The BMW X3 and X4 recently received a facelift for the 2022 model year, and all those changes make their way onto the sportier M variants. Revealed alongside its X4 M counterpart, the 2022 BMW X3 M boasts various improvements to make it more comparable to the fresher M3 sedan. These changes are subtle but thorough, including updated styling, improved cabin technology, and better performance, culminating in a pretty worthwhile facelift. It may not be the M3 Wagon we were hoping for, but the X3 M is the next best thing for a family that wants to go fast.
Bigger And Bolder Styling
BMW nailed this facelift, making the X3 M bolder without going overboard like it did on the M3 and M4. The grille is larger but not outrageous, the LED headlights are thinner, and the front bumper looks more sculpted than before. At the back, the rear signature remains handsome and inoffensive; we prefer it to the more controversial X4 M. The X3 M gets a body-colored roof spoiler and new LED taillights that look ultra-premium. It keeps the quad exhaust tips to alert onlookers that this X3 is a proper M vehicle.
We imagine most SUV buyers will opt for one of the X3 M's conservative hues, but BMW added some spicy options for the brave souls who want to make a statement. The Bay Blue metallic color pictured here is stunning, and the Sao Paulo Yellow launch color from the M3 and M4 is also available.
M3 Interior Improvements
There was nothing wrong with the X3 M's cabin, so BMW only made minimal improvements to keep it fresh. These updates include a newer iDrive 7 infotainment system, now featuring the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, remote software upgrades, greater personalization, and more. The infotainment system lives on a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which adds the M View from the M8.
In terms of physical improvements, the X3 M borrows the updated HVAC setup from the newer M3 and M4, and the "setup" button from those cars. This button controls the engine and suspension settings, allowing drivers to customize their vehicle on the fly.
M3 Performance Injection
It was no slouch before, but BMW has managed to make the X3 M even quicker. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged S58 inline-six engine is improved from its debut, now boasting more torque than before. It still produces 473 horsepower in the base X3 M and 503 hp in the X3 M Competition, but the torque figures are increased to 457 lb-ft and 479 lb-ft, respectively (improvements of 13 lb-ft and 37 lb-ft).
That torque boost yields a substantial drop in 0-60 mph times. The base X3 M used to take 4.1 seconds to hit 60 mph but can now reach that speed in 3.9 seconds. In the Competition, 0-60 mph takes only 3.7 seconds, down from 4.0 seconds in the pre-facelifted model. The X3 M can rocket from a standstill using its rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, with power coming through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will hit a top speed of 155 mph, or 174 mph, with the M Driver's Package.
Pricing And Competition
BMW managed to make all these improvements to the 2022 X3 M without increasing the price tag. Like last year's model, the X3 M starts at $69,900 plus a $995 destination fee. Since the base MSRP hasn't changed, we assume the Competition Package will retain its $7,000 premium, putting the X3 M Competition at $76,900. At this price, the X3 M remains competitive with other fast SUV models like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63. With this latest performance boost, the X3 M should comfortably handle its less up-to-date rivals.