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Well, everything about this 4th Gen BMW X3 is impressive. Appealing good looks that you cannot ignore, a visual presence, sleek and sporty exterior lines, a very welcoming interior, plenty of space inside and even more in the boot. And then there’s that flowing screen for all you will need when driving this tamed beast. Boasting greater sporting appeal, visual impact and versatility than ever, the new BMW X3 assumes the mantle of talented all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities and trips away in the brand’s core segment. A new design language gives the fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the premium midsize segment much enhanced exterior presence and an aura of dynamic grace. High-quality materials, a far more generous standard specification, advanced digitalisation and the new BMW iDrive. Sheer Driving Pleasure, safety and long-distance comfort in the new BMW X3 also all benefit from the exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup and a wide selection of semi-automated driving and parking systems as I found out on a recent launch drive from Pretoria to Sun City. The drive was just typical BMW.
New Exterior Design
A new design language for the exterior helps to give the fourth generation of the BMW X3 an almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. Generously proportioned surfaces combine with just a few, crisply defined lines to produce a clearly structured exterior that has been reduced to the essentials. The new BMW X3 is 34 millimetres longer than its predecessor at 4,755 millimetres, while width has increased by 29 millimetres to 1,920 millimetres. Together with the 25?millimetre drop in vehicle height to 1,660 millimetres and the wider tracks, this produces a very powerful and sporty look.
The large BMW kidney grille in the upright front end of the new BMW X3 gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. The optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing are standard.
Standard Equipment
The new BMW X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in size for the BMW X3 20d and 30e xDrive models, and 20 inches for the BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model. A selection of 20- and 21-inch items are also available as factory-fitted options. The optional M Sport package creates an exceptionally dynamic look with features such as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and bespoke design cues for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance. The M Sport package Pro builds on this content by adding, among other things, the Iconic Glow contour lighting and M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers.
Sporty premium ambience and generous amounts of space.
The cabin of the new BMW X3 blends robust SAV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience full of individual style. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim and the new-look gear selector lever are the defining elements of the cockpit’s modern take on hallmark BMW driver-focused design. Other model-specific highlights include light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims. This new design feature is located towards the front of the driver’s and front passenger doors, where it forms a border around function buttons, ventilation controllers, air vents and the robust door openers typically found on BMW X models.
Plug-in hybrid with significantly longer electric range.
The drive system in the BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid is made up of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine partnered with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. These join forces to generate system output of up to 220 kW.
Helped by latest-generation BMW eDrive technology and adaptive recuperation, the new BMW X3 30e xDrive achieves an electric range of 81 – 90 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. Its Combined Charging Unit enables AC charging at 11 kW as standard. The plug-in-hybrid model also comes prepared for smart charging with the Connected Home Charging option.
BMW X3 M50 xDrive with standout performance qualities.
The range-topping model, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive, features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 293 kW is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 100 km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds.
This stunningly potent powertrain combines with the bespoke chassis technology to deliver a compelling blend of agility, dynamism and handling precision. M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle all come as standard, along with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. M-specific design features, the M kidney grille with horizontal bars and BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, and the quartet of exhaust tailpipes all serve to underline the status of the BMW M model as the most powerful version of the new BMW X3.
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Agility and ride comfort up their game.
All model variants of the new BMW X3 boast driving qualities offering a clearly noticeable increase in agility, cornering stability and long-distance comfort over the outgoing model. A body with lower weight but increased rigidity and the wider rear track both play a role here, as do the high-quality chassis components and control systems tuned for this specific model. Modifications to the kinematic and elastokinematic properties of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have increased precision when turning into corners, while the 19 per cent increase in the caster offset of the steering axle is a boon for straight-line stability. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation and the integrated braking system likewise form part of the standard package of chassis technology.
Verdict:
Sheer Driving Pleasure
Price
BMW X3 20d xDrive R 1,136,417.20
BMW X3 30e xDrive R 1,260,000.00
BMW X3 M50 xDrive R 1,545,446.80
Motorplan: 5 years or 100 000 kms.
