BMW has given the BMW X3 and the BMW X4 a comprehensive refresh, featuring a new look, improved equipment and a range structure which has been optimised for customers.
The redesigned front end and revised rear section lend even clearer emphasis to the robust off-road look and sporty appearance of the third-generation BMW X3.
Mesh Kidney Grille for X4
Its coupé counterpart, the second-generation BMW X4, adopts the new front end, adds its own accentuation with the exclusive BMW mesh kidney grille and offers a particularly dynamic rear end.
The refresh is rounded off with a modern interior with new equipment features and updated infotainment. BMW M GmbH is also upgrading the M models of the BMW X3 and BMW X4 at the same time (see here).
Mild hybrid technology
The introduction of mild hybrid technology with 48-volt‑starter generator now also with all petrol engines ensures a broad drive portfolio at the cutting edge of technology. These include the BMW X3 xDrive30e and, at the top of the range, particularly high-performance petrol and diesel models from BMW M.
The M sports package and the familiar M variants are also available as an alternative to the standard equipment enriched with high-quality X elements. The BMW kidney grille and headlights have been redesigned along with the front apron and rear bumper, while new graphics have been applied to the rear lights.
X elements
High-quality X elements such as underbody protection and specific side skirts in the style of the previous X Line are already standard. The sporty genes of the Sports Activity Vehicle are underlined by the M sports package and the BMW X3 M40i.
Inside, the new BMW X3 and the new BMW X4 adopt the centre console of the current BMW 4 Series. The free-standing, central Control Display with touch function now offers a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches as standard in all vehicles.
Less complicated configuration
In order to make the vehicle configuration process clearer and more straightforward for customers, not least reducing the number of conflicts, the complexity of the equipment lines and optional extras has deliberately been reduced by 30 per cent.
In addition to the cupholder and a model-specific emblem, the centre console accommodates the newly designed control island with the gear selector lever, buttons for the start/stop system, the electric parking brake, hill descent control and various driving experience functions as well as the BMW Controller.
Powertrain
In addition to the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive, which has been in production since December 2019, all 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines in the two model series now use 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
After the three available diesel engines were converted to the mild‑hybrid‑system in the course of 2020, the three petrol engines are now also being fitted with this technology including a 48‑-volt‑starter generator, ensuring even better driving performance with lower fuel consumption and increased driving comfort.
The energy obtained by means of recuperation and stored in the 48-volt battery can also be used for an electric boost of 8 kW/11 hp in addition to supplying the 12‑volt on-board network.
Three petrol engines
The petrol engine models are the BMW X3 xDrive20i with 135 kW/184 hp, the BMW X3 xDrive30i and the BMW X4 xDrive30i with 180 kW/245 hp, and the BMW X3 M40i and BMW X4 M40i with 265 kW/360 hp.
All engine versions are combined with 8-speed Steptronic gearboxes specifically matched to the respective engine characteristics. The BMW X3 M40i, BMW X3 M40d and all BMW X4 models feature the otherwise optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including paddle shifts and Launch Control as standard.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus
With BMW Live Cockpit Plus as standard and intelligent networking including innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 7, the BMW X3 and BMW X4 now offer particularly close interaction between driver and vehicle.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes the iDrive operating system with a Control Display which is now at least 10.25 inches in size and a Touch Controller, as well as an instrument cluster in Black Panel look with a 5.1-inch colour display at the centre.
