Petrol Power Meets Mild-Hybrid Efficiency

The BMW X3 20 Pure Design features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid technology. This powertrain delivers 148kW between 4,400 and 6,500 rpm, with 335Nm of torque available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

Performance figures include a top speed of 218km/h and average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km. The mild-hybrid system improves efficiency by recovering energy during braking and providing electrical assistance during acceleration.

Pure Design Philosophy: Premium Features at Accessible Pricing

Building on BMW’s Pure Design specification introduced in the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé, the X3 20 Pure Design combines authentic BMW styling with advanced technology. The variant is positioned to attract value-conscious customers who refuse to compromise on luxury.

Standard exterior features include the distinctive BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, 19-inch wheels with run-flat tyres, LED headlights, and a panoramic glass roof. Aluminium satin-finished accents throughout the vehicle enhance its premium appearance.

Luxurious Interior Appointments

Inside, the BMW X3 20 Pure Design showcases a wraparound cabin design with electrically adjustable sport seats finished in either black or espresso brown Veganza synthetic leather. The BMW Interaction Bar provides ambient interior lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all occupants.

Technology highlights include a curved touchscreen running BMW Operating System 9, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman/Kardon surround sound system. Comfort Access keyless entry adds convenience to daily use.

Advanced Driver Assistance and Practicality

Safety and convenience are prioritized through driver assistance technologies including Park Assist and Driving Assist. These systems help drivers navigate tight spaces and maintain safe distances on highways.

Practicality is enhanced by a fully electrically operated tow hitch and generous luggage capacity ranging from 570 to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded. This versatility makes the X3 20 Pure Design suitable for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.

Comprehensive Ownership Package

BMW Financial Services South Africa supports the X3 20 Pure Design with tailored finance solutions and ownership packages. Customers can choose flexible finance or lease options customized to individual budgets and preferences.

The ownership experience includes comprehensive Motorplan coverage for service and maintenance, access to BMW’s nationwide retailer network, and BMW On Call providing 24-hour roadside assistance. These benefits ensure peace of mind throughout the ownership journey.

Strategic Market Positioning

Jean-Francois Bidard, Head of Product Management at BMW South Africa, explained the rationale behind the new variant: “The BMW X3 20 Pure Design is a strategic addition to our line-up. We want to ensure we have a petrol offer that is attractive alongside the dominant BMW X3 20d M Sport derivative to cater to a range of customers.”

He added that the model reflects BMW’s commitment to evolving the Rosslyn-built X3 portfolio while responding to market demand in the premium segment.

Expanding the X3 Lineup

The BMW X3 20 Pure Design joins the existing X3 range, which includes the X3 20d diesel, X3 30e plug-in hybrid, and performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive. This expanded lineup ensures BMW can meet diverse customer preferences for fuel type and performance levels.

All X3 models are manufactured at BMW’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, showcasing South African automotive manufacturing excellence.

Availability and Test Drives

The BMW X3 20 Pure Design is now available at BMW retailers nationwide. Interested customers can visit www.bmw.co.za for more information or to book a test drive.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 48V mild-hybrid
• Power: 148kW (4,400-6,500 rpm)
• Torque: 335Nm (1,500-4,000 rpm)
• Top Speed: 218km/h
• Fuel Consumption: 7.5 l/100km (average)
• Luggage Capacity: 570-1,700 litres
• Price: R1,107,760 (incl. VAT and CO₂ tax)

Exterior Enhancements

The M Performance parts for the X3 focus on enhancing its exterior appearance and aerodynamic efficiency. The new front splitter, available for the first time on this model, complements the M Sport Package and adds a more aggressive stance. The side decals, made from durable and weather-resistant material, further emphasize the vehicle’s sporty character. Carbon fuel filler caps and exterior mirror caps provide additional visual flair.

For the rear, BMW offers a rear diffuser and roof edge spoiler, both designed to improve aerodynamics and enhance the X3’s rear profile. The M Performance tailpipe trims, available exclusively for the X3 M50 xDrive, add a distinctive touch and signal the vehicle’s powerful performance.

