FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carwow review
[video=youtube_share;JFjupgX3Cnc]https://youtu.be/JFjupgX3Cnc[/video]
[video=youtube_share;JFjupgX3Cnc]https://youtu.be/JFjupgX3Cnc[/video]
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The BMW X3 Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Say hello to the new (quad-turbo!) BMW Alpina XD3...
Do you like the look of the BMW X3 xDrive30d but crave a little more grunt? Well, famed German tuner Alpina has the answer … and it’s called the Alpina XD3.
Set to make its public debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the quad-turbo (yes, four of them!) BMW Alpina XD3 has been tuned to deliver 285 kW and 770 N.m from its 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesel heart. Interestingly, this configuration will be offered in left-hand drive only, with right-hand-drive Alpina markets using a less powerful, twin-turbo set-up instead.
In its most powerful form, the XD3 is 90 kW and a full 150 N.m better off than the Munich-based brand’s standard X3 xDrive30d derivative, and quite a bit punchier than the new M40d (240 kW and 680 N.m) powertrain introduced in the recently unveiled second-generation X4, too.
The result is a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of just 4,6 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h, along with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9,0 L/100 km under the new, more stringent Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
Alpina has also made some alterations to the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and added its own sports suspension, complete with electronically adjustable dampers and an active rear limited slip differential. Fresh front and rear bumpers (the latter framing quad-exhausts) have been added, too.
Furthermore, the cabin has gained a handful of fairly subtle updates, while Alpina Classic 20-inch alloys with lockable wheel covers and concealed air valves come standard (22-inch items are optional).
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/say-hello-to-the-new-quad-turbo-bmw-alpina-xd3/
Do you like the look of the BMW X3 xDrive30d but crave a little more grunt? Well, famed German tuner Alpina has the answer … and it’s called the Alpina XD3.
Set to make its public debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the quad-turbo (yes, four of them!) BMW Alpina XD3 has been tuned to deliver 285 kW and 770 N.m from its 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesel heart. Interestingly, this configuration will be offered in left-hand drive only, with right-hand-drive Alpina markets using a less powerful, twin-turbo set-up instead.
In its most powerful form, the XD3 is 90 kW and a full 150 N.m better off than the Munich-based brand’s standard X3 xDrive30d derivative, and quite a bit punchier than the new M40d (240 kW and 680 N.m) powertrain introduced in the recently unveiled second-generation X4, too.
The result is a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of just 4,6 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h, along with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9,0 L/100 km under the new, more stringent Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
Alpina has also made some alterations to the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and added its own sports suspension, complete with electronically adjustable dampers and an active rear limited slip differential. Fresh front and rear bumpers (the latter framing quad-exhausts) have been added, too.
Furthermore, the cabin has gained a handful of fairly subtle updates, while Alpina Classic 20-inch alloys with lockable wheel covers and concealed air valves come standard (22-inch items are optional).
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/say-hello-to-the-new-quad-turbo-bmw-alpina-xd3/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Cars.co.za review
[video=youtube_share;5vIeeXi3YtY]https://youtu.be/5vIeeXi3YtY[/video]
[video=youtube_share;5vIeeXi3YtY]https://youtu.be/5vIeeXi3YtY[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW iX3 to introduce brand's fifth-gen EV power in 2020
Electric X3 will feature a new all-wheel drive powertrain; following i models will utilise different forms of its setup
BMW will introduce its most advanced electric powertrain technology yet to the road in 2020 when a zero-emission version of the X3 is launched.
Set to be called the iX3, it’ll arrive as part of the fourth-generation X3 range and be the first car to get all-new zero-emission underpinnings that are being developed for use in all of BMW’s next-generation EVs.
Spy photographers have caught a test mule for the i3X testing in Scandinavia where the range of its battery pack is being evaluated in conditions that regularly dip below -10 degrees Celsius.
The electric powertrain of this mule, which is based on today's third-generation X3 that arrived last year, is evident from the lack of water vapour from tailpipes as it drives away. In these sub zero conditions, combustion engine tailpipes almost always produce vapour.
The sighting of an EV X3 so early into the future car's development cycle shows that the platform of the future line-up is being engineered to adopt an electric powertrain from the off. This is essential for effective packaging to ensure cabin space is not compromised by the placement of batteries in the car’s floor.
The iX3's structure will be a development of BMW’s CLAR structure, which underpins the X3, as well as the latest 5 Series and 7 Series models and will be used in the 2019 BMW 3 Series.
Although the iX3 will probably feature a grille-free nose to reduce drag, it's overall design is unlikely to drastically differ from its combustion engine siblings'. The BMW Group’s latest stance on EV design is to be more discreet; Mini brand boss Sebastian Mackensen told Autocar recently that the marque “doesn’t need to make a big statement” about EVs.
The electric architecture beneath the iX3 will be the most advanced put into production by BMW. The iX3 will use two electric motors, one mounted up front driving the front wheels and a second at the rear within the axle assembly to drive the rear wheels. This setup will enable torque vectoring to enhance traction.
The electric layout will come as part of BMW's fifth-generation EV platform and will be used in 11 further electric BMWs due to arrive by 2025. Not all of those cars will adapt the twin-motor setup employed by the iX3, however. Models less concerned with all-wheel drive traction could adopt a simpler layout, which uses a front-mounted electric motor in combination with a fixed-ratio gearbox and so-called electric propeller shaft to channel drive to the rear wheels.
