The new BMW X3 was officially launched in South Africa this week. Of note was the new plug-in hybrid, the BMW X3 30e xDrive, that is manufactured and solely exported from South Africa to the world. In addition to the plug-in hybrid is another two derivatives, the X3 20d xDrive and the BMW X3 M50 xDrive. The X3 never disappoints, and the latest derivative is testament to this.
The last generation sold 3.5 million units making it one of BMWs most popular vehicles. If BMW continues this protectory, one in every four BMWs will be an X3. The intention is to create a vehicle that offers performance while also being usable and liveable for everyday life.
While the official launch was yesterday, you may have already noticed these vehicles on the road as they have been on sale since the end of 2024 already. Their popularity already is evidence of a truly impressive vehicle, but be warned it does come at a price.
What is new?
BMW’s intention is to bring the 4th-generstion X3 into the next decade. To do this, certain design elements from the concept designs were emphasised to as closely resemble the caricature design as possible in the real-life SUV.
It also has some other changes and additions. In terms of sizing, it is wider, longer and lower than its predecessor. Both the front and rear have an upright, almost raised look about it as well. It also features a longer bonnet and roofline to add to this caricature look. There are also efficiency benefits to these changes as the drag co-efficient is reduced.
The face of BMW vehicles is a speciality and focused design aesthetic associated with the brand. The new X3 plays into this aesthetic very strongly. It is best appreciated at night when the outer part of the kidney grille is illuminated with LED lights making a rather catching and impressive look.
Even during the day, it emphasises strength, power and boldness that few other vehicles can emulate. he pattern of the kidney grille is integrated into other design elements of the vehicle.
The intention was to incorporate a few ‘wow’ factors to make it stand out. The first is the panoramic sunroof which encompasses most of the roof. Unfortunately, if you are a fan of opening sunroofs, it no longer opens but according to BMW this in line with current trends where drivers report seldom opening the sunroof. The bonus is improved fuel efficiency and performance (which, of course, you could also get by closing the sunroof).
The second wow factor is the lighting effects which create a wraparound effect. This aesthetic has filtered down from the 7-Series. As in most of the recent models, the driving modes also have their own corresponding colours.
The third factor is a new leather free interior in line with consumer demands and BMW’s drive toward sustainability. The only leather that comes standard is the leather-touch steering wheel in the M50. As South African drivers do often prefer leather interiors, however, there is also an option to choose a leather interior.
BMW says they also have the ‘leather light’ or ‘futureproof’ mesh material dash. This was first seen in the MINI derivatives.
Safety in the X3 outperforms expectations and even outperforms NCAP standards. It features 40 driving aids including remote parking using the BMW app. While connected to the SUV via Bluetooth you can remotely park and reverse out of a parking.
Last year BMW introduced subscription-based services where you can access additional features such as advanced navigation services. This is at a cost of R160 per month and all data costs are included and is now part of the X3 as well.
Each derivative comes with an extensive array of features as standard.
X3 30e xDrive
With both an electric powertrain and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol the 30e has a combined output of 220 kW and 450 Nm. The claimed fuel consumption figure is 1.1 L/100 km which is unlikely to be achieved in real-world driving, but we will see what is achieved during the extended test.
The 48V mild-hybrid offers a 90km range. This makes the 30e an extremely viable car particularly for city drivers. It does not, however, have DC charger compatibility.
Driving over bumps was felt quite keenly but this may have been that the SUV needs to be driven a bit more. The low profile tyres also contribute to this.
X3 20d xDrive
There is no longer a 30d because there was not enough traction in the previous gen. The 20d, however, has more power offering drivers 145 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It is the most practical of the three options.
X3 M50 xDrive
As the most powerful of the derivatives, the M50 provides a truly impressive and thrilling drive. Drivers can enjoy 280 kW of power and 580 Nm of torque.
The handling is superb. I had to make an unexpected movement around a pothole and the smoothness and confidence is difficult to even describe.
It has genuine exhaust pipes rather than the faux pipes others feature. This is accompanied by a powerful and excitement-inducing sound.
In full disclosure, I have always been a fan of the X3. Irrespective of this, it is doubtful drivers will disagree that it is a superb SUV offering great performance regardless of which derivative is chosen.
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