2022 BMW X3 facelift leaks via patent pics

The facelifted BMW G01 X3 is expected to debut next month, but in the meantime, the German company has registered it in the China Patent Office: here are the images.

The cars depicted have been assembled at the BMW Brilliance joint factory in China, but it is official that the U.S. version will look the same on the outside. As for the all-electric iX3 model shown in the attached video, it will only be made in China for the time being.

Both crossover SUVs have M Sport packages pre-installed, while the ICE-powered white car additionally rocks some black décor along with dark headlight backing. Its nostril grille is now taller and packed closer, just like on the EV version. The dark bumper details are now faceted, and the headlight angles sharper than ever.

Moving on to the rear end, the taillights preserve their original shape, but the M Bumper now has new vertical air vents. The iX3 gets basically the same range of updates, except that it has stubs where the radiator grille and the exhaust tips are supposed to be.

Major interior changes seem unlikely, given that both cars got their digital dashboards and new infotainment systems a year ago.

In China, the gas-powered X3 will pack a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder available in 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) and 280 PS (276 hp / 206 kW) forms. The iX3 will keep its single rear-mounted electric motor with 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW).