After the local unveilings of the Audi Q5 and Range Rover Velar, BMW has entered the fray with the third generation X3. I flew to George along the Garden Route recently to sample the newest version of BMW’s popular so-called Sport Activity Vehicle.
Made in South Africa
For those of you who don’t know, BMW South Africa is in the process of halting 3-series production at its Rosslyn Plant, and replacing it with the X3, thereby continuing with local assembly for the local and international markets following a number of investments.
What is new?
Spotting the visual differences between the new X3 and its predecessor takes a keen eye on first glance, but look closer and you will notice the new LED headlights, wider kidney grilles and redesigned bumpers with larger air ducts, which all contribute in making the X3 appear more similar to the current X5 than ever before.
The rear is definitely an improvement over the old model, and features new taillights and a seemingly more sculptured design. If I’m honest though, I prefer the look of the standard X3 to that of the M-Sport kit fitted to a number of the cars at the launch. Overall, the new X3 looks more mature than its predecessor, with a good helping of masculinity thrown into the mix.
All new inside
Inside, I noticed a very similar layout to that of the new 5-and-7-series. The dashboard is less cluttered and looks more modern, with pride of place going to BMW’s latest 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment display incorporating Gesture Control, live traffic updates and an array of functions when connected to a user’s smartphone.
The quality is noteworthy and in my opinion, on par with that of the Q5. A new steering wheel and digital instrument cluster caught my attention too. As for practicality, the X3’s boot offers a cargo capacity of 500-litres or 1 600-litres with the rear seats folded down.
The drive
Our test route took us over mountain passes and through farm areas via gravel roads filled with ditches, loose rocks and bumps. It was the ideal combination to sample the X3 and its xDrive all-wheel drive system in an environment that it will most likely find itself in.
I spent most of my time behind the wheel of the 20d, which BMW claims will be the volume seller. This four-cylinder turbodiesel model develops 140kW/400Nm, which I found to be more than enough for daily driving. Connected to a eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, BMW claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7-litres/100 km and emissions of just 149g/km.
For those in need of more power, BMW is also offering the 30d which features a six-cylinder turbodiesel motor producing 195kW/620Nm. I didn’t get to drive this car but a number of my colleagues couldn’t stop raving about that torque figure.
I did however get some seat time in the flagship M40i. Yes, there is a high performance version on sale for the first time, just for the sake of having one I guess. It features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol mill that kicks-out 265kW/500Nm. It sounds amazing and eats the open road up like a starving wolf.
Final thoughts
The new X3 didn’t blow me away, instead, it just reassured me of how good a product it actually is. After driving it for two days, I can safely say that BMW has improved upon the recipe. It shines both on and off-road and definitely comes across as a quality product inside and out.
Warranty
A five year / 100 000 km Motorplan is standard across the range.
Price
X3 xDrive 20d Steptronic - R684 200
X3 xDrive 30d Steptronic - R868 300
X3 xDrive 30i Steptronic - R739 800
X3 M40i Steptronic - R991 100
