The new BMW X3 has officially made its global premiere. However, not only has the Munich-based automaker finally revealed details about the fourth generation; what’s more, the South African arm of the Bavarian brand has announced which models we will get on local shores once the latest iteration of its premium-midsize SUV (or SAV — sports activity vehicle — in BMW speak) is launched here near the end of 2024.
When will the new BMW X3 launch in South Africa?
The new BMW X3’s will be launched in SA in the fourth quarter of 2024, the same time BMW SA will start producing the locally-built SUV at its Rosslyn-based assembly plant, which, for the very first time, will produce an electrified version of the premium-midsize SUV.
New BMW X3 model line-up
The line-up will comprise a quartet of derivatives. Before we continue, it is worth noting that some of the variants’ have been handed some minor changes to their model denominations. For example, the “i”, which indicates the X3 20i xDrive is petrol-powered has been ditched. However, “d” is still placed behind the diesel model’s moniker.
Starting with the 20 xDrive, this model employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol, which produces 153 kW and 330 N.m of torque for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h. BMW says this powertrain sips, on average, 6.9 L/100 km.
The 20d xDrive’s 2.0-litre, turbo-four oil-burner churns out 145 kW and 400 N.m (available from a lowly 1 500 r/min), which, the firm says, allow the sole diesel derivative to dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, before topping out at the same speed as its 20 xDrive sibling. The claimed fuel consumption is 5.8 L/100 km.
The X3 30e xDrive employs a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The petrol-electric unit comprises a 2.0-litre petrol-four and electric motor for combined power and torque outputs of 220 kW and 450 N.m. This model accelerates to the three-figure marker from a standstill and tops out at 6.2 seconds and 215 km/h, respectively. The claimed fuel consumption of the PHEV arrangement is 0.9-1.1 L/100 km when fully charged and 7.2 L/100 km when the batter is depleted and the SUV is running on its internal combustion engine alone.
The current range-topping model (before the new X3 M Competition makes its arrival) comes in the shape of the M50 xDrive, which boasts a 293 kW/580 N.m 3.0-litre inline-six. According to BMW, this model completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 250 km/h. BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km.
