Features / 4 February 2024 / Michael Taylor

New Mazda CX-60 Takumi vs BMW X3 – R1-million SUV battle

The new Mazda CX-60 Takumi’s launch is right around the corner, with the brand officially announcing the vehicle’s price tag and specifications.

The flagship SUV will start at R1,049,200, making it the most expensive Mazda in the country.

For a similar price, motorists can also buy the locally-made BMW X3, where the equivalent model – the xDrive20d – retails for R1,096,894.

With only R47,694 separating these two premium vehicles, it’s interesting to take a look at how Mazda’s new flagship stacks up to a well-known favourite in South Africa.

Engine

The CX-60 sports an electric motor in combination with a 3.3-litre turbocharged diesel engine, making it one of the less common types of hybrids in South Africa, given that the vast majority use petrol.

The e-motor provides 12.4kW and 153Nm by itself, but the system as a whole is able to generate a total of 187kW and 550Nm, all while averaging 4.9l/100km on a typical fuel cycle.

It also enables the large SUV to travel from 0 to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 219km/h.

The BMW, in contrast, uses a 2.0-litre diesel powertrain, which is aided by the brand’s TwinPower turbocharger, giving it a power cap of 140kW and 400Nm.

It has the slower acceleration time at 8.0 seconds, though its top speed is nearly identical at 213km/h, and its fuel consumption works out to 5.6l/100km.

Both vehicles are all-wheel drive and use an eight-speed automatic gearbox to negotiate inputs from the drivetrain.

Features

Taking a look at what equipment can be found on each SUV, both have alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, hill assist, front and rear parking sensors, an electric tailgate, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, a digital driver display, an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronically-adjustable front seats, climate control, a wireless phone charger, and keyless start.

In terms of where they differ, the X3 is offered with a rearview camera, cruise control, artificial leather upholstery, ambient cabin lighting, Sports seats, three-zone climate control, and 12 speakers.

The range-topping CX-60, in contrast, is kitted with a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, a hands-free tailgate, genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, and a Personalization System that can save six different drivers’ profiles and adjust the seats, steering wheel, and wing mirrors to suit their height automatically.

The BMW does have the bigger boot, clocking in at 550 litres compared to the Mazda’s 477 litres.