We've just spied the X3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, AKA "facelift) prototype for the first time. As seen on the mule, the X3 LCI will receive an update front and rear bumper, side mirrors, and headlights, as has been the pattern for recent BMW LCI models.
The headlight shape does not appear to be changing, but we may see updated lighting elements within the headlights, as we did with the recent
7 Series LCI. We do not anticipate that the headlights will be connected with the kidney grilles (in keeping with BMW's current and future styling trend) and the camouflage doesn't appear to be hiding such a change.
The side mirrors will get shapelier and lose their blocky squared-off shape. The interior has not been spied yet, but we'll bring those to you as soon as it's been seen.
If the recent F01 7-series LCI testing timeline is any indication, expect the X3 LCI to be unveiled sometime next Spring-Summer, for a Fall market release. The next facelifted BMW model to receive its debut will be the 2013 Z4, which has
already been spied, and is expected to debut early next year.