fully recharge the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid’s 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack using a 120-volt household-style power outlet. However, a 240-volt home outlet or a level 2 public charger can fully recharge the pack in around 3.5 hours.

With the 2021 Audi Q5, you get a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that utilizes the same turbo-four engine but adds an electric motor to boost output to 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As well as those, there’s a 349-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that’s linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Audi Q5 gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With the 3.0-liter twin-turbo, you get 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Q5 plug-in hybrid delivers a combined 50 MPG-equivalent city/highway fuel economy and 19 miles of all-electric driving range.

Built to Be Different

The 2021 BMW X3 is bold, stylish, and carves its own identity with a sculpted kidney grille that’s instantly recognizable. The X3 combines a rugged look with a sporty presence, thanks to its powerful yet beautiful 18-inch Y-spoke wheels. You also get power-folding, heated side mirrors, chrome exhaust tips, adaptive headlights, satin aluminum exterior trim, and many more.

The Audi Q5 is equally robust, with distinctive details highlighted by its high shoulder lines and octagonal grille. The vehicle is equipped with LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels, and standard OLED lights on the SQ5.

A Touch of First-Class Quality

Inside, the BMW X3 is meticulously crafted, integrating technologies that both assist and entertain. Cabin space is plentiful, from the front to the rear seats. The interior is also laced with high-end materials of the finest quality, and the design itself looks modern and solid.

The comfort levels in the X3 are further elevated by a host of new equipment, including the automatic 3-zone Climate Control with micro-filter and automatic air recirculation and cushioning seats. Others are a front-seat center console with armrest and storage compartment, fold-up rear-seat center armrest, engine Start/Stop button, etc.

The Audi Q5 also features high-end materials, including wooden inlays and soft leathers. However, the interior of the Audi Q5 features a few plastics, which detract from the overall quality.

Stay Connected and Informed

The BMW X3 offers several technologies to help ensure that occupants seamlessly interact and stay out of harm’s way. These include a standard 10.2-inch touch screen that’s crisp and makes it easy to read information, a navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD radio, and satellite radio.

You also get Apple CarPlay^® as a standard offering; Android Auto^™ is available as an option. Other standard features include Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker audio system. As is typical of BMW cars and sports cars, you can never go wrong with the X3 as far as technology is concerned.

The Audi Q5 offers a 10.1-inch MMI touch display, navigation, voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay^®, Android Auto^™, and Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system.

Stay Protected

The 2021 BMW X3 keeps you safe and protected, thanks to a plethora of safety features. Standard accident avoidance tech in the X3 includes a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

On the other hand, standard safety features on the Audi Q5 include front and rear parking sensors, Audi side assist, rearview camera, and Audi Pre Sense City.

Overall, the 2021 BMW X3 outshines the 2021 Audi Q5, especially regarding safety and cargo capacity.

Shop the 2021 BMW X3 at Our BMW Dealership

Whether you’re looking to buy or lease the 2021 BMW X3, you’re sure to find what you need at BMW of Columbia, Columbia, SC. Besides the X3, we offer other BMW models like the BMW Z4, 2- and four series Gran Coupe, and BMW electric vehicles like the i3.

Please visit us at BMW of Columbia, Columbia, SC, to witness the engaging driving experience delivered by the X3’s energetic engines.