BMW updates X3 with more aggression and substance

The BMW X3 is, without wanting to sound like a stuck record, not only an important model for Munich locally, but probably also the best representation of progression throughout the years.

Learn from the past

It is an open secret that the original X3 was not one of BMW’s finest moments in spite of the marque having by then established itself in the SUV realm with the X5.

Using the same underpinnings as the E90 3 Series Touring, the X3’s mini X5 attire was not to everyone’s taste. Digs were taken at its cost-cutting interior, lack of off-road prowess and perhaps the most common, an unforgiving ride.

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Time, as they say, heals and together with advancements in a number of fields, the current G01 generation X3 is a world removed from its two generations ago predecessor as it has become one of BMW’s most popular models.

Improvement of a locally made favourite

Of the 1.5-millon units made prior to the G01’s release, 200 000 have emerged from the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria where the X3 replaced the 3 Series in 2018. It is a milestone considering current world developments and the growing premium compact SUV segment as a whole.

After its world debut in June, the revised X3 officially touched down in South Africa this week with the only way fully experience it being a road trip from Johannesburg to the Pilanesburg National Park.

What’s new?

In a turnaround from BMW’s current styling direction, the prominent exterior changes to the X3 exclude the much-lamented oversize grille of the 4 Series and 7 Series, though it does it sport a wider, now single-piece kidney design.

A design revision that plays in its favour though, the grille is complimented by redesigned standard adaptive LED or optional Matrix LED headlights, a new skidplate and updated bumper.

Down the side, the satin silver cladding adorns the door sills with the rear facia sporting more aggressive looking LED light clusters, the same skidplate and new exhaust outlets integrated into the equally new bumper. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 21-inches.

Interior now aLive

Compared to the exterior, the X3’s interior changes are comparatively minor with the biggest being a new centre console. The main difference from the previous model though is the standard inclusion of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system.

No longer an option, the setup applies to every single X3 and consists of the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Still optional though is the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, a Heads-Up Display and tri-zone climate control.

On the road

Although the line-up comprises a total of eight models, only two were made available for the nation’s media to drive; the top-selling xDrive20d in M Sport guise, and, until the arrival of the M Competition, the flagship M40i.

The first leg of the journey to the stunning Shephard’s Tree Game Reserve in the Pilanesberg took place behind the wheel of the xDrive20d. This derivative now comes standard with the all-paw gripping system and, as with every other model, the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox.

Despite the now filthy reputation associated with oil-burners, the 20d showcased its talents in quite impressive form on the 213 km trek to our overnight spot.

Developing an unchanged 140kW/400Nm, the engine was both quiet and refined at the national limit, though tended to need a single cog drop when overtaking. Doing this also resulted in some diesel clatter being audible.

Admittedly no ball of fire compared to the M40i, it does provide the X3 with enough shove while at the same time gelling well with the Steptronic ‘box.

Although most of the journey was conducted on tar, a small section did involve gravel, a deviation the X3 feels rather uncomfortable with.

While planted on the loose stuff, the optional 19-inch wheels, which made for a compliant and relatively smooth ride on tar, didn’t respond so well as the suspension tended to “hit through” that resulted in a few heart-in-the-mouth moments.

The biggest point of content though centred on some of the interior plastics which felt cheap to the touch and clunky, aspects unforgiveable given the M Sport’s R1 037 176 price tag.

At the other end of the scale, the leg back to the Big Smoke in the M40i came with a lot more surprises, the biggest being the reworked B57 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine.

While still punching out 500 Nm of torque, power output has been upped from 265 kW to 285 kW. It is a tune-up that shows from the get-go as the M40i responds with immediacy and little lag the moment the throttle is mashed to the floor.

Accompanied by an aural pleasing straight-six soundtrack, the rate of acceleration is relentless in any gear with a further boon being the quick-to-respond steering.

Like the 20d though, the M40i’s ride is comprised on anything but smooth surfaces, largely as a result of the 21-inch M Sport alloys. More bizarrely though, switching between Comfort and Sport modes resulted in the opposite effects of what both supposedly represent with progress and response being better in the former and delayed in the latter.

Conclusion

As much as the quality of the materials disappoint, it is an aspect unlikely to deter most South Africans from the facelift BMW X3.

While already accomplished as a package, especially in xDrive 20d form, the inclusion of the mentioned Live Cockpit system effectively puts the cherry on top of the cake as it no longer requires buyers to fork out more than the list price. Coupled with the BMW badge and the brand’s reputation, the X3 is likely to remain a winner once again.

Pricing

Standard across the range is a five year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.

• X3 sDrive 18d – R895 658
• X3 sDrive 18d M Sport – R935 658
• X3 xDrive 20d – R997 176
• X3 xDrive 20d M Sport – R1 037 176
• X3 sDrive 20i – R939 738
• X3 sDrive 20i M Sport – R979 798
• X3 xDrive 30d M Sport – R1 210 764
• X3 M40i – R1 415 042

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