BMW X3 M (F97) 2021-Present Photos, engines & full specs

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.