A new design language gives the fourth generation BMW X3 much enhanced exterior presence and an aura of dynamic grace. We attended its local launch in Pretoria and got to drive all versions to be sold in Mzansi.
Upfront the new X3 gets adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing as standard. The new enlarged kidney grille gets vertically and diagonally arranged bars.
The attention grabbing Iconic Glow feature gives the grille LED lighting, instantly recognisable at night. The bonnet has a clamshell design with the lower bumper featuring more aggressive air intakes.
Buyers get 19inch wheels standard (20d and 30e) 20inch (M50) and should they want bigger wheels, they can get up to 21 inch wheels in varying designs. The Panoramic glass roof now runs the full length of the car for an airy feel inside. With the BMW X4 Coupe SUV no longer going to be produced, the X3 has taken a sexy slopping rear roof line whilst not sacrificing interior practicality and space.
The prominently flared wheel arches create the impression of considerable width at the rear. All model variants aside from the BMW X3 M50 xDrive (shown above with 4 exhausts) come with exhaust tailpipes integrated out of sight in the rear apron. The fresh interpretation of the characteristic T-shaped graphic and a satinated horizontal bar with integral turn signal indicators help to give the rear lights a very modern appearance.
The BMW Curved Display takes prominence when one enters the interior with the BMW interaction bar neatly placed below the infotainment touchscreen. All X3 models now come standard with electric seats up front with the M Sport models getting a flat bottomed, leather wrapped steering wheels.
For the first time, the X3 doesn't offer leather as standard on non M models with the use of eco friendly materials used. Should the buyer want leather though for the dash and seats, it's easily specced. The iDrive controller is retained thus making it easy to operate the infotainment screen when on the move (touchscreen also possible).
Rear space is enhanced with the folding seats allowing increased carrying capacity making the new X3 a proper multi use SUV.
BMW X3 M50 xDrive, features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 293 kW is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 100 km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds.
The four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2.0 litres in the new BMW X3 20d xDrive posts a maximum output of 145 kW. The diesel model completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The drive system in the BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid is made up of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine partnered with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. These join forces to generate system output of up to 220 kW. This model aims to fill the gap left by the 30d by offering power and efficiency. The X3 30e xDrive achieves an electric range of 81 – 90 kilometres. Its Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at 11 kW as standard. The plug-in-hybrid model also comes prepared for smart charging with the Connected Home Charging option.
All model variants of the new BMW X3 boast driving qualities offering a clearly noticeable increase in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort over the outgoing model. Customers looking for even more dynamic prowess can choose the optional M Sport suspension including sport steering and M Sport brakes. The optional adaptive suspension sharpens the agility of the X3 at the same time as increasing ride comfort. The new X3 offers a far more extensive range of standard and optional systems for semi-automated driving and parking. It is equipped as standard with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info, along with the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning and manual Speed Limit Assist. The Parking Assistant (also standard) incorporates features such as the Reversing Assistant and a Reversing Assist Camera.
Prices at launch:
| Base price (incl. Motorplan and VAT) | CO2 tax | Base price (incl. Motorplan, VAT and CO2 tax) | |
| BMW X3 20d xDrive | R 1,125,000.00 | R 11,417.20 | R 1,136,417.20 |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive | R 1,260,000.00 | N/A | R 1,260,000.00 |
| BMW X3 M50 xDrive | R 1,530,000.00 | R 15,446.80 | R 1,545,446.80 |