Earlier in the year, AutoAdvisor reported on the facelifted BMW X3 and X4. Built in Rosslyn, the mid-sized BMW SUV has enjoyed great popularity in SA, with a number of engine options and trim choices.
The local arm of the German car maker has announced that five derivatives will be made available, kicking off with the base model X3 sDrive18d. At R895 658, it is the cheapest model available in the range. It utilises a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel motor which produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. For an additional R40 000, you can have your sDrive18d with an M Sport kit.
Next up on the list is the sDrive20i - the cheapest of only two petrol models. With a R939 798 price tag, it gets slightly more power than the 18d (135 kW) but slightly less torque (300 Nm). Like the sDrive18d, an M Sport kit is available - as an option - increasing the price to R979 799.
Following the sDrive models are the two, more powerful diesel variants with xDrive. Boasting more power than the sDrive18d (but using the same engine), the xDrive20d has 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. At R997 176, it’s the derivative we’d most likely go for - representing a good balance between value, power and economy. Like the aforementioned models, an M Sport kit is available for a further R40 000.
Sitting at the top of the range (for now, at least) is the xDrive30d M Sport and X3 M40i. The sportiest, quickest diesel in the range, the smooth 3.0-litre turbodiesel found under the bonnet of the 30d produces a healthy 210 kW and 650 Nm of torque. Available only in M Sport guise, it will set you back R1 210 764.
Until the X3 M LCI arrives, the X3 M40i remains the performance variant in the range. With a sonorous straight-six, the M40i’s three-litre turbo motor produces a healthy 265 kW and 500 Nm of torque.Being an M Performance model, it receives an assortment of M specific performance and aesthetic enhancements.
As a reminder, the updated X3 (and X4, for that matter) now ship standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. BMW has also increased the number of driver assistance safety systems, now offering a semi-autonomous system. The interior, meanwhile, has been restyled to resemble the classy cabin found in both the 3 and 4 Series.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW X3 cost in South Africa?
The BMW X3 range starts at R895,658 for the base sDrive18d and goes up to R1,210,764 for the xDrive30d M Sport, with the petrol M40i sitting somewhere in the premium bracket as the performance flagship.
Q: Which BMW X3 variant offers the best value for money?
The xDrive20d at R997,176 represents the sweet spot in the range, offering all-wheel drive, 140 kW of power, and 400 Nm of torque from the same reliable 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as the base model.
Q: Is the BMW X3 built in South Africa?
Yes, the BMW X3 is manufactured locally at BMW's Rosslyn plant, which helps keep pricing competitive and has contributed to its strong popularity in the South African market.
Q: What engine options are available in the new BMW X3?
The X3 lineup includes three engine options: a 2.0-litre turbodiesel in two power outputs (110 kW in sDrive18d, 140 kW in xDrive20d), a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 135 kW in the sDrive20i, a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 210 kW in the xDrive30d, and a 3.0-litre turbo petrol with 265 kW in the M40i.
Q: Should I get the M Sport package on the BMW X3?
The M Sport package adds R40,000 to most variants and includes aesthetic and performance enhancements that significantly improve the X3's road presence and driving dynamics, making it worthwhile if your budget allows.
Should You Buy It?
The best BMW X3 under R1,000,000 in SA is the xDrive20d at R997,176. It delivers the perfect blend of all-wheel drive capability, decent performance from its 140 kW turbodiesel, and excellent fuel economy for long-distance touring. If you're after a proper luxury SUV that can handle both the school run and weekend getaways to the coast, this is your pick. The base sDrive18d at R895,658 is tempting for budget-conscious buyers, but the extra R101,518 for xDrive and more power is money well spent. Skip the petrol sDrive20i unless you really hate diesel, and only consider the xDrive30d M Sport at R1,210,764 if you need that 210 kW punch and don't mind the premium price tag. Overall verdict: yes, buy the xDrive20d, it's brilliant.
