2022 BMW X3 M Facelift Takes To The Nürburgring For Its Spy Debut

The third-generation BMW X3 G01 is next in line for a facelift, three and a half years after its debut, and so is the high-performance X3 M variant.

Yes, the X3 M may have only debuted in 2019, but BMW is already working on a facelifted model. While prototypes of the regular 2021 X3 LCI have been spotted in the wild already, this is the first time the X3 M meets the cameras of our spy photographers.

This black prototype was spotted on and around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with the test driver not missing the opportunity of covering some hot laps of the ‘Green Hell’. Just like the BMW X4 M LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) prototype spotted last month, the 2022 X3 M has the front and rear ends completely covered in camouflage.

That’s where the main changes are taking place, with the front end getting slightly larger kidney grilles placed closer together; don’t worry, they won’t be as big as those on the latest BMW M3 and M4, which share their powertrains with the X3 M and X4 M. BMW M is also making some changes to the bumpers, which get newly-designed air intakes up front and likely a bigger diffuser between the quad exhausts out back.

As you can see, the headlights are partially camouflaged, indicating they’re in for some changes as well. Expect a new and slimmer design along with a new DRL signature, in similar fashion to what we’ve already seen on the facelifted 5 Series. As for the taillights, it looks like they will get new graphics too and possibly a revised shape.

Given that the X3 M launched only a year ago, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six powertrain should carry over unchanged, at least in standard guise. In base form, the engine delivers 473 HP (352 kW / 479 PS) and 442 lb-ft (598 Nm) of torque, enabling the current model to sprint from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of up to 174 mph (280 km/h).

As for the X3 M Competition, it could arrive with a performance boost as the 2021 M3 and M4 Competition are rated at 503 HP (375 kW / 510 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The X3 M Competition also has 503 HP (375 kW / 510 PS), but only 442 lb-ft (598 Nm) of torque, so there’s some room for improvement there. As before, both X3 M models will feature an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and rear-biased M xDrive AWD system.

The facelifted BMW X3 M is expected to debut in the second half of 2021.