Around three years after production of the third generation started, 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.
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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.