Each of BMW's new electric models will gain an i at the start of its name to signify its status. BMW recently patented a list of nine names spanning from iX1 to iX9, although not all will necessarily be used because most will be aligned with current models in the line-up. The largest confirmed model for BMW’s future range is the X7.
The brand will also produce an electric version of the future 4 Series GT, called the i4, in 2020 and an i5, which was previewed by the i Vision Dynamics concept and is due in 2021. The company patented the i1 to i9 names back in 2010, before the i3 and i8 arrived.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-ix3-introduce-brands-fifth-gen-ev-power-2020
Electric X3 will feature a new all-wheel drive powertrain; following i models will utilise different forms of its setup
BMW will introduce its most advanced electric powertrain technology yet to the road in 2020 when a zero-emission version of the X3 is launched.
Set to be called the iX3, it’ll arrive as part of the fourth-generation X3 range and be the first car to get all-new zero-emission underpinnings that are being developed for use in all of BMW’s next-generation EVs.
Spy photographers have caught a test mule for the i3X testing in Scandinavia where the range of its battery pack is being evaluated in conditions that regularly dip below -10 degrees Celsius.
The electric powertrain of this mule, which is based on today's third-generation X3 that arrived last year, is evident from the lack of water vapour from tailpipes as it drives away. In these sub zero conditions, combustion engine tailpipes almost always produce vapour.
The sighting of an EV X3 so early into the future car's development cycle shows that the platform of the future line-up is being engineered to adopt an electric powertrain from the off. This is essential for effective packaging to ensure cabin space is not compromised by the placement of batteries in the car’s floor.
The iX3's structure will be a development of BMW’s CLAR structure, which underpins the X3, as well as the latest 5 Series and 7 Series models and will be used in the 2019 BMW 3 Series.
Although the iX3 will probably feature a grille-free nose to reduce drag, it's overall design is unlikely to drastically differ from its combustion engine siblings'. The BMW Group’s latest stance on EV design is to be more discreet; Mini brand boss Sebastian Mackensen told Autocar recently that the marque “doesn’t need to make a big statement” about EVs.
The electric architecture beneath the iX3 will be the most advanced put into production by BMW. The iX3 will use two electric motors, one mounted up front driving the front wheels and a second at the rear within the axle assembly to drive the rear wheels. This setup will enable torque vectoring to enhance traction.
The electric layout will come as part of BMW's fifth-generation EV platform and will be used in 11 further electric BMWs due to arrive by 2025. Not all of those cars will adapt the twin-motor setup employed by the iX3, however. Models less concerned with all-wheel drive traction could adopt a simpler layout, which uses a front-mounted electric motor in combination with a fixed-ratio gearbox and so-called electric propeller shaft to channel drive to the rear wheels.
Each of BMW's new electric models will gain an i at the start of its name to signify its status. BMW recently patented a list of nine names spanning from iX1 to iX9, although not all will necessarily be used because most will be aligned with current models in the line-up. The largest confirmed model for BMW’s future range is the X7.
The brand will also produce an electric version of the future 4 Series GT, called the i4, in 2020 and an i5, which was previewed by the i Vision Dynamics concept and is due in 2021. The company patented the i1 to i9 names back in 2010, before the i3 and i8 arrived.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-ix3-introduce-brands-fifth-gen-ev-power-2020
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW throws M Performance parts at its X2, X3 and X4
BMW has reached into its extensive M Performance Parts kitty, grabbed a handful of tasty accessories and thrown them at the three newest additions to the Munich-based brand’s X family: the X2, X3 and X4.
One of the first items you’ll likely notice are the M Performance side-mirror caps, which are made from carbon-fibre. BMW says these items are “crafted elaborately by hand” from carbon-fibre reinforced-plastic and finished with a high-gloss polish.
Then there are the obligatory “M Performance” decals, with the side lettering in Frozen Black. In addition, BMW says the appearance of the X3 and X4 can be further enhanced with front lettering in high-gloss black, matching the other front attachment parts for these two models. An M Performance front grille in high-gloss black, meanwhile, is also available for the X2.
BMW says it has also added a number of new alloy wheel designs to its M Performance parts catalogue. The 20-inch 717 M wheels, for instance, will be available for the X2 in a matte black finish. And 19-inch M Performance light alloys (698 M) in Orbit Grey will be offered for the X3 and X4 siblings. Two-tone 21-inch forged wheels (701 M) are the largest on the list for the X3 and X4, weighing some 2 kg less than a similarly designed cast wheel in the same format.
Inside, buyers can specify M Performance floor mats (made of velour velvet with a leather-look surround and contrasting decorative seams) and an M Performance steering wheel with specially lined grip areas trimmed in Alcantara. The upper and lower parts of the tiller are covered in leather, while a red motorsports marking and silver-grey cross-stitch seam are also present.
