2021 BMW X3 facelift leaked ahead of debut

The upcoming BMW X3 facelift for 2021 has leaked, with a full reveal expected within the next two months.

The only images posted on the home page of BMW's Spanish website appear to show the updated X3 without camouflage, and changes are visible in the low-res view shown, including taller front air intakes, thinner LED headlights, a revised kidney grille And clever trim - tweaked taillight signature.

Blue M-branded brake calipers and M badges from the previous quarter confirm we're looking at a model with the M Sport package - with large alloy wheels (similar in design to the current X3 M40i) and what appears to be a studded bronze grille pattern Indicates that this could be the M40i sub-flagship performance model.

If so, it's expected that the rumoured M40i's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine will carry over in Australia, sending 285kW and 500Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

European models could be boosted from 265kW to 275kW with a fuel-efficient mild-hybrid system, although this has not been confirmed.

Not much is known about the facelifted X3, but with the midsize SUV already getting BMW's latest infotainment software in its April 2020 running update, there's widespread speculation that the interior will benefit from revised materials and a redesigned automatic gear Selector.

We got a glimpse of the updated X3 M flagship via photos from January 2021 - click here to read the story.

BMW insider and BimmerPost forum member ynguldyn claims the 2021BMW X3facelift (or LCI, short for Life Cycle Pulse) will be unveiled in the next few months, and has announced production will begin in August 2021.