BMW South Africa launched the all-new X3 in Mpumalanga, along a variety of roads, including gravel (dirt) and tar. Thankfully South Africa is in summer during the Christmas period so there was no snow. You’ll be forgiven for staring at the X3; not everyone will instantly recognise that this is an all-new vehicle, that it’s not another facelift of the old one.
If you look at the front end you’ll notice a more accentuated front grille with a distinctive bonnet. The lines are complex yet much smoother than that the previous car. They clearly were not placed there just for shock effect, but to give a more elegant view of the baby SUV (SAV – Sport Activity Vehicle if you work at BMW). The side panels are also more integrated, and are broken only by the convex line running from the front fender to the rear lights cluster. As is the modern day norm, the X3 also comes with LED daytime running lights which are fitted with optional xenon headlights.
Few ever really think of a BMW when considering something spacious, but according to the German premium car maker, the X3 features class-leading luggage space, which for us in Mzansi means it’s bigger than the Audi Q5. Precise volumes are quoted at up to 1600 litres. The three rear seats can be folded individually or together.
Below the bonnet surface lie a choice of two engines. The entry point is the xDrive20d with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with four cylinders and common rail direct injection. Maximum power is rated at 135kW at 4000rpm, while torque is 380Nm between 1750rpm and 2750rpm. It is claimed to accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach top velocity of 210km/h. Average fuel consumption is said to be 5.6 litres per 100km with C02 levels at 147g/km. Those numbers suggest a range of around 1100km from a tank. Standard transmission in Europe is a 6-speed manual and automatic, but for us special Mzansi buyers only the 8-speed automatic will be sold with both the xDrive20d and the flagship xDrive35i. Additionally we get that lovely plastic gear lever that makes one just keep touching it for no reason.
The xDrive35i has the well-known, twin scroll petrol turbo 6-cylinder engine making a good 225kW at 5800rpm, and peak torque is 400Nm between 1200rpm and 5000rpm. Performance figures are equally impressive: 0 – 100km/h in 5.7 seconds, top speed of 245km/h. Average claimed consumption is 8.8 litres per 100km, although you are more likely to see something upwards of 10 litres per 100km under normal driving conditions. This is, after all, a 4.6 metre long 3.0-litre 4WD vehicle weighing at least 1 800kg.
Mind you, we are dealing with a soft-roader here, as opposed to something like a Land Rover Freelander which you can take further upstream than the X3. Ground clearance is 21cm and wading depth is a paltry 50cm. So while it will feel at home on gravel, don’t expect it to cross a gushing Jukskei all on its own. BMW never set out to create something to go across the Nile with anyway. Still, on tar there is no rival to touch it, and that includes the bigger X5 and others.
No real surprises inside. The layout is BMW-typical, and looks like a 3 Series. It’s a very simple look that belittles the technologies underlying it. We have dual-zone climate control, a multi-spoke steering wheel with satellite controls for the radio/CD player and other functions, and the new iDrive with a 16.5cm display. Stuff like a panoramic sunroof, a TV function (R28 300), Bluetooth connectivity (R7 600) adaptive headlights (they turn towards the direction where the steering wheel is pointed) and electronic seat adjustment for the front seats are optional extras. Why the latter is so doesn’t make sense, given what you are paying. A rear view camera can be installed, as well as two other cameras that help create a bird’s eyeview of things. Good for parking in a single garage or other tight spaces.
The X3 rides on 7.5Jx17 wheels shod in 225/60 R17 tyres as standard in the xDrive20d. The xDrive35i runs on 8Jx18 types with 245/50 R18 wheels. Six different wheel/tyre combos can be ordered for the xDrive20d, up to 19-inch, while the xDrive35i only has three choices beginning with the 18s and also ending with 19s.
Safety is taken care of by ABS brakes, the brake assist system, cornering assist, DSC, DTC, and others.
The new BMW X3 is here to take the game to a higher level as far as competition goes. In some ways, such as the powertrain, driving dynamics, space utilisation and features it does. In other ways like the uninspiring styling and price, it just falls short. The segment has grown quite considerably since the first X3 came to light back in 2003. Even manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai, who you would never expect to show up at this big boys’ playground, are beginning to nibble with offerings like the new Sportage and ix35. Whether BMW will be able to recapture its X3 audience like before and keep the young wolves at bay, or fall by the wayside in the same way that Jeep did with the latest Cherokee, is too early to tell.
BMW X3 PRICING
xDrive20d (R463 000)
xDrive35i (R598 000)
xDrive20d Exclusive (R499 300)
xDrive35i Exclusive (R629 600)
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