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BMW’s R4.2-billion investment in South Africa pays off

BMW’s R4.2-billion investment in South Africa has finally paid off, as the brand recently kicked off production of the next-generation X3.

The company fired up the assembly line for the new SUV at its Rosslyn Plant in Pretoria on 1 October 2024, marking the start of a major new chapter for the blue-and-white badge in our borders.

A world-leading facility

BMW has been manufacturing the third-gen X3 in South Africa since 2018 when it made the shift away from the 3 Series sedan in response to growing global demand for SUVs.

The transition required a R6-billion investment to convert the assembly lines for the new body type, but it was well worth it in the end, as BMW South Africa managed to create a staggering 403,114 units of the previous X3 between 2018 and 2024.

During this time, the Munich-based automaker invested an additional R4.2 billion in preparation for the fourth-generation X3, which is scheduled to go on sale around the world before the end of this year.

The multi-billion-rand injection was necessary for the enhanced technologies of the new variant which includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain for the very first time.

What’s more, Rosslyn is the only plant in the company’s global production network that has been upgraded to produce the PHEV, making it an incredibly valuable asset for BMW’s future operations.

BMW Rosslyn staff with the next-gen X3.

“Gearing up BMW Group Plant Rosslyn to manufacture the electrified BMW X3 is a significant step to future-proof the facility in the global BMW Group production network,” said the company’s local division.

This investment towards the future has helped secure jobs not just at the factory itself, but also across the local supply chain and retail network which is estimated to employ over 50,000 people both directly and indirectly.

The carmaker is also committed to skills development with a plant-wide training programme educating its staff on the intricacies of the next-gen X3.

“We have finally arrived at the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3. We have eagerly awaited and prepared for this and I am thrilled that we can begin this next chapter of the successful BMW X3 story here in South Africa,” said BMW Group South Africa Plant Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly and diligently to meet every milestone to this point. This moment encapsulates their commitment to providing a world-class product from South Africa for the world.”

The model of the hour

The new BMW X3 will go on sale in South Africa in the final quarter of 2024 with five different models available at launch.

Prices for the premium vehicle will start at R1,136,417 and rise up to R1,545,446 for the flagship unit.

It has access to three different engines, including the all-important PHEV system exclusively manufactured in South Africa.

The two non-electrified drivetrains consist of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel block with 145kW and 400Nm, and a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol mill with a substantial 280kW and 540Nm.

The PHEV units, meanwhile, combine a 2.0-litre petrol plant with an electric motor, generating a combined 220kW and 450Nm.

The e-motor is hooked up to a 17.9kWh battery allowing the SUV to travel on nothing but electricity for 90km thanks to the partial electrification it reports a combined fuel usage of 1.1l/100km when both power sources are working together optimally, and 7.9l/100km with only the combustion engine going.

The plug-in hybrid X3 is only the start of BMW’s electrification plans in South Africa, as the automaker is investigating the possibility of introducing the all-electric iX3 further down the line.

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