2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received several updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 refined BMW's small SUV formula, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured BMW's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcased a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. The ID.4, based on VW's EV-specific MEB platform, followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn't look much like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i had all-wheel drive (AWD). The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and a 17-mile electric-only range, with recharging times of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. The M40i trim boasted a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M model provided 473 horsepower.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This made it the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, increasing power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, its RWD setup provided balanced handling, and the instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. The AWD version offered better traction and power, but the ID.4 remained tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't emphasize regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it one of the most spacious in its segment. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 offered ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, with a commanding driving position. The interior featured real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk," the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but subpar rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4's interior design included a twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console. However, the console's narrow design limited storage for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats proved effective in cold weather, though the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. It included Apple CarPlay as standard, with Android Auto optional. Additional options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with a 12-inch option) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the touchpads looked modern, they were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2021 were Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.