By Otsile Kadiege

BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe – the BMW X3 and X4 received an updated look, the latest gizmos and powertrains with 48-vol mild hybrid system.

Exterior

The BMW X3 and X4 feature a noticeably larger, restyled kidney grille flanked by headlights that are 10mm flatter. The latter feature full LED technology as standard. In addition to the optional adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function, the BMW Laser Light with a range of up to 650m is now also available as an optional extra. The front-end features vertical air intakes arranged in a triangular interpretation frame the front bumper.

Standard trim includes the new 19-inch Y‑Spoke 887M alloy wheel in Midnight Grey Bicolor with 245/50 R19 tyres. Additional wheels in 20 inch and 21-inch are available as an option, as well as the M sports brake with blue or red brake calipers.

Noticeable changes at the rear include a black border which gives the full LED rear lights a more precise appearance, while the narrower light graphic now includes a three-dimensionally modelled pincer contour and horizontal turn signals integrated in filigree style. The duo will come with a choice of 11 different colours with one colour (Piedmont Red) exclusively reserved for the BMW X4.

M40i and M40d specific styling

The M40i and M40d models will receive M specific styling like the BMW M kidney grille, M exterior mirrors in high-gloss black and 20‑inch M light alloy wheels double-spoke 699M in Orbit Grey with the mixed tyres 245/45 R20 at the front and 275/40 R20 at the rear.

Interior

Inside, the BMW X3 and X4 features BMW Live Cockpit Plus as standard which includes BMW’s iDrive seven operating system, a 5.1-inch colour display at the centre of the cluster and a 10.25-inch touch screen. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is available as an optional extra. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, dual 12.3 inches screens, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Driver assistance systems

 The Driving Assistant Professional, available for the first time as an option in these model series, offers the driver comfortable relief and increased safety in driving situations where there is a conscious desire for assistance. These include include Active Cruise Control, 3D environment visualisation Assisted View and Parking Assistant Plus now also includes the reverse assistant to list a few.

Power and performance

Powering the refreshed duo is a range of petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a plug-in hybrid. The range starts with the 20i xDrive with 135kW and 300Nm. The range-topping M40i and M40d variants produce 265kW and 500Nm, and 250kW and 700Nm.