For the X3 and X4, shift paddles are available in high-gloss carbon-fibre, with “plus” and “minus” symbols in anodised red. Lastly, LED door projectors replace the standard entry light and project a graphic onto the ground when the door is opened. The selection of available motifs include the BMW M logo and various items from an M Performance slide set.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/bmw-throws-m-performance-parts-at-its-x2-x3-and-x4/
BMW has reached into its extensive M Performance Parts kitty, grabbed a handful of tasty accessories and thrown them at the three newest additions to the Munich-based brand’s X family: the X2, X3 and X4.
One of the first items you’ll likely notice are the M Performance side-mirror caps, which are made from carbon-fibre. BMW says these items are “crafted elaborately by hand” from carbon-fibre reinforced-plastic and finished with a high-gloss polish.
Then there are the obligatory “M Performance” decals, with the side lettering in Frozen Black. In addition, BMW says the appearance of the X3 and X4 can be further enhanced with front lettering in high-gloss black, matching the other front attachment parts for these two models. An M Performance front grille in high-gloss black, meanwhile, is also available for the X2.
BMW says it has also added a number of new alloy wheel designs to its M Performance parts catalogue. The 20-inch 717 M wheels, for instance, will be available for the X2 in a matte black finish. And 19-inch M Performance light alloys (698 M) in Orbit Grey will be offered for the X3 and X4 siblings. Two-tone 21-inch forged wheels (701 M) are the largest on the list for the X3 and X4, weighing some 2 kg less than a similarly designed cast wheel in the same format.
Inside, buyers can specify M Performance floor mats (made of velour velvet with a leather-look surround and contrasting decorative seams) and an M Performance steering wheel with specially lined grip areas trimmed in Alcantara. The upper and lower parts of the tiller are covered in leather, while a red motorsports marking and silver-grey cross-stitch seam are also present.
For the X3 and X4, shift paddles are available in high-gloss carbon-fibre, with “plus” and “minus” symbols in anodised red. Lastly, LED door projectors replace the standard entry light and project a graphic onto the ground when the door is opened. The selection of available motifs include the BMW M logo and various items from an M Performance slide set.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/bmw-throws-m-performance-parts-at-its-x2-x3-and-x4/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: BMW's X3 hits the sweet spot in 20d guise
It's fair to say that BMW’s X3 has come a long way since that piggy-eyed original that hit the scene 15 years ago, but does this third-generation model have what it takes to compete with an ever expanding array of highly desirable premium SUVs?
Launched late last year and soon to be built right here in Mzanzi for local consumption and export (from April 2018 production), the renewed X3 takes on the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC with a more sophisticated design inside and out, as well as an avalanche of available gizmos that have filtered down from its larger sedan cousins.
Our first taste of the new X3 came in the form of an M40i that we tested late last year, and for an SUV it proved surprisingly agile and fun to drive, but that’s not the version that the majority are going to buy - and that brings us to the more ‘sensible’ xDrive20d version that’s under the microscope here.
With a base price of R687 500, it’s the least expensive X3 on offer, with your next rungs up the ladder being the 185kW 30i at R745 956 and 195kW 30d at R873 088, while that aforementioned M40i halo model costs a shade over a million. A pair of four-cylinder petrol models will arrive later this year, including a more affordable rear-wheel-drive version.
Despite its entry level status, the 20d is not badly endowed on the engine front, powered by the latest version of BMW’s familiar 2-litre turbodiesel, which produces 140kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm from 1750.
Power is delivered quietly and smoothly and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is fitted to all BMW X3s, is perfectly on the ball with its shift timing and general operating refinement. The 2-litre oil burner doesn’t necessarily feel fast off the mark, but it’s got more than enough grunt to satisfy the average driver - the latest X3’s 55kg weight reduction also aiding its cause. Economy is respectable too, our test car sipping an average of 8.3 litres per 100km in a mixture of town and highway driving.
Though the average X3 will spend most of its time in the urban jungle, it can tackle milder off-road trails with relative ease. It’s not a hardcore offroader by any means, but its 204mm ground clearance, 500mm fording depth, 25.7 and 22.6 degree approach and departure angles and an xDrive system that can constantly vary the power split between all four wheels all collectively endow it with the ability to venture further into the rough than your average crossover.
As for the more important on-tar manners, the X3 remains true to its brand heritage with a sportier-than-normal chassis set-up that priorities cornering prowess.
As a result the vehicle feels more fleet-footed than you’d expect from a mid-sized SUV, while the steering offers reasonably good feedback and sensation, by electric power steering standards at least. The flipside to its sporty tuning is that the ride is a bit on the firm side, not to the point of being uncomfortable, but certainly leaving room for improvement.
In some instances, this BMW can also take to the wheel on your behalf As part of a long list of technologies hand-me-downed from its bigger saloon cousins, the X3 is now optionally available with a suite of driver-assistance gizmos including the semi-autonomous steering and lane control assistant that’s part of the R33 200 ‘Driving Assist Plus’ package, along with Active Cruise control with Stop & Go function. With all that activated via buttons on the steering wheel, the X3 can essentially drive itself in certain instances, just don’t count on it as the cameras can’t always see the lane markings.
Other optional highlights include a comprehensive head-up display (R16 900), gesture control for things like volume control and answering calls (R3600, but only if you order the R9200 Navigation System Professional, and which also includes touchscreen functionality) and BMW’s digital Display Key (R3600).
