The BMW X3 and X4 crossovers have been given their respective midlife makeovers, and you can expect the revised vehicles to reach South African showrooms during the fourth quarter of 2021 – with the X3 being built here of course. The models receive a new look as well as enhanced equipment and rejigged model ranges, although the local line-up will only be announced nearer to launch.
As far as exterior facelifts go this one is relatively comprehensive. Although the overall look remains familiar, the new BMW X3 and X4 receive slimmer headlights and larger single-piece grilles, in which the two ‘kidneys’ are separated by an ‘i’ shaped bar that incorporates the camera. Both models also feature new and distinctive bumper designs that incorporate triangular lines. BMW has gone for a bold 3D effect with the redesigned taillights, which are joined by a redesigned rear apron. BMW is now offering a total of 11 paint finishes including new hues such as Brooklyn Grey and Skyscraper Grey.
As before, BMW offers an M Sports package that treats customers to many unique exterior and interior details, including a model-specific front apron, larger air inlets and standard 19-inch Y-Spoke alloy wheels.
The cabin of the BMW X3 and X4 models gain fresh trim elements as well as a new centre console inherited from the 4 Series. The standard touchscreen size is now 10,25 inches, but buyers can also opt for a 12,3 unit. BMW has beefed up the range of standard equipment (now including sports seats and three-zone climate control – on overseas models at least) while the complexity of the equipment lines and options has been reduced by 30 percent.
BMW has however expanded the range of driver assistance systems in the X3 and X4, with the Driving Assistant Professional semi-autonomous system now being available. Its functions include Active Cruise Control with improved city functionality as well as improved steering assist and junction warning with additional city brake function.
Furthermore, the Parking Assistant Plus gizmo now includes the Reverse Assistant, which allows drivers to retrace a difficult reverse manoeuvre that was completed before.
Five engines for South Africa
The South African built X3 will offer five engine options when it launches later this year, and most of them are diesels.
These oil burners take the form of an sDrive18d (110 kW and 350 N.m), xDrive20d (140 kW and 400 N.m), both featuring four-cylinder engines, and a six-cylinder xDrive30d with 210 kW and 650 N.m.
When it comes to petrol options, BMW is only offering the top and tail in the form of a four-cylinder sDrive20i (135 kW and 300 N.m) and six-cylinder M40i xDrive (265 kW and 500 N.m).
X4 buyers will get to choose between the aforementioned M40i xDrive option and a xDrive20d. All BMW X3 and X4 engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing, BMW says, will be announced closer to launch.
