Facelifted 2021 BMW X3 and X4 unveiled with heavy interior revisions

BMW has unveiled the mid-life facelift for the third-generation BMW X3, with much of the same changes being made to the related X4 coupe-SUV. This generation of the BMW X3 was launched in 2018 with the X4 following in early 2019. The focus with this update has been on bringing the X3 and X4's interiors up to the level of newer BMWs, with additional connectivity options and mild-hybrid powertrains being added. Minor changes to the styling have been made too.

2021 BMW X3 and X4 facelift interiors and features

The inetrios of the 2021 BMW X3 and X4 have seen the most changes. The centre console from the 4-Series has been carried over here with the new BMW layout. So the central airvents, climate and audio controls are now of a slimmer profile. The console is more heavily raked towards the driver while the centre tunnel around the gear selector also features a simplified bank of physical buttons. The driver's display is the new digital instrumentation as well.

More features have been made standard on the 2021 BMW X3 and X4. This includes sports seats finished in a new upholstery design, three-zone climate control and the 10.25-inch touchscreen. The new 12.3-inch screen that recently debuted on the BMW i4 has made its way here as an option. Ambient lighting is an option internationally but should be fitted as standard on higher-spec Indian models. Wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay continue to be available but BMW has now added a cloud-based navigation service called BMW Maps as well as with simplified operation. OTA updates and Alexa integration are some other highlights. The optional HUD can now also display Google Maps directions from Android Auto.

2021 BMW X3 and X4 facelift exterior changes

Both, the facelifted BMW X4 and the X4, now get a larger single-piece kidney grille bringing them in line with larger X5 and X7. The X4 LED headlamps have been made slimmer and get new L-shaped detailing while the front airdams have been revised to give a more angular appearance. The X4 gets Matrix LED lighting as compared to standard LEDs in the X3, but BMW's Laser lights are optional on both. The rear section in the BMW X3 now features slimmer LED tailamp elements and dark highlights while the wide rear lights in the X4 have been simplified. The M Sport variant of both SUVs now get more aggressive design elements to differentiate them from the standard car.

2021 BMW X3 and X4 facelift engine details

All the seven engine options for the 2021 BMW X3 and X4 now get 48V mild-hybrid tech, although BMW India might not add this when these SUVs are sold here. The tree diesel options are the 190PS xDrive20d with a 2.0litre diesel, the xDrive30d with 286PS and the xDrive M40d with 340PS. The latter two are powered by a 3.0-litre diesel. The petrol engines are the xDrive20i with 190PS, the xDrive30i with 245PS, both from a 2.0-litr petrol. While the top petrol engine is the xDrive M4oi with 340PS from a 3.0-litre motor. A plug-in hybrid is also offered but is unlikely to make its way here. This xDrive30e makes a combined 292PS and offers 50 km of electric-only range.

2021 BMW X3 and X4 facelift India launch date, expected price, rivals

The facelifted BMW X3 and X4 will make its global debut in late August in China, so an India-launch by early 2022 can be expected. Prices should increase by Rs 2 to 3 lakh over the current gen X3 and X4. The BMW X3competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Volvo XC60, the updated Jaguar F-Pace and the Audi Q5, both set to launch in India soon.