[Datemike]

There's very little information on what changes will be part of LCI. I've seen the threads here and if the LCI refresh is anything like the 5 series, I don't really see what changes there will be aside from larger center screen and some minor exterior changes.

Do you guys think it's worth it to wait close to 6 months and then try to get a decent deal on LCI or roll with my current strong deal on MY 2021 build?

[TX3M]

I was in the same situation and decided to order the 2021 model primarily because I don't think I'm going to like what the new front grille looks like. I also don't anticipate any major changes.

If you're not in a rush, you can wait until you know what the LCI changes are and decide then to get a 2021 (I imagine they will be discounted when the LCI comes out) or the 2022.

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by TX3M

I was in the same situation and decided to order the 2021 model primarily because I don't think I'm going to like what the new front grille looks like. I also don't anticipate any major changes.

If you're not in a rush, you can wait until you know what the LCI changes are and decide then to get a 2021 (I imagine they will be discounted when the LCI comes out) or the 2022.

True though hopefully the spy shots will reveal more and more so that folks can make a more informed decision about the appearance/grills...

[Datemike]

Originally Posted by TX3M

I was in the same situation and decided to order the 2021 model primarily because I don't think I'm going to like what the new front grille looks like. I also don't anticipate any major changes.

If you're not in a rush, you can wait until you know what the LCI changes are and decide then to get a 2021 (I imagine they will be discounted when the LCI comes out) or the 2022.

The issue is by the time details come out for the LCI in June or July, the production for 2021 would be winding down. And I don't anticipate the deal to get better than what I have already.

The only change that I could forsee missing would be the 12" display. All the exterior changes seem very focused to the lights and the grill.

I don't see anything that is functionally going to better in the LCI. They also updated the engine for MY 2021 with higher power output so no engine changes either.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by Datemike

There's very little information on what changes will be part of LCI. I've seen the threads here and if the LCI refresh is anything like the 5 series, I don't really see what changes there will be aside from larger center screen and some minor exterior changes.

Do you guys think it's worth it to wait close to 6 months and then try to get a decent deal on LCI or roll with my current strong deal on MY 2021 build?

I would wait if you really want an X3. Hopefully the LCI includes better ID7 functionality than what the current model offers.

Rob

[Datemike]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

I would wait if you really want an X3. Hopefully the LCI includes better ID7 functionality than what the current model offers.

Rob

To bring it on par to the latest ID7 functionality, they would need to add traffic jam assist on ACC and remote upgrades? Isn't that it? Or is there more that I'm missing?

[Bimmerforlife]

Higher resolution, 12" screen and drive recorder are just some items worth waiting for. I also hear it will get a new shifter which is way overdue.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Datemike

The issue is by the time details come out for the LCI in June or July, the production for 2021 would be winding down. And I don't anticipate the deal to get better than what I have already.

The only change that I could forsee missing would be the 12" display. All the exterior changes seem very focused to the lights and the grill.

I don't see anything that is functionally going to better in the LCI. They also updated the engine for MY 2021 with higher power output so no engine changes either.

You're correct that the engine was updated but that was done in 2020. I don't expect any additional engine updates until the next generation X3.

Personally, I think the "iPad" style display sticks out like a sore thumb and looks like it was glued to the dash after the fact, I wouldn't want it any bigger. The display should be integrated into the dash like it is on the Audi Q7. I understand that the next generation Q5/SQ5 will have the new dash too.

[Datemike]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Higher resolution, 12" screen and drive recorder are just some items worth waiting for. I also hear it will get a new shifter which is way overdue.

True. Those are the only three items I would also foresee missing personally. Not sure that warrants a 6 month wait and a bad discount when these LCIs are new though. And that's where I'm stuck between ordering now vs waiting.

Also, I don't think there's a new shifter coming. This LCI is going to mimic 5 series LCI refresh. Interior would remain same except for different trim choices maybe and the bigger screen.

[Datemike]

Originally Posted by TX3M

You're correct that the engine was updated but that was done in 2020. I don't expect any additional engine updates until the next generation X3.

Personally, I think the "iPad" style display sticks out like a sore thumb and looks like it was glued to the dash after the fact, I wouldn't want it any bigger. The display should be integrated into the dash like it is on the Audi Q7. I understand that the upcoming Q5 LCI will have the new dash too.

I don't mind the iPad layout but yeah i do think Audis have a better interior. I prefer BMWs because it gives me the sweet spot between driving dynamics, interiors and looks.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Datemike

I prefer BMWs because it gives me the sweet spot between driving dynamics, interiors and looks.

I agree completely!

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by TX3M

You're correct that the engine was updated but that was done in 2020. I don't expect any additional engine updates until the next generation X3.

Personally, I think the "iPad" style display sticks out like a sore thumb and looks like it was glued to the dash after the fact, I wouldn't want it any bigger. The display should be integrated into the dash like it is on the Audi Q7. I understand that the upcoming Q5 LCI will have the new dash too.

Yeah I like that display on the Q7 although the bottom one for climate control etc is a bit distracting or confusing? Being they are so close to each other.

I am waiting for the 2021 Audi SQ5 sportback to arrive sometime first half of this year. It will compete against the X4 and Mercedes GLC coupe. I just hope it doesn't carry over the current 2021 Q5 tablet stuck to dash design. I much prefer this integration on the Q7.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Yeah I like that display on the Q7 although the bottom one for climate control etc is a bit distracting or confusing? Being they are so close to each other.

I am waiting for the 2021 Audi SQ5 sportback to arrive sometime first half of this year. It will compete against the X4 and Mercedes GLC coupe. I just hope it doesn't carry over the current 2021 Q5 tablet stuck to dash design. I much prefer this integration on the Q7.