These are just some of the many optional features available, but in its standard form the X3 is not all that badly equipped, with items like three-zone automatic climate control, an automatic tailgate, satellite navigation (Business), synthetic leather seats and 18-inch alloy wheels all part of the deal.
You also get iDrive, paired with a 16.5cm screen, but sans touch functionality.
Now that we’re inside, it’s also worth mentioning the strides BMW has made in improving the ambience in this latest X3. Material quality has improved considerably - the X3 has certainly inherited some classy vibes from its 7-Series cousin - and you can lift the mood further with a multi-colour ambient lighting system for R5 300.
This BMW ticks the practicality boxes too, with ample head and legroom for those in the front and back, while the boot swallows a not inconsiderable 550 litres - though it is a bit on the shallow side.
VERDICT
There is no shortage of options in this neck of the SUV woods, but BMW’s latest X3 ticks plenty of emotional and rational boxes. It has a slightly sportier edge in the way it looks and drives, and yet it’s well priced in relation to its rivals, generously appointed and suitably practical.
FACTS
BMW X3 xDrive20d auto
Engine:2-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Gearbox:8-speed automatic
Power:140kW @ 4000rpm
Torque:400Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
0-100km/h (tested, Gauteng)8.0 seconds
Top speed (claimed)213km/h
Ground clearance204mm
Boot capacity550 litres
Price:R687 506
Warranty:2-year/unlimited km
Service plan:5-year/100 000km
BMW X3 VERSUS RIVALS
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro140kW/400NmR698 000
BMW X3 xDrive20d140kW/400NmR687 506
Jaguar E-Pace D180S132kW/430NmR683 978
Land Rover Disco Sport Pure TD4132kW/430NmR688 166
Mercedes GLC 220d 4Matic125kW/400NmR700 022
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-bmws-x3-hits-the-sweet-spot-in-20d-guise-13541564
It's fair to say that BMW’s X3 has come a long way since that piggy-eyed original that hit the scene 15 years ago, but does this third-generation model have what it takes to compete with an ever expanding array of highly desirable premium SUVs?
Launched late last year and soon to be built right here in Mzanzi for local consumption and export (from April 2018 production), the renewed X3 takes on the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC with a more sophisticated design inside and out, as well as an avalanche of available gizmos that have filtered down from its larger sedan cousins.
Our first taste of the new X3 came in the form of an M40i that we tested late last year, and for an SUV it proved surprisingly agile and fun to drive, but that’s not the version that the majority are going to buy - and that brings us to the more ‘sensible’ xDrive20d version that’s under the microscope here.
With a base price of R687 500, it’s the least expensive X3 on offer, with your next rungs up the ladder being the 185kW 30i at R745 956 and 195kW 30d at R873 088, while that aforementioned M40i halo model costs a shade over a million. A pair of four-cylinder petrol models will arrive later this year, including a more affordable rear-wheel-drive version.
Despite its entry level status, the 20d is not badly endowed on the engine front, powered by the latest version of BMW’s familiar 2-litre turbodiesel, which produces 140kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm from 1750.
Power is delivered quietly and smoothly and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is fitted to all BMW X3s, is perfectly on the ball with its shift timing and general operating refinement. The 2-litre oil burner doesn’t necessarily feel fast off the mark, but it’s got more than enough grunt to satisfy the average driver - the latest X3’s 55kg weight reduction also aiding its cause. Economy is respectable too, our test car sipping an average of 8.3 litres per 100km in a mixture of town and highway driving.
Though the average X3 will spend most of its time in the urban jungle, it can tackle milder off-road trails with relative ease. It’s not a hardcore offroader by any means, but its 204mm ground clearance, 500mm fording depth, 25.7 and 22.6 degree approach and departure angles and an xDrive system that can constantly vary the power split between all four wheels all collectively endow it with the ability to venture further into the rough than your average crossover.
As for the more important on-tar manners, the X3 remains true to its brand heritage with a sportier-than-normal chassis set-up that priorities cornering prowess.
As a result the vehicle feels more fleet-footed than you’d expect from a mid-sized SUV, while the steering offers reasonably good feedback and sensation, by electric power steering standards at least. The flipside to its sporty tuning is that the ride is a bit on the firm side, not to the point of being uncomfortable, but certainly leaving room for improvement.
In some instances, this BMW can also take to the wheel on your behalf As part of a long list of technologies hand-me-downed from its bigger saloon cousins, the X3 is now optionally available with a suite of driver-assistance gizmos including the semi-autonomous steering and lane control assistant that’s part of the R33 200 ‘Driving Assist Plus’ package, along with Active Cruise control with Stop & Go function. With all that activated via buttons on the steering wheel, the X3 can essentially drive itself in certain instances, just don’t count on it as the cameras can’t always see the lane markings.
Other optional highlights include a comprehensive head-up display (R16 900), gesture control for things like volume control and answering calls (R3600, but only if you order the R9200 Navigation System Professional, and which also includes touchscreen functionality) and BMW’s digital Display Key (R3600).
These are just some of the many optional features available, but in its standard form the X3 is not all that badly equipped, with items like three-zone automatic climate control, an automatic tailgate, satellite navigation (Business), synthetic leather seats and 18-inch alloy wheels all part of the deal.
