The BMW X3 is getting ready for its first mid-cycle
refresh, or LCI in BMW speak. A prototype of the premium compact SUV has
already been spotted testing in Europe, and despite having the front and rear
ends covered up, it’s not hard at all to spot the changes. The bumpers will be
redesigned, sporting cleaner looks and a slimmer lower air intake under the new
grille that seems to have become a bit bigger.
The taillights on this prototype have
different graphics and the headlamps carry over, although this is just an early
tester and the production models will get new units. Do not expect any major
upgrades in the cabin other than the infotainment system that might get a new
software and perhaps a slightly bigger screen, as well as the center console
which could get a new gear selector and iDrive controller.
A challenger to the likes of the Audi Q5,
Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar F-Pace, Volvo XC60 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the facelifted
BMW X3 is expected to soldier on with the same gasoline and diesel engines, as
well as the plug-in hybrid. Nonetheless, some (or all) of these powertrains
could be upgraded to keep carbon dioxide emissions in check. To that end, new
electrified mills could join the lineup, which will otherwise be topped by the
X3 M and its 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six that pumps out 473 HP as
standard and 503 HP in Competition spec.
The official unveiling date of the revised
X3 is unknown, though it is estimated that it will premiere in the second half
of next year, which would make it a 2022MY.
