BMW's 4th-generation X3 ups the ante with more tech, more standard features, a host of driver assistance systems, and, more importantly, a fresh, new PHEV option. Best of all, it's all built locally!
BMW Plant Rosslyn has a long and storied history in South Africa and shows no signs of letting up, downscaling, or disappearing any time soon. Established in 1975, it was the first production facility to be located outside of Germany and has been responsible for a number of iconic model lines. It's been responsible for producing the 5 Series, 3 Series, and, more recently, X3 for both local and global consumption.
Some questioned the decision to halt 3 Series production and reconfigure the plant for production of the X3; after all, the 3 Series was the quintessential BMW, was it not? I thought the same, but someone at BMW South Africa had a crystal ball, and the gamble paid off. The X3 is the best-selling BMW model globally and the best-selling premium model locally. Plant Rosslyn is now one of three BMW plants that produces the entire world's X3s and the only one that produces the new PHEV version. This is a big deal for the South African motor industry, not only for BMW. Vehicles produced locally create a value chain that runs deep, helping to keep more than 50 000 people employed throughout the chain.
The New X3
The new, fourth-generation BMW X3 is far more evolutionary than revolutionary; it takes what we love about the model range and fine-tunes it for current demands. One of the benefits of selling millions of a particular model is that you can iron out many of the quirks and idiosyncracies, assess which features are popular and desirable, and determine which ones are merely gimmicks.
The new BMW X3's predecessor, the G01, was an absolute gem that combined luxury, affordability, and practicality into a striking, attractive package. The new G45 version builds on that.
Styling
I'll be the first to admit that BMW's latest design language does very little for me. In time, we can say whether it has aged gracefully or if this is another Chris Bangle era that is best relegated to the annals of history. This new version is slightly longer (34 mm) and a touch wider (29 mm), but sits 25 mm lower than the model it replaces. The elongated bonnet and roofline, combined with the high waist, give the new X3 a commanding presence.
The front end gets large (but not 7 Series large) grille that now has the Iconic Glow element and adaptive LED headlights that feature twin L-shape elements; the lower apron is split into two, creating a unique look when viewed from head-on.
Around the back, the LED taillights create an arrowhead shape below a flush-fitting rear window topped by an integrated spoiler. Overall, the new G45 X3 is a sleeker machine with fewer creases, but the creases that are there—well, that's not to everyone's liking.
Interior
The news is much better inside the new X3, where you're met with a complete redesign that appears to be crafted around the curved, dual-screen setup. The broad, sloping dashboard envelops the tec,h while the illuminated BMW Interaction bar houses the ventilation controls. As with modern BMW offerings, the air vents are tucked away in the creases of the dashboard, except for the sides, where the vents are integrated into the multifunction door pods that house the interior door handles. A curious design choice that we'll have to monitor in years to come.
The big news is that non-M-Sport models now have leather-free interiors, opting instead for simulated leather and fabrics made from recycled materials. The woven dash topper is rather attractive and extends into the door cards. M-Sport models do get leather-bound steering wheels. I will raise concerns about some of the plastics used. In certain areas, the gracious use of plastic is a little out of place. Contact points are fine, but away from that, the trimmings don't quite feel up to BMW standard, even if the X3 is meant to be a smaller, more affordable offering.
Tech
On the tech front, the infotainment system runs BMW's latest OS9 with a Quick Select function to make navigating the menus and finding what you're looking for that little bit easier. However, it's still a rather complex system, and one will invariably resort to either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead.
The new X3 has more standard tech than before, meaning that you will only have to shell out for a handful of premium features, which BMW has conveniently bundled into packages to simplify this process. You will get a front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info as standard. The Parking Assistant includes a Reversing Assistant and a Reversing Assist Camera.
Optional extras include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Speed Limit Assist, and route speed control when using Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function. Having eliminated the Smart Key, BMW's optional Parking Assistant Professional allows parking and general manoeuvres to be controlled from outside the car through a phone app.
Engines
To kick things off, BMW South Africa is offering three engine options. The X3 20d xDrive is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit paired with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. This 48V mild-hybrid unit produces 145kW and 400Nm torque, yielding a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.7 seconds.
Replacing the X3 30d in the local lineup is the X3 30e, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor in the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. We've seen this configuration in the new G90 BMW M5, and it works well. The 19.7 kWh battery has been optimised to offer up to 90 km of full-electric range, allowing you to use the X3 as a cost-effective daily runabout, with the benefit of fossil fuel propulsion for those longer trips. The total power output from this model is 220 kW and 450 Nm for a sprint time of 6.2 seconds.
For now, the range-topper is the X3 M50 xDrive, powered by a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine. With its glorious soundtrack, this unit produces 293kW and 580Nm torque, propelling the X3 to 100 km/h from a standstill in a mere 4.6 seconds. Again, power is transferred to all four wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
We were informed that a rear-wheel drive 20i will be added later.
The Drive
We were able to sample all three derivatives, and simply put, each one is a winner. If you're not hell-bent on outright power and you're looking for a comfortable, economical ride, the 20d fits the bill. If power is your bag, then the M50 is the winner, offering up huge torque swells and benefitting from Adaptive Suspension for sure-footed handling.
My pick is the 30e. The combination of electrified drivetrain and low-cost running makes it a clear winner simply for its sensibility. Fit the M-Sport Plus package and you'l have a striking vehicle with more than enough get-up-and-go to keep you happy, and all the benefits of electric mobility without any drawbacks.
Pricing
Model | Price |
BMW X3 20d xDrive | R1 136 417.20 |
BMW X3 30e xDrive | R1 260 000 |
BMW X3 M50 xDrive | R1 545 446.80 |
Verdict
The newest X3 is bound to be a popular model in the future. It's well-rounded, practical, and well-equipped as standard. The pricing may scare some off, but the engineering can be felt. It's a worth adversary to the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC and not too dissimilar in price. If you're in the market for a premium SAV/Compact SUV, then the X3 should be on your list.
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