You also get iDrive, paired with a 16.5cm screen, but sans touch functionality.
Now that we’re inside, it’s also worth mentioning the strides BMW has made in improving the ambience in this latest X3. Material quality has improved considerably - the X3 has certainly inherited some classy vibes from its 7-Series cousin - and you can lift the mood further with a multi-colour ambient lighting system for R5 300.
This BMW ticks the practicality boxes too, with ample head and legroom for those in the front and back, while the boot swallows a not inconsiderable 550 litres - though it is a bit on the shallow side.
VERDICT
There is no shortage of options in this neck of the SUV woods, but BMW’s latest X3 ticks plenty of emotional and rational boxes. It has a slightly sportier edge in the way it looks and drives, and yet it’s well priced in relation to its rivals, generously appointed and suitably practical.
FACTS
BMW X3 xDrive20d auto
Engine:2-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Gearbox:8-speed automatic
Power:140kW @ 4000rpm
Torque:400Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
0-100km/h (tested, Gauteng)8.0 seconds
Top speed (claimed)213km/h
Ground clearance204mm
Boot capacity550 litres
Price:R687 506
Warranty:2-year/unlimited km
Service plan:5-year/100 000km
BMW X3 VERSUS RIVALS
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro140kW/400NmR698 000
BMW X3 xDrive20d140kW/400NmR687 506
Jaguar E-Pace D180S132kW/430NmR683 978
Land Rover Disco Sport Pure TD4132kW/430NmR688 166
Mercedes GLC 220d 4Matic125kW/400NmR700 022
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-bmws-x3-hits-the-sweet-spot-in-20d-guise-13541564
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Zero2Turbo test run of the X3 M40i
[video=youtube_share;wdGrQilJkI4]https://youtu.be/wdGrQilJkI4[/video]
[video=youtube_share;wdGrQilJkI4]https://youtu.be/wdGrQilJkI4[/video]
FatBoySlim
Expert Member
As much as I love the xDrive BMW's , this X3 is way overpriced.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW xDrive30d M Sport sports-auto (2018) Review
Price & after-sales support
BMW lists the xDrive30d M Sport sports-auto’s list price as R925 888, which includes a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Whereas the competition in the business class sedan segment (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class et al.) was once thought to be so close that it was almost impossible to pick a winner, the same can now be said of the executive SUV segment, if not more so. The X3 and its peers, all of which offer such delicate balances between luxuriousness, sportiness, occupant comfort and everyday practicality, have made executive sedans and some premium SUVs seem... superfluous. The Bavarian’s executive SUV’s first task was to improve on its predecessor; in terms of sophistication, build quality, space and utility it succeeded on all fronts.
What’s more, the best attributes of the 5 Series are available in the X3, which is packaged in such a way that it appeals equally as a luxury family car and a sheer ego-driven premium purchasing proposition. Stacked up against the opposition, the BMW feels markedly newer and slicker than the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Porsche Macan, it’s almost as well finished as the virtually impeccable Q5 (but more characterful and engaging to drive than the Audi), and although the Bavarian might not quite feel as trendy, cool or instantly fun-to-drive as the Jaguar F-Pace or Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it’s more resolved (and, in general terms, talented) than its British and Italian rivals.
And yet, the X3 does not quite barge to the front of the queue in the way that one might expect, given the multitude of platitudes we (and many publications in the automotive media) have bestowed on the 3rd-generation executive SUV. It’s difficult to explain why. By BMW’s standards, the X3’s styling is safe and predictable, it does make a statement, yes, but draws nods of approval instead of gawks of amazement. What’s more, it feels satisfying to drive (and be driven in) but in the way it might feel when you order your favourite dish at your favourite restaurant safe in the knowledge you’re unlikely to be disappointed. When we add up its competencies in several areas of its package, the X3 could be, on balance, one of the best BMW products currently available in the new vehicle market. It has hardly any flaws worth noting.
Ultimately, the Bavarian newcomer is a product designed to “out-all-round” a battalion of excellent all-rounders in its market segment, which is somewhat of a departure from BMW’s usual play book. As is often the case, the X3 xDrive 30d as supplied by BMW for the purposes of this review, was laced with a plethora of nice-to-haves, which at times, threatened to steal the show. Without them (and thoughtfully specified interior accoutrements), the newcomer may have been less memorable. Having said all that, the X3 would probably still be an impressive product without the myriad of on-board toys, but we feel a more prudently specced, smaller-engined and therefore better-priced X3 would better represent the best value the range can offer the broadest spectrum of potential buyers. We look forward to having another go...
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/xdrive30d-m-sport-sports-auto-2018-review/44719/
Price & after-sales support
BMW lists the xDrive30d M Sport sports-auto’s list price as R925 888, which includes a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Whereas the competition in the business class sedan segment (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class et al.) was once thought to be so close that it was almost impossible to pick a winner, the same can now be said of the executive SUV segment, if not more so. The X3 and its peers, all of which offer such delicate balances between luxuriousness, sportiness, occupant comfort and everyday practicality, have made executive sedans and some premium SUVs seem... superfluous. The Bavarian’s executive SUV’s first task was to improve on its predecessor; in terms of sophistication, build quality, space and utility it succeeded on all fronts.
