The normal X3 and X4 gains styling and tech updates, with the M cars gaining more power too.
Aside from the launch of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, BMW has also recently revealed the facelifted versions of its X3 and X4. Bringing with it some slight styling tweaks, a mild interior refresh, as well as a tad bit more torque on tap for the range-topping full-fat M models.
Starting first with the changes to its styling, the facelifted X3 and X4 were not exempt to BMW’s continued attempts to further enlarge its front grille. Thankfully however, the single-piece shnoz here still remains a (relatively) modest size and is flanked by new flatter LED headlight design as well as a restyled front bumper with triangular air intakes.
The mid-cycle refresh has also brought with it a rather interesting-looking ‘pincer claw contour’ rear tail light cluster, but this is only exclusive to the X3 and not to be found on its SUV-coupe counterpart. What is available on both cars round their rumps however is a redesigned rear bumper, with new diffuser and tailpipe styles.
Speaking of bumpers, the revised X3 M and X4 M can be easily distinguished from its garden variety counterparts by its new and even more aggressive front and rear bumpers. Other distinguishing features on the outside of these full-fat M crossovers include the usual array of sporty add-ons like larger 21-inch alloy wheels, a mildly revised bodykit, as well as various black exterior trimmings such as the grille, fender fins, wing mirrors and window surrounds.
Just to complicate the lineup further though, BMW has also launched halfway-sporty M40i variants for both these models. These par-boiled M SUVs and SUV-coupes hence gain some of the M branded exterior enhancements from its full-fat siblings, to go along with their mild-hybrid 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six that outputs 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
As for the lower-tier X3s and X4s, the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot that is paired with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission remains virtually unchanged through the facelift. Meaning that it still pumps out 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque in the base-spec xDrive20i variant, while producing a slightly healthier 241 hp and 350 Nm of torque in the xDrive30i trim.
In terms of the revised M models meanwhile, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six adds a 3D-printed cylinder head core and a forged lightweight crankshaft from the M3 and M4. This therefore results in not-insignificant increase in torque of up to 50 Nm in the Competition variant, while power that is primarily sent to the rear wheels still remains the same at a healthy 510 hp.
Now moving on inside the facelifted crossovers, the updated X3 and X4 both gain revised interior layouts that are strikingly similar to what is found in the current 3 Series. A larger 10.25-inch central infotainment display running on the previous-gen BMW Operating System 7 is now standard too, with the option to upgrade to an even larger 12.3-inch unit as part of the Live Cockpit Professional package.
BMW has also made available its Driving Assistant Professional suite of active driver aids, which adds active cruise control at up to 210 km/h in addition to Stop & Go functionality. Other interior enhancements made include new ambient lighting options and new electroplated trim elements on the air vents.
For the two M models on the other hand, additional accoutrements within the cabin of these range-topping trim levels include powered M sport seats with illuminated M logos, M gear selector, Merino leather upholstery, Alcantara knee pads on the centre console and the M multifunction steering wheel. M specific instrumentation appear on the digital instrument display and optional heads-up display too, with the even more hardcore Competition trim level also receiving M-branded seat belts.
Set to arrive in selected markets from September, there is unfortunately no word yet on when these facelifted BMW models will be arriving locally.
