Back in 2018, BMW South Africa opted to end production of the popular 3-series sedan and instead started manufacturing their Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the X3, at the Rosslyn plant, just outside Pretoria. At that stage over 1 million 3-series sedans had rolled off the line. Since then the Rosslyn plant has completed over 200,000 X3s, with the models from the 27th of August being the new 2022 model. At a media event earlier this week, we had a chance to drive two of the available models, the xDrive 20d and the M40i.
This time around, BMW sought to bring a sportier look and digital feel to the X3 while keeping the shape and practicality that people have come to know, love and expect. They’ve managed to do that somewhat on the outside with this facelift but the interior still feels older than it should.
The more things change the more they stay the same
As you’d expect from a vehicle facelift, you’ll find a number of cosmetic changes to both the inside and outside. The most noticeable being the redesigned front kidney grille, sharper headlights and newer looking front and rear bumpers. Around the back, the taillights have taken on a horizontal design and the tailpipes have a few angles to them.
Internally, not all that much has changed. The biggest difference is the new 12.3in touch display and the sport seats that comes standard with all vehicles. You also get automatic 3-zone climate control, which is cool.
On that 12.3in display, now called the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, you’ll find navigating through the various menus a much smoother experience. A welcome surprise, because one of the most overlooked aspects in newer cars is the infotainment system. Cellphone connectivity is available through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The gauge cluster received the same treatment. Out with the gauges and in with another screen. This one is split up into a few zones. Among the speedometer and tachometer, you can cycle through things like your navigation route, a summary of the directions of your trip or what you’re listening to. If you opt for the heads up display, your Google Map directions will be displayed there as well. You’ll have to keep reminding yourself you’re not playing Need for Speed.
Engine specs and models
The new X3 is available in 5 different turbocharged engine flavours. The three diesel options include the 2.0L 110kW xDrive 18d, the 2.0L 140kW xDrive 20d and the 3.0L 195kW xDrive30d. If you’d prefer not to kill the planet as quickly, the petrol options are the 2.0L 135kW sDrive20i and the 3.0L 285kW M40i. All models come with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox as standard. If it’s your style, the M Sport package is available to the xDrive 20i and 20d models. That’ll get you the little ‘M’ badge everywhere and sporty looking bells and whistles like painted brake callipers. As a side note and for those who aren’t familiar, the difference between the sDrive and xDrive models is that the sDrive features rear-wheel drive while the xDrive models offer all-wheel drive.
During the media event, Stuff had a chance to drive the xDrive 20d M Sport and the M40i M Performance with both vehicles providing a similar driving experience while in comfort mode. Slipping them into sport mode is a different story. The xDrive 20d’s sport mode performance is nothing to scoff at but it pales in comparison to the M40i, as it should at nearly R500,000 more. Whether that’s worth it is debatable and up to you.
The BMW X3 2022 range is available from October 2021. You’ve got five turbocharged engines to choose from, two petrol and three diesel. Starting with the sDrive 18d with a 110kW 350Nm 2.0L diesel engine maxing out with the M40i and its 285kW 500Nm 3.0L petrol engine.
The sDrive 18d starts at R895,660 while the M40i starts at an eye-watering R1,415,040.
