As far as BMW South Africa is concerned, the BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is the “Big Three” – since the manufacturer’s local Rosslyn Plant is wholly dependent on this model for its continued existence.
After a lengthy period of 3-Series production and a massive investment of R6.2 billion in the facility, the first X3 rolled off the Rosslyn assembly line in April 2018, and recently (in August this year), the plant celebrated the production of the 200,000th unit.
Around 95% of the Proudly South African-built model is exported to 30 overseas markets; therefore, the appearance of the revamped model so soon after its overseas introduction was not wholly unexpected. It also served as an incentive to visit a Big Five game reserve with two variants of the new, revamped X3.
Upping the Sporty Factor
BMW maintains that the latest derivative of the third generation X3 is sportier, more modern in appearance and more digital than before with improved equipment and a rationalised model range structure with a greater focus on sportiness and “X-ness”. Even so, you need to look closely to pick up the exterior styling differences – including a redesigned kidney grille, LED headlights with Matrix function that are around 10 mm flatter and a new front apron.
At the rear, a black border gives the full-LED rear lights a more precise appearance, while the light graphic now includes a three-dimensionally modelled pincer contour and turn signals integrated into a filigree style. More horizontal lines contribute to the tidy impression, and the painted underbody protection and flush-fitting trim for the larger tailpipes convey a powerful presence.
The M sports package and M variants are enriched with higher-quality, sportier X elements, such as underbody protection and specific side skirts in the style of the previous X Line. The sport package also includes significantly larger air inlets and inserts finished in high-gloss black, plus more pronounced air curtains. The window graphics, roof rails and kidney frame and bars are also optionally available in high-gloss black.
The sportier rear bumper includes a diffuser finished in Dark Shadow and two additional side air‑curtain panels in high-gloss black. Also standard are new 20” M alloy wheels in Midnight Grey with 245/50 R20 tyres, plus M sports brakes with blue or red brake callipers.
The flagship X3 M40i is visually differentiated and shows its affiliation to the BMW M portfolio with a specific M kidney with chrome frame, and double grille bars in high-gloss black, aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors in high-gloss black, tailpipe trims in black chrome, and exclusive 21″ double-spoke M light-alloy wheels.
Inside Information
The most significant difference between the previous and the new X3 is the centre console, adopted from the current 4 Series, with a free-standing 12.3” Control Display (a touch function is optionally available with BMW Live Cockpit Professional) and simplified control functions to make it more user-friendly.
The significantly improved list of standard equipment includes new, perforated sports seats, automatic climate control with three-zone control, and new electroplated trim elements on the air vents. Additional functions are offered by the optional extra Ambient Light, which features contour lighting above the decorative trim in the dashboard.
Driving Assistant Professional, including a plethora of safety systems, is now available for the first time as an option in the X3. Another new feature is the optional BMW Drive Recorder, which takes videos around the vehicle. BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers a fully digital display network and includes the iDrive operating system with a Touch Controller.
It also offers optimised, wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and (for the first time) Android Auto, a new-generation BMW Maps navigation system and enhanced functionality for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW Head-Up Display is also standard on the M40i model.
Gentlemen and Ladies, Start Your Engines
Five engine options are available – three diesel engines in the X3 sDrive18d (110 kW), the X3 xDrive20d (140 kW), and the X3 xDrive30d (195 kW) as well as two petrol mills in the X3 sDrive20i (135 kW) and the flagship X3 M40i (285 kW) – all combined with eight-speed Steptronic gearboxes with ratios specifically matched to the respective engine characteristics.
The X3 M40i, with Steptronic Sport transmission, has Launch Control as standard. All the models are equipped with the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system that contributes to the versatility and sportiness of the SAV with its precise power distribution and rear-wheel orientation for more dynamic cornering.
Two models, the xDrive20d and the powerful M40i, were available for our trip to the bush. Again, we were impressed by the build integrity and high quality of interior trim used in both, but with no apparent mechanical differences between the current range and the new derivatives, their road behaviour and dynamics were predictably similar.
The rumbling and growling wide-tyred M40i tries to win you over with its abundant power, rapid acceleration, swift reactions and sporty handling. Yet, it is the smaller diesel with its smooth ride characteristics and oodles of usable torque that (in my view, at least) establishes itself as the more sensible choice.
Last Word
It all comes at a price, though, as the xDrive20d (R997,176 in standard trim) will cost you a six-figure amount once you have personalised it. Despite this, the TLC for the latest, locally built X3 should ensure it remains the Big Three in the chronicles of BMW South Africa.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © BMW South Africa