What’s more, the best attributes of the 5 Series are available in the X3, which is packaged in such a way that it appeals equally as a luxury family car and a sheer ego-driven premium purchasing proposition. Stacked up against the opposition, the BMW feels markedly newer and slicker than the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Porsche Macan, it’s almost as well finished as the virtually impeccable Q5 (but more characterful and engaging to drive than the Audi), and although the Bavarian might not quite feel as trendy, cool or instantly fun-to-drive as the Jaguar F-Pace or Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it’s more resolved (and, in general terms, talented) than its British and Italian rivals.
And yet, the X3 does not quite barge to the front of the queue in the way that one might expect, given the multitude of platitudes we (and many publications in the automotive media) have bestowed on the 3rd-generation executive SUV. It’s difficult to explain why. By BMW’s standards, the X3’s styling is safe and predictable, it does make a statement, yes, but draws nods of approval instead of gawks of amazement. What’s more, it feels satisfying to drive (and be driven in) but in the way it might feel when you order your favourite dish at your favourite restaurant safe in the knowledge you’re unlikely to be disappointed. When we add up its competencies in several areas of its package, the X3 could be, on balance, one of the best BMW products currently available in the new vehicle market. It has hardly any flaws worth noting.
Ultimately, the Bavarian newcomer is a product designed to “out-all-round” a battalion of excellent all-rounders in its market segment, which is somewhat of a departure from BMW’s usual play book. As is often the case, the X3 xDrive 30d as supplied by BMW for the purposes of this review, was laced with a plethora of nice-to-haves, which at times, threatened to steal the show. Without them (and thoughtfully specified interior accoutrements), the newcomer may have been less memorable. Having said all that, the X3 would probably still be an impressive product without the myriad of on-board toys, but we feel a more prudently specced, smaller-engined and therefore better-priced X3 would better represent the best value the range can offer the broadest spectrum of potential buyers. We look forward to having another go...
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/xdrive30d-m-sport-sports-auto-2018-review/44719/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carwow Head-to-Head - BMW X3 vs Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC60
[video=youtube_share;LDjkvlfLy_E]https://youtu.be/LDjkvlfLy_E[/video]
[video=youtube_share;LDjkvlfLy_E]https://youtu.be/LDjkvlfLy_E[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Yup Mat Watson is an excellent reviewer. Been following his work for a few yrs already.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters review of the X3 XDrive 2.0d
[video=youtube_share;_oSbxFOF3dE]https://youtu.be/_oSbxFOF3dE[/video]
[video=youtube_share;_oSbxFOF3dE]https://youtu.be/_oSbxFOF3dE[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW SA kicks off production of new X3 at Rosslyn!
BMW Group South Africa has officially announced the start of production of the new X3 at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, completing the switchover from building the 3 Series sedan and confirming that the first customer vehicles are now rolling off the line.
The news comes after the Munich-based automaker in 2015 announced a R6-billion investment in South Africa in order to prepare Plant Rosslyn for X3 production, as well as a further R160-million in 2017.
BMW says the South African factory – the first plant built by the BMW Group outside of Germany – was assigned production of the third-generation X3 on the basis that demand exceeds the capacity of the US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
With a planned capacity of 76 000 units, BMW SA says its plant has the opportunity to “flexibly match volumes to demand, and to build more cars than ever before”. The brand furthermore says the switch to X3 production “has secured the future of Plant Rosslyn as well as the livelihoods of thousands of people at facilities and in the supply chain”.
BMW SA claims it has “localised production of as many components as possible” for the X3, essentially rendering the SUV the most “local” vehicle it has ever built. Interestingly, BMW South Africa imported the first batch of new X3 units for the local market before production at Plant Rosslyn kicked off.
“The allocation of production of such a crucial model to our plant is about as big a vote of confidence as it gets,” said Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The demand for the BMW X3 globally is powerful, and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to the model’s success.
“I have full confidence in our associates and plant management at Rosslyn. This is the team that won the coveted JD Power Platinum award in 2015, showing that a South African plant can lead the world in terms of quality,” Abbott added.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-sa-kicks-off-production-of-new-x3-at-rosslyn/
BMW Group South Africa has officially announced the start of production of the new X3 at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, completing the switchover from building the 3 Series sedan and confirming that the first customer vehicles are now rolling off the line.
The news comes after the Munich-based automaker in 2015 announced a R6-billion investment in South Africa in order to prepare Plant Rosslyn for X3 production, as well as a further R160-million in 2017.
BMW says the South African factory – the first plant built by the BMW Group outside of Germany – was assigned production of the third-generation X3 on the basis that demand exceeds the capacity of the US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
With a planned capacity of 76 000 units, BMW SA says its plant has the opportunity to “flexibly match volumes to demand, and to build more cars than ever before”. The brand furthermore says the switch to X3 production “has secured the future of Plant Rosslyn as well as the livelihoods of thousands of people at facilities and in the supply chain”.
BMW SA claims it has “localised production of as many components as possible” for the X3, essentially rendering the SUV the most “local” vehicle it has ever built. Interestingly, BMW South Africa imported the first batch of new X3 units for the local market before production at Plant Rosslyn kicked off.
“The allocation of production of such a crucial model to our plant is about as big a vote of confidence as it gets,” said Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The demand for the BMW X3 globally is powerful, and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to the model’s success.
