Almost all models undergo a midlife refresh. Sometimes these are referred to as ‘facelifts’ and in BMW-speak it’s called an LCI for life cycle impulse. The refreshed BMW X3M and X4M are the most recent recipients of the LCI. South African BMW fans can expect the LCI X3M and X4M, in Competition guise, to be introduced locally before the year ends.
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New faces
BMW has come under fire for the massive grille design that has been applied on some of its new models, in particular the M3 and M4. Read our launch report and initial driving review by clicking here. The refreshed BMW X3M and X4M also boast larger intakes, but not as large as the X7 or as divisive as the M performance twins.
The treatment is quite noticeable as the central divider between the ‘kidney grilles’, which is usually body coloured is now the same shade as the grille surround. Another aspect that helps highlight the change is the adoption of new, slimmer headlamps on both body styles. A reprofiled front bumper, with vertical intakes is another visual change. The X3M also boasts new taillamp graphics to complement the revisions up front.
More oomph
BMW has also taken the opportunity to make some changes under the bonnet of the two performance SUVs. Most significant is the adoption of the same crankshaft as used in the BMW M3/4. The forged unit has allowed BMW engineers to boost peak torque to 650 N.m, an increase of 50 N.m compared to before and now equal to the M3/4.
Read our driving review of the pre-facelift BMW X3M Competition at this link.
Peak power on the two models remains unchanged at 375 kW. The increase in torque has improved acceleration by dropping the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint time by 0,3 seconds now taking just 3,8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, unless you opt for the optional M Driver’s Package, in which case that number rises to 285 km/h. Check out the refreshed BMW X3M and X4M in action in the videos below.
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