2021 BMW X3 Facelift Unveiled; Gets A 48V Hybrid System As Standard | V3Cars

09 June 2021
By Saransh Goyal
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BMW has unveiled the X3 facelift. It gets minor cosmetic updates, added features and engines with mild-hybrid technology.

Talking about the design, it gets an updated front fascia with a bigger single-piece front grille flanked by new LED headlamps which are now slimmer and wider than before. The front bumper is also redesigned featuring faux air vents with a slimmer and wider central air dam. The side profile looks similar to the pre-facelift model with a new set of alloy wheels. At the back, it gets updated LED tail lamps with 3D detailing. The rear bumper is also redesigned with a more prominent faux skid plate incorporating the new pentagonal exhaust tips.

BMW X3

On the inside, while the basic layout of the cabin remains largely similar, it has been updated in line with other modern BMW cars. The central console is updated with a larger 12.3-inch (optional) touchscreen infotainment system sitting at the top of the redesigned AC unit with brushed metal inserts. Features on offer remain largely similar with a 3-zone AC, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, auto LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, parking assistant and more.

Under the hood, while the engine options have remained unchanged, it now comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system as standard with both petrol and diesel engine options. It provides a power boost of 11PS to the engine when required. It also helps with fuel economy as it offers auto start/stop and gliding function. Courtesy of this system, the combustion engine can be switched off as soon as the speed drops below 15 kmph. Available at speeds of between 25 and 160 kmph the gliding function also causes the engine to be switched off completely instead of being disconnected from the drive train.

BMW X3

While globally the X3 facelift will be offered with three petrol (X3 xDrive20i, X3 xDrive30i and X3 M40i) and three diesel engines (X3 xDrive20d, X3 xDrive30d and X3 M40d), in India, the facelifted X3 will be offered with the same engines as the current model: X3 xDrive20d (diesel) and X3 xDrive30i (petrol). While the diesel engine makes 190PS and 400Nm, the petrol engine is good for 252PS and 350Nm. Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission paired to an xDrive 4WD system.

While the X3 facelift will go on sale globally in the coming few months, expect the updated SUV to arrive in India by the end of this year or early 2021. It will be priced at a premium over the current model which retails from Rs 57.50 lakh to Rs 63.70 lakh (ex-showroom India). It will continue to take on the likes of the Mercedes Benz GLC, Volvo Xc60, Lexus NX 300h, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Evoque and the upcoming new Audi Q5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saransh Goyal

He is an automobile engineer who likes to write. A born Tifosi, he follows Formula 1 and likes to keep up with upcoming technologies in the world of cars.

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