Interior Upgrades

The interior of the X3 can also be customized with M Performance parts. Carbon door sills, aluminum door sill trims, and floor mats with embroidered M Performance lettering add a touch of luxury and sportiness. The M Performance pedal covers and locking button further enhance the driver’s experience.

Performance and Style

The M Performance parts for the X3 are more than just cosmetic upgrades. They are designed to enhance the vehicle’s performance and handling. The aerodynamic components improve airflow and reduce drag, while the lightweight materials contribute to better acceleration and fuel efficiency.

According to BMW, the new BMW X3 goes on sale in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2024, while the BMW M Performance Parts will be available from the first quarter of 2025.

The multiday tours offers BMW customers an unforgettable experience in BMW X3s that are built at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in South Africa.The Namibia tour in particular is an eight-day tour offered to a maximum of 12 participants per group. The package includes a 1,300 kilometre route covering some of the breath-taking countryside, spectacular wildlife from Windhoek to the Atlantic Ocean, unique driving experience on the most exclusive tracks, active driving exploration of the magnificent dunes of the Namib desert, a visit to an indigenous village and historic cave paintings as well as a variety of culinary delights.

These BMW X3 xDrive30ds in question are fitted with special off-road features developed by BMW Driving Experience. Enhancements to the vehicle include raised overall ride height by almost 50mm to improve clearance, full aluminium underbody protection with increased departure angle, larger all-terrain tyres for added grip and durability (available for customers to order at any BMW Dealer), pre-air filter with protective mesh grille to prevent desert sand from entering the engine, and full sized spare wheel firmly fixed in the luggage compartment.

Pricing for the Namibia tour will set you back a starting R75 000 while you’ll have to fork out another R30 000 for a South African tour alone which begins at the foot of Table Mountain.

Now in its third generation, BMW‘s midsize SUV promises more luxury, more technology, and – for the first time in the X3 line-up – an M Performance version. Compared to the old X3, the new SUV gets bolder, chunkier styling.

That starts out with the same short overhangs front and rear, but a new hexagonal grille design, optional LED lighting, and twin tailpipes. 18-inch light-alloy wheels are now standard, up to 17-inches on the old car, and up to 21-inch versions are on offer. Weight is down by more than 54kg, and the aerodynamics have been improved to a class-leading Cd of 0.29.

BMW is splitting the 2018 X3 range into three, including xLine, M Sport, and finally a new Luxury Line trim. The former gets matte aluminum trim on the exterior, and Glacier Silver underbody protection front and rear. Inside, there are sports seats with xLine-exclusive cloth and leather trim. In the Luxury Line, meanwhile, the chrome on the exterior goes glossy, and there’s bi-color underbody protection and different wheels. Inside, dark wood trim, different seats, and new instrumentation feature.

Finally, the M Sport package throws in a distinctive bodykit, wheels, and special brakes and suspension. The interior has aluminum trim, and there are M Sport seats with black leather and blue contrast stitching. An M multifunction steering wheel is also fitted.

As for engines, BMW is planning five versions – two diesel, three gasoline – though not necessarily in every geography. They’ll range from 184 HP to 360 HP, all with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission fitted as standard. All-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive will be offered, and the 2018 BMW X3 M40i will sit at the top of the range.

Like other recent BMW models, there’s plenty of technology trickling down from the 7 Series. Active Cruise Control and Driving Assistant Plus are options, including steering and lane-keep assistance, the Lane Change Assistant, and other semi-autonomous features. BMW Connected keeps the 2018 X3 hooked into the cloud, including control over the car’s basic features from phones and wearables. The BMW Display Key, with its tiny embedded touchscreen, is an option, and can be used to control auxiliary features like preheating the seats.

The dashboard gets gesture control, just as we saw in the recent BMW 5 Series, and there’s optional voice control and a head-up display. BMW’s 12.3-inch digital instrumentation screen is another option, as is three-zone climate control and ambient lighting; a 10.2-inch infotainment screen atop the center stack is standard. More practically, the trunk is 550 liters and can be expanded to 1,600 liters with the power-folding 40/20/40-split rear bench. An underfloor compartment under the trunk is also fitted.

Pricing and final specs for Mzansi will be announced later in 2017.