BMW recently updated the X3 range, with the new South African starting price for this SUV coming in at just under R900,000.
This buys you the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive X3 sDrive 18d.
Despite this update only being an inter-generational refresh for the vehicle, the exterior design, engine options, and equipment list were noticeably overhauled.
Below, we see what you get when spending your money on this modern BMW SUV.
New looks
The new BMW X3 is easily differentiable from the model it is replacing, thanks to targeted changes on the exterior design.
At the front, it features a larger kidney grille that is finished in matte aluminium in the base trim, as well as a redesigned bumper with slimmer headlights.
From the sides, it remains nearly identical to the outgoing variant, whereas the rear-end became the recipient of a new diffuser and taillights.
As standard, the base specification sits on 18-inch V-spoke wheels, comes with LED matrix lights, and sees matte aluminium detailing around the exterior.
New features
Moving inside, the X3 is fitted with the centre console of the current 4 Series, with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus infotainment system now installed across the range.
This adds a 5.1-inch display in the gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display – up from 8.8 inches – on the dash, and support for BMW Maps, an integrated voice assistant, over-the-air software updates, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Furthermore, the base trim offers front sport seats, a Sensatec artificial leather upholstery, a leather multifunction steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and up to 550 litres of cargo space in five-seater mode.
The X3 sports a range of safety systems alongside its 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating, too.
These comprise all-round parking sensors, dynamic traction control, ABS with brake assist, and six airbags.
New engine
The X3 sDrive 18d is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The motor produces 110kW and 350Nm, and is accompanied by a 48-volt starter generator that provides up to 8kW of instantaneous electric boost.
The diesel-hybrid setup allows a 0-100km/h sprint of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 198km/h, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 9.1l/100km.
Price
The BMW X3 sDrive 18d has a South African starting price of R895,658 – which includes a 5-year/100,000km BMW Motorplan.
The new SUV is built at the company’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, and will go on sale from 1 October 2021.
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