An all-new BMW X3 was shown to the world today. The fourth generation of the popular SUV will go on sale locally towards the very end of the year. Even better news for the economy is that BMW continue to build the model right here in SA at its Rosslyn plant, just outside of Pretoria.

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Chunkier Appearance

The all-new BMW X3 is quite a departure from its predecessors in the styling department. The overall appearance is more chunky and butch. We see shades of the range-leading XM about the rear. The ‘kidney’ grilles, in particular, are reminiscent of the XM. New owners can choose the optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting that forms a continuous line around each element of the grille… if that’s your thing.

The new BMW X3 is 34 mm longer than its predecessor at 4 755. It’s 29 mm wider at 1 920 mm. A 25‑mm drop in vehicle height brings it to 1 660. As a result the newest X3 seems more hunkered down and wider, especially when compared to the first and second generations. The standard alloy size is 19 inches in diameter. Higher performance versions have 20s and there are a series 20- and 21-inch options in the catalogue.

Family Familiar

The cabin of the latest X3 is pretty familiar. It has the same general appearance of the modern crop of BMWs. There are twin screens that dominate the facia. As a result of the increased digitisation you will find very few buttons and switches in the cabin.  The new BMW iDrive is geared towards touch and voice control. It is based on BMW Operating System 9, which allows for over-the-air (OTA) updates. Standard features on the new X3 include three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation, an electric folding mechanism for the exterior mirrors and BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system.

Line-Up

BMW releases the newest X3 in three variants. The headliner is the X3 M50. It features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an X3. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit produces a maximum of 293 kW with the help of a 48V mild hybrid technology. Peak torque is rated as 580 N.m. BMW says the top-dog X3 can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds.

There are two more fuel fed X3s in the range. The first is a petrol powered version called the X3 20. Note how BMW has dropped the ‘i’ from its petrol-fed ICE cars. This 2,0-litre turbopetrol also features hybridisation. The net result is 153 kW and 330 N.m of torque. A diesel-fueled version called the X3 20d has 145 kW/400 N.m of offer. An eight-speed transmission sends power to all four wheels, regardless of the engine. There are also hybrid versions on offer, though we don’t expect to see those in SA.