“I have full confidence in our associates and plant management at Rosslyn. This is the team that won the coveted JD Power Platinum award in 2015, showing that a South African plant can lead the world in terms of quality,” Abbott added.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-sa-kicks-off-production-of-new-x3-at-rosslyn/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW X3 Production starts in SA
Production of the BMW X3 has started at BMW Group's facility in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria.
The BMW Group plant has a maximum capacity of 76 000 vehicles every year, but the big and important number here is the R6.1 billion investment into South Africa. The Rosslyn plant previously assembled 3 Series sedans for both local and international markets, but given the demand of the SUV, BMW Group has switched production to the X3.
The investment announcement came back in 2015 and over the past three years, the factory has been retooling and modifying its facilities to manufacture the X3. Thanks to what BMW claims are "three years of hard work and planning", the X3 production has started on time. The Rosslyn plant was the first factory to be built by the BMW Group outside of its homeland in Germany and the 3 Series was built for 35 years. That's almost 1.2 million cars assembled over this period!
Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, says the successful ramp-up of production of the BMW X3 at Rosslyn is a vote of confidence in the country and in BMW Group South Africa’s associates. “The allocation of production of such a crucial model to our plant is about as big a vote of confidence as it gets,” Abbott says. “The demand for the BMW X3 globally is powerful, and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to the model’s success. I have full confidence in our associates and plant management at Rosslyn. This is the team that won the coveted JD Power Platinum award in 2015, showing that a South African plant can lead the world in terms of quality,” Abbott says
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-x3-production-starts-in-sa/44829/
Production of the BMW X3 has started at BMW Group's facility in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria.
The BMW Group plant has a maximum capacity of 76 000 vehicles every year, but the big and important number here is the R6.1 billion investment into South Africa. The Rosslyn plant previously assembled 3 Series sedans for both local and international markets, but given the demand of the SUV, BMW Group has switched production to the X3.
The investment announcement came back in 2015 and over the past three years, the factory has been retooling and modifying its facilities to manufacture the X3. Thanks to what BMW claims are "three years of hard work and planning", the X3 production has started on time. The Rosslyn plant was the first factory to be built by the BMW Group outside of its homeland in Germany and the 3 Series was built for 35 years. That's almost 1.2 million cars assembled over this period!
Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, says the successful ramp-up of production of the BMW X3 at Rosslyn is a vote of confidence in the country and in BMW Group South Africa’s associates. “The allocation of production of such a crucial model to our plant is about as big a vote of confidence as it gets,” Abbott says. “The demand for the BMW X3 globally is powerful, and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to the model’s success. I have full confidence in our associates and plant management at Rosslyn. This is the team that won the coveted JD Power Platinum award in 2015, showing that a South African plant can lead the world in terms of quality,” Abbott says
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-x3-production-starts-in-sa/44829/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
From SA to the world: BMW starts local X3 production
The BMW X3 in this picture is blue, but it marks a red-letter day in the history of the Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria, the oldest BMW manufacturing facility in the world outside of Germany.
It's the first production X3 built at Rosslyn, after 35 years of building 3 Series sedans - 1 191 604 of them, to be precise - for both the domestic and export markets and, in a way, it is symptomatic of a world-wide trend for both BMW and the global market, as sedan sales fade and demand for SUVs keeps growing.
Since the launch of the first X5 in 1999, sales of BMW's X-derivative SUV models have increased to more than 30 percent of the the Blue Propeller's global total, and there was no way the dedicated X factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, could keep up with the demand.
So the decision was made, three years ago, to concentrate 3 Series production elsewhere and spend R6 billion on revamping the Rosslyn plant to produce the third-generation X3. But even while the renovations were underway, it became obvious that the planned capacity of 71 000 X3s a year wasn't going to be enough, so an additional R160 million was poured into the project to increase that to 76 000, while still rolling out the first customers cars on schedule at the beginning of April 2018.
You might have thought that new BMW X3s had already started streaming out of BMW’s Rosslyn plant - given that it was launched here back in November - but actually those initial units were imported here for customers that didn’t want to wait until now to take delivery of BMW’s latest mid-sized SUV.
BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Tim Abbott said allocating production of such an important model to the Rosslyn plant was "about as big a vote of confidence as it gets".
"Demand for the X3 globally is powerful," he said, "and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to its success."
BMW has also localised production of as many components as possible for the X3, making this the most 'local' model it has built to date, and is a participant in a proposed venture fund to develop still more locally-owned producers for the South African automotive supply chain.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...world-bmw-starts-local-x3-production-14262904
The BMW X3 in this picture is blue, but it marks a red-letter day in the history of the Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria, the oldest BMW manufacturing facility in the world outside of Germany.
It's the first production X3 built at Rosslyn, after 35 years of building 3 Series sedans - 1 191 604 of them, to be precise - for both the domestic and export markets and, in a way, it is symptomatic of a world-wide trend for both BMW and the global market, as sedan sales fade and demand for SUVs keeps growing.
Since the launch of the first X5 in 1999, sales of BMW's X-derivative SUV models have increased to more than 30 percent of the the Blue Propeller's global total, and there was no way the dedicated X factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, could keep up with the demand.
