New Models / 13 June 2025 / Michael Taylor

More affordable BMW X3 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

BMW has quietly launched a new entry-level model for the popular X3 SUV in South Africa.

Since its initial debut, the X3 has been offered with one of three engines, all of which are paired to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

However, the German carmaker has now added a rear-wheel-drive model to the range, complete with a new petrol engine.

The newcomer, which simply goes by the designation “20,” is available in either Standard or M Sport formats, with prices starting at R1,047,760, according to our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists.

This makes it R88,657 cheaper than the previous starter model – the 20d – which starts at R1,136,417.

Engine

The new X3 20 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, which produces 148kW and 310Nm.

This is enough to let the SUV accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 218km/h.

As mentioned, the 20 is the only model in the range to be rear-wheel-drive, as all the other X3 units are fitted with the xDrive system.

However, it retains the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as the others, which contributes towards an average fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.

To put this in perspective, the 20d models, which use a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel plant, generate 145kW and 400Nm.

The added power means the diesel X3 can sprint to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds while achieving a lower fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km.

The range also features the 30e, a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor, which puts out 220kW and 450Nm while being able to travel 90km on just the battery.

There’s also the range-topping M50 performance option, which is fitted with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol mill good for 293kW and 580Nm.

This version of the BMW has a higher top speed of 250km/h and can race to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

Features

The new X3 units have a similar spec sheet to their diesel counterparts, which means buyers can expect things like automatic LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the brand’s signature kidney grille.

The interior sports a 14-inch curved dual display for the driver and infotainment screens, which run on BMW’s latest 8.5 operating system.

It also comes with a flat-bottom leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, keyless entry and start, voice commands, onboard navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Driver assistance functions, meanwhile, include cruise control, front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-change warning, speed limit info, speed limit assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.

The optional M Sport package will then add cosmetics and features like an illuminated kidney grille, M Sport suspension and brakes, and an M Sport steering wheel.