BMW X3 2022: facelifted midsize SUV release date and price for Australia

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BMW has announced the refreshed and expanded 2022 X3 midsize SUV range will start from $73,900 before on-road costs.

The new X3 range will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year with BMW adding the new X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid to the lineup which will be joined by the fully-electric iX3 midsize SUV around the same time. 

Now available in a choice of six grades, the X3 lineup has seen jump in price of between $3,000 and $4,000 with a full-fat X3 M Competition also on offer for those wanting a bit more performance.

With the latest price rise, the X3 has a higher cost of entry than the recently updated Audi Q5 ($68,900 before on-roads) but undercuts rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC ($74,976 before on-roads).

The facelifted X3 has been given some key styling updates to modernise the exterior and interior along with some key new tech additions that are proving popular amongst buyers.

Starting on the outside, designers have added a redesigned kidney grille with narrower LED headlights and deeper creases in the lower bumper for a more aggressive look.

Changes to the rear of the X3 are far easier to spot, with a more distinct lower bumper and striking rear LED taillights that will stop it from blending into traffic.

The new X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid features unique styling touches such as its own front bumper and a blue ring around the BMW logos to help distinguish the model. 

All models will be wearing a new set of alloy wheels that range from 19 to 21 inches in size depending on the grade or appearance package.

The interior of the facelifted X3 is familiar but different, with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen sitting in the centre with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Mounted in front of the driver is an additional 12.3-inch display that acts as the digital instrument cluster and works in conjunction with a heads-up display so drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

Safety has been given a boost with increased driver assistance features such as park assistant that can retraces a driven path but in reverse for help getting out of tight spaces, and the new BMW Drive Recorder, which can film the surroundings of the X3 and store the date for later.

BMW offers a range of petrol or diesel engines, all of which are paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic. 

The entry-level X3 sDrive20i utalises a 2.0L turbo petrol four-cylinder to generate 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque sent exclusively to the rear wheels. The X3 xDrive30i has a higher state of tune and sends its 185kW/350Nm to all four wheels.

The xDrive 30e uses this same petrol engine configuration and pairs it with an electric motor to produce outputs of 215kW of power and 420Nm of torque.

Most importantly, the plug-in hybrid has the ability to drive 40km (WLTP) using only electric power which should be enough for the daily commute of most buyers.

Buyers looking for a durable diesel can look to the X3 xDrive20d which uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine to make 140kW/400Nm, while the X3 xDrive30d has a meatier 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine producing 195kW/620Nm. Both are paired with all wheel drive.

Sitting at the top of the tree of the ordinary X3 lineup is the M40i that uses an 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo petrol to send 285kW/500Nm to all four corners.

The new X3 will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year where it will go face to face with some completing rivals.

BMW X3 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• X3 sDrive 20i: $73,900 (up $3,000) 
• X3 xDrive20d: $76,900 (up $3,000)
• X3 xDrive30i: $87,900 (up $4,000) 
• X3 xDrive30d: $94,900 (up $4,000)
• X3 xDrive30e: $104,900 (new model)
• X3 M40i: $115,900 (up $4,000))