Dynamic Duo: BMW unveils the new BMW X3 and BMW X4

BMW has refreshed its successful BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe with a new look, improving equipment and showcasing a range of variants optimised for a variety of customers.

The redesigned front end and rear section accentuates the third generation X3's robust off-road look and sporty appearance. Its coupe counterpart, the second generation BMW X4 adopts the new front end, but adds its own accentuation with the exclusive BMW mesh kidney grille and flaunts a dynamic rear end. The refresh is rounded off with a modern interior featuring new equipment and an updated infotainment system.

With the redesigned BMW kidney grille, headlights that are around 10mm flatter, and an updated front apron, the BMW X3 looks undeniably stylish. More strikingly shaped, especially in the upper area, the BMW kidney grille is larger than before and now comprises a single-piece frame.

The front head lights feature full LED technology as standard. In addition to the optional adaptive LED head lights with Matrix function, the BMW Laser Light which extends visual range up to 650m in the dark is now also available as an optional extra.

Below the head lights, triangular vertical air intakes frame the front bumper. Taut surfaces in body colour and robust underbody protection reinforce the imposing visual presence of the X3 Sports Activity Vehicle.

Round the back, the rear section of the new BMW X3 offers greater clarity as a result of various improvements. A black border gives the full LED rear lights a more precise appearance, and the narrower light cluster includes a three-dimensionally modelled contour and horizontal turn signals. The new, flush-fitting free-form tailpipe trims are also larger and sportier, conveying a more powerful road presence.

The optional M sports package gives the BMW X3 a sportier orientation. The window graphics, roof rails and BMW kidney frame will be finished in high-gloss black. The sportier rear bumper includes a more striking diffuser in Dark Shadow finish. The M sports trim will include the new 19-inch Y‑Spoke 887M alloy wheel in Midnight Grey. Additional wheels in 20 and 21 inches are available as an option, as well as the M sports brake with blue or brake calipers.

Further visual differentiation is offered by the BMW X3 M40i and the M40d, which showcase their affiliation to the BMW M portfolio with a unique BMW M kidney. In addition to a chrome frame, it bears the typical M double grille bars in high-gloss black and with an M logo. The BMW X3 M40i and BMW X3 M40d are fitted as standard with 20‑inch M light alloy wheels in Jet Black.

The BMW X4 adopts the new front end of the BMW X3, but adds an exclusive distinguishing feature in the form of the mesh kidney familiar from other sporty BMW models. Compared to the BMW X3, the adaptive LED head lights with Matrix function are standard on the new X4.

Featuring flat full LED rear lights that emphasise the vehicle's width, they protrude strikingly from the vehicle body with their three-dimensional design. The rear section now has a tidier appearance, and the wide free-form tailpipe trims echo the horizontal lines of the upper section.

Following the redesign of the BMW X3, BMW offers a total of 11 paint finishes in the regular range, such as Aventurine Red and Tanzanite Blue. The new metallic finish Piedmont Red is available exclusively for the BMW X4. For the first time, there numerous BMW Individual paint finishes will be offered for the two models, including matt finishes such as Frozen Deep Grey. The range of special finishes available will be expanded in the future.

Inside, the new BMW X3 and X4 adopt the centre console design of the current BMW 4 Series. The free-standing, central Control Display with touch function now offers a 10.25-inch screen as standard in all vehicles. A 12.3-inch version of the touch display is also available as an option. The significantly improved standard equipment now also includes sports seats, as well as automatic climate control with three-zone control.

New electroplated trim elements on the air vents add a touch of elegance while emphasising the horizontal lines in the interior. Additional functions are offered such as the optional extra Ambient Lighting, which features contour lighting above the decorative trim.

In refreshing the BMW X3 and X4, the German automaker has reorganised and significantly expanded the range of modern driver assistance systems to enhance both comfort and safety. The Driving Assistant Professional, available for the first time as an option, offers the driver comfort and increased safety in dangerous driving situations.

In addition, other safety functions include Active Cruise Control with improved functionality in the city, junction warning with city brake function, emergency lane assistant and lane guidance assistant. Another new feature in the is the optional BMW Drive Recorder, which takes videos around the vehicle.

With BMW Live Cockpit Plus as standard, as well as BMW Operating System 7, the BMW X3 and X4 offer enhanced connectivity between driver and vehicle. BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes a Control Display 10.25 inches in size and a Touch Controller. An instrument cluster with a 5.1-inch colour display is located behind the steering wheel.

BMW Live Cockpit Plus supports Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and My BMW App from customers' smartphones, offering a range of seamless in-vehicle connectivity and safe use of smartphone functions such as music, media or messaging apps while driving.

The new BMW X3 and X4 demonstrate the trend towards electrification, with modern hybrid technology featuring prominently in variants of the two models. In addition to the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive, all four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines used will incorporate 48V mild hybrid technology.

The 48V starter generator achieves even better driving performance in addition to lower fuel consumption and increased driving comfort. The energy obtained by means of regenerative braking can be stored in the 48V battery, offering an electric boost of 10.8bhp while on the move.

All models come with eight-speed Steptronic gearboxes specifically matched to the respective engine characteristics. The BMW X3 M40i, BMW X3 M40d and all BMW X4 models feature the otherwise optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including paddle shifts and Launch Control as standard. All BMW X3 and BMW X4 models manufactured in Germany will be fitted with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system as standard.

The new BMW X3 and X4 will see their world premiere at the Chengdu Motor Show in China from 27 August to 5 September.