FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW X3 Rugged Under Consideration for SA
The BMW X3 Rugged has not yet been greenlit for production, but BMW SA reckons there’s appetite for an adventure-ready X3. Here’s what we know so far.
At the recent media launch of the G45-generation BMW X3, the brand took the opportunity to show off an accessorised X3 that features all-terrain tyres, a towbar-mounted bicycle rack and a BMW-branded roofrack. Unfortunately, we only got to see the vehicle after sunset and the available lighting was poor.
Right now, we understand that nothing has been confirmed for production and the vehicle we saw was just a working concept to be shown to the attending media to gauge reaction. There was mention of paint protective film (PPF) being fitted to help prevent scratches from bushes, commonly known in the offroading circles as ‘bush rash’.
While the M Sport trim level is the most popular by volume in our market, we reckon there could be some appetite for a derivative that loses the sporty suspension in favour of something more gravel-biased.
However, our team was able to conjure up a render, giving you an idea of what a BMW X3 Rugged could look like. The concept is simple, give the G45 X3 a bit more capability in off-tar scenarios. Currently the CLAR platform in X3 application doesn’t make provision for air suspension, which would allow the ride height to be increased.
Officially, BMW claims 216 mm based on its technical documentation, but visually it looks a lot lower. All derivatives feature all-wheel drive, tagged as xDrive and automatic transmissions – a useful combination when it comes to gravel, sand and snow scenarios. We don’t think BMW needs to add anything mechanically other than a slight suspension raise and bash plates to protect the vulnerable mechanicals like the sump.
The BMW X3 Rugged has not yet been greenlit for production, but BMW SA reckons there’s appetite for an adventure-ready X3. Here’s what we know so far.
At the recent media launch of the G45-generation BMW X3, the brand took the opportunity to show off an accessorised X3 that features all-terrain tyres, a towbar-mounted bicycle rack and a BMW-branded roofrack. Unfortunately, we only got to see the vehicle after sunset and the available lighting was poor.
Right now, we understand that nothing has been confirmed for production and the vehicle we saw was just a working concept to be shown to the attending media to gauge reaction. There was mention of paint protective film (PPF) being fitted to help prevent scratches from bushes, commonly known in the offroading circles as ‘bush rash’.
While the M Sport trim level is the most popular by volume in our market, we reckon there could be some appetite for a derivative that loses the sporty suspension in favour of something more gravel-biased.
However, our team was able to conjure up a render, giving you an idea of what a BMW X3 Rugged could look like. The concept is simple, give the G45 X3 a bit more capability in off-tar scenarios. Currently the CLAR platform in X3 application doesn’t make provision for air suspension, which would allow the ride height to be increased.
Officially, BMW claims 216 mm based on its technical documentation, but visually it looks a lot lower. All derivatives feature all-wheel drive, tagged as xDrive and automatic transmissions – a useful combination when it comes to gravel, sand and snow scenarios. We don’t think BMW needs to add anything mechanically other than a slight suspension raise and bash plates to protect the vulnerable mechanicals like the sump.
