2022 BMW X3 accidentally leaked! Facelifted Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and Porsche Macan rival gets early mark

The facelifted version of the third-generation BMW X3 mid-size SUV has been accidentally leaked.

The images you see here come from China and give us our best look yet at the updated X3, which is expected to be officially revealed next month ahead of going on sale in Australia either late this year or early next.

Up front, the mid-size SUV features a new version of BMW’s signature kidney grille, which is not only squarer than before, but also linked by a section of colour-matched trim, as per the first-generation M2 Competition Coupe.

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Then there’s the reshaped headlights, which are similar to that of the second-generation 4 Series Coupe, but most of the attention is commanded by the M Sport package’s fresh front bumper, with its central air intake having become much more prominent.

Around the side, new sets of alloy wheels feature, while the rear end is punctuated by properly three-dimensional tail-lights, which are set to be shared with the upcoming second-generation 2 Series Coupe. And the rear bumper has been tweaked slightly.

2022 BMW X3 M40i

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2022 BMW iX3

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2022 BMW iX3

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For reference, a performance-focused X3 M40i and an all-electric iX3 are the two examples that have received an early mark, so we’re yet to catch a glimpse of the mainstream variants, let alone any interior.

The X3 M40i and iX3 are likely to see few mechanical changes, meaning the former’s 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine should return locally alongside the latter’s 210kW/400Nm single-motor powertrain.

Stayed tuned for more information on the upgraded Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and Porsche Macan rival as it comes to hand.