Agreed, I don't like the bottom part of the Audi integrated display either and prefer hard buttons in that section.

My nephew works for Audi and told me the next generation SQ5 will have the new integrated display like the Q7 does. I think the 2021 SQ5 Sportback still has the tablet design based on the pictures in this article.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/09/26/...#slide-2266732

[383vett]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Yeah I like that display on the Q7 although the bottom one for climate control etc is a bit distracting or confusing? Being they are so close to each other.

I am waiting for the 2021 Audi SQ5 sportback to arrive sometime first half of this year. It will compete against the X4 and Mercedes GLC coupe. I just hope it doesn't carry over the current 2021 Q5 tablet stuck to dash design. I much prefer this integration on the Q7.

I'm waiting for an ordered SQ5 also. Interesting that Audi takes 5 months or so to deliver and X3s are 4 weeks.

[JoeyO]

The original poster didn’t say if he wanted the X3 30i or X3 M40i.

The M40i engine was updated in 2020, but the 30i engine hasn’t been changed for a while. So maybe, just maybe, the 30i engine may get a small bump in horsepower for the 2022 model.

Does the current 2021 model have 48V hybrid tech yet? I haven’t been keeping track. If not, then maybe the 2022 models may get the feature.

[JoeyO]

By the way, the reason auto manufacturers stick the tablet screen above the dash is because it’s closer to your line of sight (your windshield). Your eyeballs must travel farther down and longer to get adjusted if the screen is farther away from your windshield. Every second matters while driving. Seconds add up.

It know a lot of people don’t like the look of it, but it’s basic function over form. The engineer in me likes it that way. I hope auto makers keep it high up and close to the windshield. It makes perfect sense to me.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

By the way, the reason auto manufacturers stick the tablet screen above the dash is because it’s closer to your line of sight (your windshield). Your eyeballs must travel farther down and longer to get adjusted if the screen is farther away from your windshield. Every second matters while driving. Seconds add up.

It know a lot of people don’t like the look of it, but it’s basic function over form. The engineer in me likes it that way. I hope auto makers keep it high up and close to the windshield. It makes perfect sense to me.

That’s a very good point and one I didn’t think about. I would still prefer that they do a better job of integrating it into the dash somehow.

[clivem2]

The Q8 screen is indeed very poorly placed for the reasons stated above.

Re a bigger screen..my guess is that it’s possible if it can be done without changing any major parts of the dash. If changes to the shape of top section of the dash are needed then forget it...far too costly. New colours, Merino leather options and wheel designs don’t carry such costs and may well be the greater focus of the LCI.

[JBNH]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

The original poster didn’t say if he wanted the X3 30i or X3 M40i.

The M40i engine was updated in 2020, but the 30i engine hasn’t been changed for a while. So maybe, just maybe, the 30i engine may get a small bump in horsepower for the 2022 model.

Does the current 2021 model have 48V hybrid tech yet? I haven’t been keeping track. If not, then maybe the 2022 models may get the feature.

This was my biggest hang-up when I got my 21, no 48V. I test drove the X5 with the B58 and the 48V and was amazed at the smoothness difference, would have loved it with the more powerful m40, but it was only on the 440 and 340 at the time. Definitely expect it on the LCI X3.

Not sure if mentioned, but maybe laser lights become an option?

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by TX3M

Agreed, I don't like the bottom part of the Audi integrated display either and prefer hard buttons in that section.

My nephew works for Audi and told me the next generation SQ5 will have the new integrated display like the Q7 does. I think the 2021 SQ5 Sportback still has the tablet design based on the pictures in this article.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/09/26/...#slide-2266732

Hey can you find out from your nephew when the SQ5 sportback will arrive at dealerships? All I've heard is first half 2021. Does he know if it's closer to March or June?

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Hey can you find out from your nephew when the SQ5 sportback will arrive at dealerships? All I've heard is first half 2021. Does he know if it's closer to March or June?

I just asked him, he said late summer or early fall at the soonest for the SQ5 Sportback.

Also, the SQ5's won't be getting the integrated screens like the SQ7 anytime soon due to Covid. No timeline has been provided.

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by TX3M

I just asked him, he said late summer or early fall at the soonest for the SQ5 Sportback.

Also, the SQ5's won't be getting the integrated screens like the SQ7 anytime soon due to Covid. No timeline has been provided.

Oh really that late? If it comes out fall I wonder if it will still be a 2021 model hmm. I see the build it now is finally up on the SQ5 sportback. I also see a few new u tube videos but there mostly from Euro reviewers. Thomas with Autogefuehl just reviewed it and said it's super quiet inside and built very good. I really like the look of this vehicle and it seems like it might have a little better rear visibility than the X4.

I did a build it now on the USA site and priced it out at $71,895 it's nice they offer Nappa leather option and the sport pkg comes with the air suspension which I'd get along with the black optics pkg and the dynamic steering. All in all seems like a nice combo of both luxury and sport in a nice sporty SUV. I've not bought a new car in 10 yrs so this will be a nice change from my 2011 335i.

I'm taking my time and getting what I really want and doing a lot of research. I almost bought an 2021 X4 but held back, love the front end and interior, the rear is still growing on me, it's the weakest point for me. I'm not crazy about the poor rear visibility but I do like the sloping roof line from the side. The digital instrument cluster is still growing on me, having had 2 BMW's both with traditional gauges. I wish the X4 came with the comfort seats in the X6. I've got sport seats in my 335i and there very similar to the X4 and I really want something different.

Thanks again for the info, I'll check the dealers closer to summer for a test drive on the sportback.