2022 BMW X3 M and X4 M Arrive With More Torque And More Flash

Following a recent teaser and several revealing spy photos, BMW has revealed the facelifts for its 2022 X3 and X4 lineups. Included in the big debut, the 2022 BMW X3 M and 2022 BMW X4 M arrive sporting similar exterior and interior updates found on the standard X3 and X4. Both models now feature a larger kidney grille, but they are far less controversial than the massive nose found on the M3 and M4. The adaptive LED headlights are now 0.4-inch thinner, surrounded by an M-specific front bumper with more cooling area.

At the back, both models feature redesigned, narrowed taillights with new turn signal designs. The X3 M gets a body-color roof spoiler, while the X4 M has a high-gloss black rear spoiler on its unique trunk lid. Both models wear redesigned rear bumpers specific to the M variants, with the X4 M's shaped to look like an anvil. Eight color options are available, including new additions of Carbon Black metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Bay Blue metallic, and Sao Paulo Yellow. The latter was an M3/M4 launch color and looks wild on these SUVs.

The changes inside are not extreme, with the cabin remaining pretty familiar for current X3 M and X4 M owners. Both models still feature M sports seats with illuminated M logos, available with an Extended Merino leather package in a variety of colors. The steering wheel gets M contrast stitching, while Competition models receive BMW M stripes on the seatbelts. BMW Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 comes standard, linked to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

The X3 M and X4 M borrow the M View from the M8 and add new M-specific content for the optional head-up display. These two SUVs borrow some controls from the M3 and M4 as well, including new HVAC buttons, and a "setup" button to access options for the engine and suspension settings. Drivers can save these settings to the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.

Under the hood, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged S58 inline-six engine carries over from last year with minor improvements. It's still a powerhouse engine, producing 473 horsepower in the base X3 M and X4 M or 503 hp in the Competition models. Torque is increased to 457 lb-ft on standard models and 479 lb-ft on the Competition versions, increases of 13 lb-ft and 37 lb-ft, respectively. BMW managed this increase using the forged lightweight crankshaft from the M3 and M4. BMW improved thermal management too, using new iron-coated cylinder walls.

The additional torque drops the 0-60 mph times significantly. The base models now take 3.9 seconds to hit 60 (down from 4.1), while the Competition models only need 3.7 seconds (down from 4.0). The top speed remains limited to 155 mph, or 174 mph with the M Driver's Package. As always, both models send power out through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an Active M Differential.

The 2022 X3 M starts at $69,900, while the X4 M starts at $73,400 (excluding a $995 Destination fee). BMW hasn't mentioned pricing for the Competition models, but they currently cost $7,000 more than the base versions, adding extended leather, lighter wheels, sports exhaust, black exterior trim, and a massive power increase. Pricing didn't change from 2021, so the Competition Package should remain the same. The 2022 X3 M and 2022 X4 M will arrive at dealerships in the United States starting September 2021.