BMW introduced a facelift for the X3’s third generation in 2021, and, along with the rest of the range, it unveiled the life-cycle impulse for the X3 M.
The X3 appeared on the market in 2003 as a compact SUV. While customers did not appreciate its Chris Bagle design styling, the vehicle’s qualities convinced them. So, from the third generation, the German carmaker introduced a much-waited M version. At first, it was just the M 4.0i package from 2018, and then, the full M-version stormed the Autobahn with its 480 horses under the hood.

The design team knew that it could do a better job for the 2017 X3. So, the compact SUV received an M Competition package that included a new front fascia with narrower headlights by 10 mm (0.4”), like the rest of the 2021 X3s. As an option, they could feature an adaptive LED with MATRIX function. Its grille was piano-black with vertical slats, which matched the apron’s look. At the back, the X3 M Competition featured new LED taillights with a unique design and a diffuser under the bumper.

BMW change the X3 M’s interior with a new redesigned center console. It sported a new gear-selector, the i-Drive dial, and buttons. Above the center stack, the carmaker placed a 12”, wide-format touch-screen for the infotainment unit. The most significant change was on the digital instrument panel, which featured the Driving Assistant Professional as standard, which trained the driver. In addition, the new system allowed integration with Amazon Alexa via the My BMW app.

Under the hood, BMW upgraded the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from the X3 M with a crankshaft carried over from the M4. Thus, it could increase the power and, as a result, it dropped the 0-62 mph run to 3.8 seconds.

The first ever Motorsport Technik version of the BMW X3 took a while to get to market, but when it finally did almost no one was disappointed.
Despite earlier rumors, the 2019 X3M and its “four-door coupe/SUV” brother, the X4 M, don’t use the same engine as the F80 M3/M4, but a new straight-six that will also find its way under the next-generation M3 and M4.

Available with two power outputs, the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged straight-six is the most powerful production six-cylinder that BMW has ever made. In the regular X3 M it delivers 480 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, while the BMW X3 M Competition raises the output figure to 510 horsepower.

A version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in the 2018 BMW M5, sends the power to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF. The regular X3 M can go from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, while the X3 M Competition can do the same sprint in just 4.1 seconds.

Outside details will be noticed on the X3M, in form of High-gloss Black for the kidney grille surround, exterior mirror caps and M gills. The standard equipment includes 21” M light-alloy wheels.

On the inside, there are M Sport seats with extended Merino leather upholstery and specific door sill plates. The Competition model may be ordered with special bi-color leather and Alcantara applications.