BMW X3 M Competition 2022: facelifted super-SUV priced for Australia

John Law

Contributor

The recently facelifted BMW X3 range will come to Australia with the high-powered M Competition variant as the headline act.

The 2022 BMW X3 M Competition will hit Australian shores in the fourth quarter of this year, priced from $160,900.

That puts the athletic midsize SUV on price parity with the four-door BMW M3 Competition xDrive that is set to land at the same time.

BMW X3 M 2022 rear — The athletic X3 M shares its twin-turbo powertrain with the BMW M3 and M4.

That’s not the only similarity between the X3 M and M3 because this SUV packs the same 3L twin-turbo straight-six under the bonnet that produces 375kW of power and now matches the M3’s torque figure of 650Nm (up 50Nm).

The extra weight of the X3 M means it can’t match the saloon’s standard sprint time, the SUV taking 3.8 seconds to reach 100km/h.

It also shares the same eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and M fettled xDrive system, though without the drift-mode available on the lower-slung sports cars.

What’s new for the X3 M Competition?

BMW X3 M Competition 2022 2 — There are new, narrower laser headlights as standard on the X3 M Competition.

Apart from the torque bump, the X3 has a new look outside. The 10mm narrower laser headlights add a meaner stare to the SUV and go some way to justify the $3,000 price increase.

The X3 M also gets a new bumper front and rear, new taillights and larger kidney grilles, all to increase the SUV’s menace further. The 21-inch alloy wheels are also fresh for this update.

BMW has also tweaked the options packages for the X3 M Competition. A new rear-seat comfort package adds reclining second-row seats with heating and sunblinds for $2,000. Gesture control and remote engine start are bundled together in the $1,400 Innovation package.

BMW X3 M 2022 side — Rear seat passengers now get rear sunblinds in an options package.

Finally, an extra carbon exterior package brings a carbon strut brace, carbon mirror caps for $2,500. BMW M does not offer the M4‘s $16,000 carbon ceramic brakes as an option for the X3 M.

How about the X3 M’s interior?

For the midlife facelift, BMW swapped the analogue gauges for a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. The 10.25-inch touchscreen now runs BMW’s latest iDrive operating system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

A harman/kardon premium stereo is standard, as is navigation, three-zone climate control, head-up display, power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.

BMW X3 M 2022 interior — The X3 now gets digital dials standard and two-tone Alcantara and leather interior as an option.

As standard, the X3 M Competition features extended Merino leather upholstery in a host of colours – including Sakhir orange or more subdued options like black and beige. There is also a choice of mixed Alcantara and Merino leather for a sportier feel.

The 2022 BMW X3 M Competition will hit dealers towards the end of this year from $160,900 plus on-road costs.