Hard on the heels of the recently-launched BMW X3 LCI (which we drove), comes the fire-breathing duo of the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI.
The2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI updates are extensive, with cosmetic changes inside and out, with the engine lineup being carried over. Bucking the trend of oversized grilles, the 2022 BMW X3 and X4 LCI features an updated version of the kidney grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, new-look LED headlamps and some interestingly-styled rear LED taillights.
The performance twins of the BMW X3 M and X4 M have been given a similar treatment, however, petrolheads will be pleased to hear the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6 motor may not have had a power boost, but torque is up from 600 Nm to 650 Nm. The extra torque comes from a 3D-printed cylinder head core and a forged lightweight crankshaft from the M3 and M4.
These extra 49 Newtons may not sound like much, but both vehicles see their 0-100 kph sprint time claims drop from 4.0 seconds down to 3.7 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 kph or get the M Driver’s Package for an extra 30 kilometers. As before, the BMW X3 M and X4 M feature an 8-speed gearbox.
Standard specification at this level is as you’d expect. The vehicles come with an M Sport exhaust system, M seat belts, M Sport seats, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, pano roof, Harmon Kardon audio system, head-up display, 360-degree parking camerato name but a few.
A quick dive into the configurator shows some options like M carbon mirror caps (R12 300), ventilated/heated seats (R23 000), TV (R9 500), and a heated steering wheel for R3 050.
BMW X3 M Competition R1 970 562
BMW X4 M Competition R2 070 562
BMW X3 LCI Launch Review