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Jeff Moloi
It’s no wonder really that the BMW X3 is SA’s Car of the Year. In fact, it’s the Car of the Year in many European countries, adding credence to everything about this absolute winner from the German marque. Plenty of updates from head to tail light and interior too. Well, everything about this 4th Gen BMW X3 is impressive.
Appealing good looks that you cannot ignore, a visual presence, sleek and sporty exterior lines, a very welcoming interior, plenty of space inside and even more in the boot. And then there’s that flowing screen for all you will need when driving this tamed beast. Boasting greater sporting appeal, visual impact and versatility than ever, the new BMW X3 assumes the mantle of talented all-rounder for everyday use, leisure activities and trips away in the brand’s core segment.
Pic Naresh Maharaj
The M50, that I recently had on test, is a different ‘beast’. Fire the ignition, engage it in Sports Plus mode and off she goes in a hurry, with that deep growl emanating from the twin pipes. I’ve said it before and will say it again: Those deep tones from the tailpipes, together with those turbo blips, is music to my ears.
SAVy
A new design language gives the fourth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the premium midsize segment much enhanced exterior presence and an aura of dynamic grace. High-quality materials, a far more generous standard specification, advanced digitalisation and the new BMW iDrive. Sheer Driving Pleasure, safety and long-distance comfort in the new BMW X3 also all benefit from the exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup. During a test drive to the South Coast of KZN, the drive was just typical BMW.
Sporty with loads of space.
The cabin of the new BMW X3 blends robust SAV functionality with ample spaciousness and a premium ambience full of individual style. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, steering wheels with a flat-bottomed rim and the new-look gear selector lever are the defining elements of the cockpit’s modern take on hallmark BMW driver-focused design. Other model-specific highlights include light elements in a contrasting colour in the centre console and door trims.
M50 xDrive with standout performance qualities.
The range-topping model, the new BMW X3 M50 xDrive, features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 293 kW is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 100 km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds.
This stunningly potent powertrain combines with the bespoke chassis technology to deliver a compelling blend of agility, dynamism and handling precision. M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle all come as standard, along with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. M-specific design features, the M kidney grille with horizontal bars and BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, and the quartet of exhaust tailpipes all serve to underline the status of the BMW M model as the most powerful version of the new BMW X3.
New Exterior Design
A new design language for the exterior helps to give the fourth generation of the BMW X3 an almost monolithic overall appearance with distinctive BMW X model proportions. Generously proportioned surfaces combine with just a few, crisply defined lines to produce a clearly structured exterior that has been reduced to the essentials.
Pic Naresh maharaj
The large BMW kidney grille in the upright front end of the new BMW X3 gives off an air of assured presence. A new structure for the grille interior, comprising vertically and diagonally arranged bars, adds a fresh touch. The optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting forms a continuous line around each element of the grille. The daytime driving lights, side lights and turn signal indicators in the LED headlights are now all produced by L-shaped, overlapping light sources. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light and cornering light functions, plus blue design detailing are standard.
Standard Equipment
The new BMW X3 is equipped as standard with light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in size for the BMW X3 20d and 30e xDrive models, and 20 inches for the BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model. A selection of 20- and 21-inch items are also available as factory-fitted options. The optional M Sport package creates an exceptionally dynamic look with features such as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and bespoke design cues for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance. The M Sport Package Pro builds on this content by adding, among other things, the Iconic Glow contour lighting and M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers.
Verdict:
Sheer Driving Pleasure. Period.
Price
BMW X3 M50 xDrive R 1,545,446.80
Motorplan: 5 years or 100 000 kms.
