The third-generation BMW X3 G01 is next in line for a facelift, three and a half years after its debut, and so is the high-performance X3 M variant. Yes, the X3 M may have only debuted in 2019, but BMW is already working on a facelifted model. While prototypes of the regular 2021 X3 LCI have been spotted in the wild already, this is the first time the X3 M meets the cameras of our spy photographers.
This black prototype was spotted on and
around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with the test driver not missing the
opportunity of covering some hot laps of the ‘Green Hell’. Just like the BMW X4
M LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) prototype spotted last month, the 2022 X3 M has the
front and rear ends completely covered in camouflage.
That’s where the main changes are taking
place, with the front end getting slightly larger kidney grilles placed closer
together; don’t worry, they won’t be as big as those on the latest BMW M3 and
M4, which share their powertrains with the X3 M and X4 M. BMW M is also making
some changes to the bumpers, which get newly-designed air intakes up front and
likely a bigger diffuser between the quad exhausts out back.
The headlights are partially camouflaged, indicating they’re in for some changes as well. Expect a new and slimmer design along with a new DRL signature, in similar fashion to what we’ve already seen on the facelifted 5 Series. As for the taillights, it looks like they will get new graphics too and possibly a revised shape. Given that the X3 M launched only a year ago, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six powertrain should carry over unchanged, at least in standard guise. In base form, the engine delivers 473 HP and 598 Nm of torque, enabling the current model to sprint from 0-96 km/h in 4.1 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of up to 280 km/h.
As for the X3 M Competition, it could
arrive with a performance boost as the 2021 M3 and M4 Competition are rated at
503 HP and 650 Nm of torque. The X3 M Competition
also has 503 HP, but only 598 Nm of torque, so
there’s some room for improvement there. As before, both X3 M models will
feature an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and rear-biased M xDrive AWD
system. The facelifted BMW X3 M is expected to debut in the second half of
2021.