New X3 is out with considerable clout
THE BMW X3 was the car that launched the midsize SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) segment in 2003. Since then, BMW has recorded more than 1.5 million new registrations of the X3 across the two model generations so far. And now the new BMW X3 is set to write the next chapter in this success story with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet also efficient drive systems and luxurious appointments.
It was available in South Africa from November 2017 and is being built at BMW Plant Rosslyn. The third generation of the BMW X3 follows in its predecessors’ tyre tracks by combining rugged off-road looks with a sporting presence.
There are both petrol and diesel engines for the discerning buyer. Top of the range is the X3M40i, which has a 6 cylinder in-line petrol engine with an 8-speed steptronic transmission.
Acceleration is powerful at 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h.
In addition to the X3M40i, there are many models to choose from, namely the xDrive 30i, xDrive 20i (from October 2018 onwards), sDrive 20i, xDrive 30d and xDrive 20d.
The all new BMW X3 elevates the already bold design language of its predecessor to new, even more eye-catching territory.
The third generation of the pioneering premium midsize Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with sporting presence.
The exterior design of the X3 may be largely unchanged but its five centimetre longer-wheelbase, long bonnet and extremely short front overhang with even more finely balanced proportions – which emphasise the perfect 50-50 weight distribution between the front and the rear axle – give it the edge over its predecessor.
At the front end, the chunky “three dimensional” kidney grille treatment and fog-lamps featuring hexagonal design for the first time on a BMW X model underline the confident character of the new BMW X3.
Moving to the rear, the light clusters (whose three dimensional look in optional full LED guise give them considerable visual impact), markedly downward/sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes bring matters to a suitably muscular conclusion.
Three trim variants adapt the visual character of the new BMW X3 to tie in even more closely with the customer’s personal taste.
For example, the X line model – with radiator grille and other exterior details in aluminium satinated and specifically designed light-alloy wheels – emphasises the robustness of the Sports Activity Vehicle.
The BMW X3 is now also available in luxury line trim, the chrome radiator grille bars of which, two tone under body protection and classically designed light alloy wheels shine an even brighter spotlight on the elegance of the exterior design.
The M Sport model focuses its attentions on the dynamic gifts of the new BMW X3 with M aero-dynamic features, a sports braking system, highlighted by blue-painted callipers, a particularly dramatic wheel design and the optional exterior paint shade pythonic blue.
And the new BMW X3 can now also be specified with BMW individual features such as the exclusive Suntone metallic exterior paint finish.
The interior of the new BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver focused and ergonomically organised cock-pit layout and carries over many aspects of the cars exterior design.
Evidence of the attention to details lavished by the designers on the interior of the new BMW X3 includes the BMW X logo, which re-occurs frequently in different forms.
The optional combination of contour lighting above the trim strip in the instrument panel and ambient lighting, which directs a soft stream of light downwards from below the accent strip, bathes the interior in an extremely classy and relaxing ambience.
In darkness, the central monitor appears to be literally floating above the instrument panel. Customers can choose from 6 colour tones (orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white) in its basic specifications. The new BMW X3 now rides on 18 inch light alloy wheels, while wheels up to 21 inch in diameter are available.
This SAV boasts the same off-road skills as it’s predecessor. The high ground clearance of 204mm helps to insure unhindered progress, not only when travelling a long rutted gravel or sand-tracks, over churned-up ground, but also in a city centre with high speed bumps.
I recently put the X3 through its paces and the handling of the vehicle from the cockpit at various speeds and road terrains was just remarkable.
These dynamic handling qualities of the SAV are rooted in its ideal 50-50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the X Drive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
When they say “sheer driving pleasure”, they mean exactly that.