The BMW X3 Facelift Isn’t Coming Anytime Soon

Although the current-generation X3 didn’t go into production until September 2024, the G45 recently celebrated its second anniversary since its official debut. In today’s fast-paced automotive industry, where life cycles tend to get shorter, that would typically mean BMW is preparing to start testing prototypes of the facelifted model. However, that’s not going to be the case.

While most of us assumed the X3 LCI would launch within the next couple of years, we’re in for a longer wait. Our sources close to the matter have told us that the mid-cycle revisions for the successful luxury crossover are not part of BMW’s Neue Klasse production offensive. Yes, more than 40 models are launching by the end of next year, but the X3 facelift won’t be one of them.

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Instead, insiders claim the updated X3 won’t enter series production until April 2029. If that timeline is accurate, it can only mean BMW is extending the G45’s life cycle into the next decade. After all, it wouldn’t make sense to retire the facelifted model just one or two years after production starts. Consequently, this generation could soldier on until 2031 or even beyond, making it one of the longest-running models in the company’s history.

The X3’s Design Could Age Fast

If Munich is pushing back the facelift, as people familiar with the matter claim, it won’t be long before the X3 begins to show its age. Nearly all BMW models are getting the new design language within the next couple of years, meaning the G45 will be fashionably late to the Neue Klasse party.

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That applies not just to the styling, but also to the interior. Logic suggests the X3 is highly unlikely to get iDrive X and Panoramic Vision windshield projection before the facelift. Then again, maybe that’s not such a bad thing, especially if you prefer the previous-generation infotainment system with its iDrive dial. That said, BMW once declared that those who tested the new tech don’t miss the rotary controller.

Last Dance For The iDrive Knob?

Come to think of it, the X3 may very well go down in history as the last BMW model in production to have it. Existing models that still use the knob, such as the X6, X7, iX, and XM, will have been retired by early 2029. The 5 Series will lose it as well, as next year’s facelift is killing off the once-omnipresent iDrive dial.

With series production starting in April 2029, the world premiere is either programmed for late 2028 or early the following year. We should start seeing prototypes at some point in 2027, and they’re likely to feature the retro-flavored vertical kidney grille. We’ve seen it on the iX3 and X5/iX5, and the iX4 is up next.