Features / 4 August 2024 / Albert du Toit

Petrol vs Diesel BMW X3 – Which model gives the best value for money

Say you have your heart set on a shiny new BMW X3 but you can’t decide on which one to get.

You can choose between the standard model or the more aggressive M Sport, as well as one running on petrol or one on diesel.

There is a world of possibilities, which only complicates the commitment.

Below, we compare the most affordable petrol and diesel X3 on the market so that you can make an informed choice when shopping around for the popular mid-size BMW.

Petrol vs Diesel

The entry-level X3 in South Africa, badged the 18d, boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel block.

One step above is the 20i which, you guessed it, is the cheapest petrol-burning X3; making use of a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol mill.

The specifications of these power units are detailed in the following table:

Model	Power	0-100km/h	Top speed	Fuel consumption	Maximum driving range
X3 sDrive 18d	110kW/350Nm	9.7 seconds	198km/h	5.2l/100km	1,308km
X3 sDrive 20i	135kW/300Nm	8.2 seconds	215km/h	7.3l/100km	890km

This comparison shows that the petrol has the diesel beat on pace and top speed by quite a noticeable margin.

Conversely, the diesel does best when it comes to fuel usage as it offers over 400km more driving range than its sibling which is sure to come in handy with minimising expensive trips to the filling station.

Both the X3 18d and 20i are equipped with the “sDrive” foundation meaning they rotate the rear wheels only. You’ll have to upgrade to one of the more expensive “xDrive” derivatives to get all-wheel drive.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard, with multiple drive modes at the pilot’s disposal in both models to tailor the SUV’s driving profile to the situation at hand.

Owners planning to use the X3 recreationally will also be glad to know it supports a 2,000kg maximum towing capacity, and ground clearance is pegged at a decent 204mm for those more demanding dirt roads leading to the campsite.

Standard vs M Sport

The base X3 is delivered with a comprehensive level of kit as can be expected from the premium German nameplate.

The standard 18d and 20i models provide adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, aluminium roof rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, push-button start, Sensatec synthetic leather upholstery, a black Sport leather steering wheel, high-gloss black interior finishes with Pearl Chrome highlights, ambient lighting, automatic climate control with rear vents, and a panoramic sunroof.

The tech-forward BMWs also bring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for monitoring drive info, alongside a 12.3-inch central infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and ConnectedDrive online services.

In addition, buyers can expect abilities such as cruise control, hill-start assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, six airbags, ABS with brake assist, and driver fatigue detection.

The Parking Assist package completes the offerings, which encompasses front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking functions.

Boot capacity for the BMW comes in at 550 litres with the rear bench up, growing to a sizeable 1,600 litres in two-seater mode.

For an extra R40,000, you can buy the X3 in the more dynamic-looking M Sport guise.

This option brings re-designed front and rear bumpers with a sportier aesthetic, a high-gloss black rear diffuser, gloss black roof rails, mirror caps in body colour, 20-inch wheels in a distinctive design, high-gloss chrome tailpipes, and M badging.

The M Sport variants also have access to two exclusive paint schemes – Brooklyn Grey metallic and M Carbon Black metallic.

The upgrades are equally plentiful inside the cabin, comprising restyled Sports seats, dark Aluminium Rhombicle finishes with Pearl Chrome highlights, an anthracite-coloured headliner, and an M-specific leather steering wheel, door sills, pedals, and driver’s footrest.

Finally, the X3 M Sport versions come with the M Sport suspension system as standard which sharpens up the SUV’s handling profile.