When I first drove the BMW X3 at its launch, it was the first time that I truly understood the obsession around the brand. It gives drivers everything they need whether it is the entry vehicle of the range or the top M40i. The X3 just seems to make complete sense to most drivers.
In 2021 the X3 started production locally and in March of this year they celebrated their 50th anniversary in style with the completion of their 300 000th X3 in South Africa. Changes to the SUV include a wider range of spec as standard to add to the sportiness of the line. The biggest change to design can be seen in the front grill while inside the aim is to make BMW X3 more customer-centric.
The drive
The test vehicle was the X3 M40i which has a 3L inline-6 turbopetrol engine. This produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Needless to say, with these specs there is hardly anything the X3 cannot do and is overall a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive. It has top-notch responsiveness and superb handling. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic and the torque/power delivers excellent performance.
While the X3 is ideally positioned as more of a family car than a performance car, the M40i is most certainly both. After all, who says you can’t be both a soccer mom/dad and a performance car driver? On a serious note, an SUV that offers drivers a powerful performance while still being a family car fills an important niche. In South Africa there is a large market for this and BMW hits the nail on the head.
Our fuel consumption was around the 12.8/100km mark. A ‘tad’ higher than the claimed 8.9l/100km. You could select the turbodiesel option instead, which during the launch, showed impressive fuel consumption. The 12.8 also resulted from a mixture of Sport and Comfort modes and seldom the Eco Pro Mode. With this mode it could probably be reduced to about 10L/100km. I do believe, however, that a driver that pays 1.5 million for their vehicle is unlikely to be concerned about fuel consumption.
An interesting addition to the X3 is the ability to change the sound of the SUV. I’m not sure why anyone would want to ditch that beautiful sound but in case you want to be only a soccer mom/dad and not a soccer performance driving mom/dad, then you do have that option to switch it off.
Spec and tech
The thing that appealed to me most was the versatility of the X3. Its spaciousness makes it an ideal family car with space, comfort and USB ports for the kids and all luxuries and tech in the front for parents. i wouldn’t, however, limit the X3 to just families. The SUV market in South Africa is highly contested and a car that appeals to all will have a large consumer base as proven by the production of their 300 000th car.
If you like the idea of being a performance driving soccer mom/dad, the M40i has a fair deal more to offer in addition to that extra vroom. The size of the touchscreen infotainment system is increased to 12.3’’. After driving two cars in a row where the glare from the winter sunlight often made the screens redundant, I sincerely appreciate BMW’s design mechanics that ensures this never happens.
In fact, one morning after raining the whole night the windows were completely misted up and even the side mirrors. The 360° reverse camera is so excellent I reversed out of my finicky driveway only using that. This was a mammoth act of faith for me because I seldom rely on just the reverse cam.
There are also various USB and C-Ports in the X3 M40i as well as a wireless charging pad. Due to the semi-conductor shortage when the X3 was launched in 2021, it did not have this feature. There is also a start button, selection of different driving modes, seat heaters, climate control, electronic seat adjustors, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, reclining rear seats, radio controls on the steering wheel along with buttons by the infotainment system. The infotainment system is also intuitive and easy to use. Android Auto was also introduced in the X3. Despite the extensive specs, optional extras are available too.
MyBMW App is also present with the X3 M40i. It can remotely start your car to ventilate it as it provides control of the AC system. You can use it to locate the car should you forget where you parked at the airport or mall. If anyone has ever been in this situation before, not to say I have, this tech is gold.
The customer-centric approach is one I have expressed doubts about before. It gives customers more choice by allowing them to buy certain tech for a limited time. For example, steering wheel heating only during winter. At the last BMW press conference, a journalist queried the prudence of asking drivers to pay to use spec that is already installed in the car. A quick look around the room showed he asked the question most people wanted an answer to.
This answer is that it makes the cars more customer-centric by giving them flexibility. Drivers don’t have to immediately decide what they want in their car but can do so later on. While I am still doubtful about this, I also know BMW has a loyal customer base and I doubt it will affect them negatively.
They have also made the range more customer-centric by including spec that was exclusively available in higher spec’d X3s. Features like high-beam assist and 19’’ wheels are standard across the line. Additionally, gone is the need to update your car at the dealer, it now has over-the-air updates when the vehicle is parked.
The design
The greatest and most noticeable change is to the front of the vehicle, particularly with the new kidney grille which was made bigger. Other revisions are seen in the front rim and with the addition of aluminium to make the X3 look more modern.
The rear has also undergone an all-round change. It’s narrower, more distinct and essentially sportier than before. The additional underside protection adds to the sporty look. Many of the modifications are present across the range to draw each closer to the M series.
Cars bought this year, during their 50th anniversary, also sport a special BMW logo to commemorate the year.
Recently, I saw one of the first gen X3s parked alongside the current generation. When you see the full side-by-side transformation can it be fully appreciated. In particular, the older X3 is closer to the current X1 in size while the latest gen is larger but also lighter.
The M40i has significantly larger air inlets and inserts in high-gloss black, more pronounced air curtains, high-gloss black options for various features, sportier rear bumper and two additional side air‑curtain‑panels in high-gloss black. The M40i trim includes the new 20’’ Double‑Spoke 699 M alloy wheels, and the M sports brake with blue or red brake calipers.
In addition to the design updates and M insignia on the exterior, the M symbol and colouring is splayed throughout the interior of the car, from threading on the seatbelt, seats and steering wheel to insignias by the door and on the seats itself.
An excellent choice whether you are a parent or someone in the market for a non-cumbersome SUV, there is only one thing I can fault it for – the fuel consumption. Otherwise, a good-looking, comfortable but luxurious and highly spec’d car.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 3L, inline-6 turbopetrol
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 285 kW
Torque: 500 Nm
Fuel consumption: 8.9L/100km (claimed)
Price: starting at R951 000
Warranty: 5-years/100 000 km warranty
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