When it comes to luxury SUVs, the BMW X3 has always been a solid choice. And what’s not to love about it? It’s stylish, well-built, and capable for the daily drive as well as the weekend camping trip. However, many new car buyers might currently be wondering if the recent inventory shortage could mean that they can’t get a good deal on a luxury SUV like the BMW Z3 right now. Believe it or not, it is possible.

There are few different 2021 BMW X3 trims

For the 2021 model year, the BMW X3 is broken down into four different trim levels: X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 xDrive30e, and the X3 M40i. While that might look like some confusing alphabet soup, the core models that you need to be aware of are the sDrive30i (rear-drive) and the xDrive30i (AWD).

The X3 xDrive30e is the plug-in hybrid model that can achieve up to 17 miles of all-electric range. And if you’re seeking performance, then the X3 M40i packs a solid punch with its turbocharged inline-six that produces 382 hp and can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, BMW says. However, the base models provide plenty of thrust with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 248 hp and gets the X3 up to 60 mph in a respectable six seconds.

Choose the X3 sDrive30i to get a better deal

Now that we know what each X3 trim level is, we can figure out how to get the best possible. Fortunately, Ari Janessian – an auto broker at Boston Automotive Consulting – figured it out for us. According to Janessian, there are currently 2,079 X3 sDrive30i models sitting at dealerships nationwide. Comparing that with just 1,021 xDrive30i models, we can see why going for the rear-drive version could net you a better deal.

If you’re planning on financing the X3, then Janessian’s sample deal looks like this:

2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i
MSRP: $48,260
Target price: $46,329
Rebate: $2,500
APR (60 months): 1.9%
Final price: $43,739
Monthly payment: $791 plus tax

To break down this example, the X3 sDrive30i has a starting MSRP of $48,260. Janessian says that you should aim for a 4% discount off of that price, which would equate to $46,329. BMW is currently offering a finance rebate of $2,500 and a special APR of 1.9% for up to 60 months (until 6/30). If you were to finance the car at this rate, and with the discounts, then you would be looking at a monthly payment of around $791 plus tax.

Leasing a BMW X3 can lead to lower monthly payments

If you’re the type of buyer that doesn’t keep their car for a long time, then leasing a BMW X3 might be a better idea. In that case, Janessian’s lease deal example looks like this:

2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i
MSRP: $48,260
Target price: $46,329
Rebate: $1,250
Residual: 56%
Money Factor: .00093
Monthly payment: $601 (6.25% tax)
Down payment: $2,351

To break down this lease example, the MSRP and target selling price are the same as before. BMW is currently offering a lease rebate of $1,250 and the residual amount after three years is 56%. There is a special money factor rate of .00093, which is equivalent to a 2.2% APR. And when all the numbers are crunched together, you will be looking at a lease payment of around $601 per month if you factored in a 6.25% sales tax rate with $2,351 down.

Keep in mind that your deal might vary

If you do plan to lease or purchase a 2021 BMW X3, then keep in mind that your actual pricing and payments may vary. Also, the discounts listed here expire at the end of this month, so they may be different next month. As always, your taxes and registration fees will also depend on where you are located, so don’t be too surprised if you’re numbers look a little different than those stated above.