BMW unveils facelifted X3 and X4

After being on sale for nearly two years, BMW has given the current generation X3 and X4 a mid-life facelift. This facelift is not just limited to a nip-and-tuck job, but it also comes with some equipment upgrades, more power for the M variants, and the addition of mild-hybrid technology to some engine options. However, most of the engines we get here in India stay unchanged.

BMW continues to offer a wide range of engine options to choose from in the X3 and X4, but we will primarily be tackling the engines that will make their way to India. For starters, the xDrive30i is powered by the same six-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine and with an output of 241.6bhp and 350Nm of torque, it is unchanged from before. There are three diesel options to choose from internationally, but here in India we will probably continue to get the 20d and 30d variants. The xDrive20d retains the six-cylinder 2-litre engine which produces 187.4bhp and 400Nm. On the other hand, the xDrive30d which gets a 3-litre diesel engine gets a bump in outputs with the figures now standing at 282bhp and 650 Nm. These engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

The facelifted X3 and X4 are very similar to the outgoing models in terms of their appearance. However, if you have a keen eye, you will notice the kidney grille is now just a single unit, unlike earlier models which had a split unit. The front of the X3 gets a redesigned bumper, a larger kidney grille, and slimmer, flatter headlamps. The X4 gets the option of matrix LEDs, and BMW’s Laser Lights will be available on both cars as an optional extra too. The rear of the X3 gets a redesigned bumper and slightly redesigned LED tail-lamps with darkened elements. The rear of the X4 has not been changed drastically, but it does get a reworked apron and different tail-lights.

A major chunk of the changes have actually gone into improving the interiors and the tech on both cars. The X3 and X4 will now incorporate the centre console of the current generation 4 Series. Some standout features include BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive OS, which will now be available as standard on both models, along with Amazon Alexa integration, OTA updates, and BMW Maps. The X3 comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, while twin 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster are optional — these larger screens are standard on the X4. The seats also get leather upholstery as standard. Other features include three-zone automatic climate control, hill-descent control, paddle shifters, launch control, xDrive, optional ambient lighting, cruise control, parking assistant, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, among others.

While there is no official word on when BMW might bring these models to India, the global premiere of the facelifted X3 and X4 will take place at the Chengdu Motor Show in China on 27th August, 2021 and we expect the pair to make it to India early next year with a slight bump in price from the current starting price of Rs 57,50,000 (ex-showroom) for the X3 and Rs 66,50,000 (ex-showroom) for the X4.