The all-new BMW X3 is now on sale in Mzansi, marking a new era for the midsize sports activity vehicle (SAV), with a choice of diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid power as well as a more luxuriously appointed and high-tech cabin.
Like the outgoing X3, which took over from the 3 Series as the company’s export hero in 2018, the next-generation X3 is built right here in South Africa, with around 96% of production set to be exported to overseas markets around the world.
This follows a R4.6-billion investment in the Rosslyn-based assembly plant near Pretoria.
But enough on international relations for now, the new X3 is currently available in South Africa with three powertrain options.
The headline grabber is the new X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, which pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine to an electric motor for system outputs of 220kW and 450Nm. BMW claims it’ll cover up to 90km on electric power alone.
Not only is this the first hybrid to be built by BMW’s local plant, but currently South Africa is the only country building this variant.
Impressive as it is, the big seller of the range is no doubt going to be the X3 2.0d xDrive diesel model, which produces 145kW and 400Nm, with claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100km.
At the other end of the spectrum is the new X3 M50 performance model which, interestingly enough, is not built in South Africa, but is instead sourced from the Spartanburg plant in the US.
Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol motor, buyers can look forward to 280kW and 540Nm, with a mild hybrid system providing an additional boost of 13kW and 200Nm. 0-100km/h comes up in just 4.6 seconds, BMW says.
The cabin of the new BMW X3 has been significantly modernised, and features a dual-screen Curved Display, powered by the company’s latest Operating System 9.
The interior also features an Interaction Bar, flat-bottomed two-spoke steering wheel and a new lighting scheme that adds a colour contrasting border to elements like the centre console and door trims.
It has more standard features than before, with some of the highlights being electrically-powered sports seats with leather upholstery, dual phone charging pad, three-zone climate control, navigation, comfort access, electric tailgate, park assist and driving assist, the latter including lane change warning and traffic sign recognition.
Items such as adaptive cruise control, head-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system are optional through various available packages.
Let's take a quick spin
The new X3 is being officially launched to the media in early 2025, but BMW gave us a sneak peek and short driving opportunity during a preview event held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
We took a quick spin in the X3 20d model, which immediately impressed with its quietness of operation and comfortable ride quality.
The cabin is spacious, with plenty of rear legroom, and the cockpit area feels cutting edge, and almost concept-car-like.
It is quite user-friendly for the most part, with all the starting and driving functions being in a single location on the centre console, but operating certain functions such as the climate system can be a bit tedious and distracting as most functions have been moved to the huge touchscreen system.
We look forward to spending more time with the new BMW X3 in the new year, but it has made a good impression on us so far.
BMW X3 Pricing
X3 20d xDrive - R1,136,417
X3 20d xDrive M Sport - R1,186,417
X3 30e xDrive - R1,260,000
X3 30e xDrive M Sport - R1,310,000
X3 M50d - R1,545,447
*Pricing via Duoporta