So the decision was made, three years ago, to concentrate 3 Series production elsewhere and spend R6 billion on revamping the Rosslyn plant to produce the third-generation X3. But even while the renovations were underway, it became obvious that the planned capacity of 71 000 X3s a year wasn't going to be enough, so an additional R160 million was poured into the project to increase that to 76 000, while still rolling out the first customers cars on schedule at the beginning of April 2018.
You might have thought that new BMW X3s had already started streaming out of BMW’s Rosslyn plant - given that it was launched here back in November - but actually those initial units were imported here for customers that didn’t want to wait until now to take delivery of BMW’s latest mid-sized SUV.
BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Tim Abbott said allocating production of such an important model to the Rosslyn plant was "about as big a vote of confidence as it gets".
"Demand for the X3 globally is powerful," he said, "and ramping up on time and to the right standards is vital to its success."
BMW has also localised production of as many components as possible for the X3, making this the most 'local' model it has built to date, and is a participant in a proposed venture fund to develop still more locally-owned producers for the South African automotive supply chain.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...world-bmw-starts-local-x3-production-14262904
FiestaST
Honorary Master
First SA-built BMW X3 units leave Plant Rosslyn for export
BMW Group South Africa says the first examples of its SA-built X3 have left Plant Rosslyn to be exported to Europe.
The local arm of the Munich-based brand says it recently transported more than 100 units on 27 wagons via train to the Port of Durban. BMW’s vehicle distribution centre in Rosslyn near Pretoria can accommodate up to three train dispatches a week, with each capable of carrying up to 160 cars.
Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group SA and Sub-Saharan Africa, described the completion of the first exports units as “a big moment” for the brand’s local arm.
“It’s the result of a R6,1-billion investment into the country and the culmination of three years of hard work and planning. It’s really exciting to know that BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has joined the enormous success story of BMW’s X models globally, and goes to show the power of combining good industrial policy and foreign investment,” Abbott said.
In February 2018, the final 3 Series sedan rolled off the production line at Plant Rosslyn, as the facility prepared to switch production to the new X3. Upgrading the factory for X3 production represented the largest infrastructure upgrade in the plant’s history, but BMW says it has “gone ahead on time and without any unplanned disruptions”.
Plant Rosslyn’s maximum capacity for the third-generation X3 is 76 000 units a year.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/first-sa-built-bmw-x3-units-leave-plant-rosslyn-export/
BMW Group South Africa says the first examples of its SA-built X3 have left Plant Rosslyn to be exported to Europe.
The local arm of the Munich-based brand says it recently transported more than 100 units on 27 wagons via train to the Port of Durban. BMW’s vehicle distribution centre in Rosslyn near Pretoria can accommodate up to three train dispatches a week, with each capable of carrying up to 160 cars.
Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group SA and Sub-Saharan Africa, described the completion of the first exports units as “a big moment” for the brand’s local arm.
“It’s the result of a R6,1-billion investment into the country and the culmination of three years of hard work and planning. It’s really exciting to know that BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has joined the enormous success story of BMW’s X models globally, and goes to show the power of combining good industrial policy and foreign investment,” Abbott said.
In February 2018, the final 3 Series sedan rolled off the production line at Plant Rosslyn, as the facility prepared to switch production to the new X3. Upgrading the factory for X3 production represented the largest infrastructure upgrade in the plant’s history, but BMW says it has “gone ahead on time and without any unplanned disruptions”.
Plant Rosslyn’s maximum capacity for the third-generation X3 is 76 000 units a year.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/first-sa-built-bmw-x3-units-leave-plant-rosslyn-export/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
What Car? review
[video=youtube_share;_ysyl5jCSXQ]https://youtu.be/_ysyl5jCSXQ[/video]
[video=youtube_share;_ysyl5jCSXQ]https://youtu.be/_ysyl5jCSXQ[/video]
Craig_
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2016
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The head lights looks tight, front end seems to age a bit but overall I like the look. Would not mind trashing it.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New BMW X3 M40d leads raft of model revisions from Munich
BMW in Germany has announced a raft of model revisions, led by the arrival of a new X3 M40d derivative.
The fresh X3 M40d uses the brand’s familiar 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine to generate 240 kW and 680 N.m, enough to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds. The Munich-based automaker says the newcomer, which employs an eight-speed automatic transmission, will sip at about 6,5 L/100 km.
Of course, this very powertrain debuted in the latest X4 range, which itself will gain a second inline-six oil-burner in the form of the X4 xDrive30d. This variant consumes around 6,0 L/100 km, developing 195 kW and 620 N.m and sprinting from standstill to three figures in a claimed 5,8 seconds.
BMW furthermore announced that there will be an increase in the number of models in the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series ranges that are fitted as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, essentially spelling the end for a number of manual derivatives.
The new 1 Series Edition Metropolitan, which gains standard equipment features that are “specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic”, will also be added to the range.
Meanwhile, new paint finishes and interior design features will be offered for the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo, with the fresh-faced i8 Roadster gaining the option of an aerodynamics package comprising a dual-section front splitter and a rear spoiler lip.
BMW is also set to officially launch its wireless charging pad (starting as an option on the 530e iPerformance), while all petrol and plug-in hybrid models produced from July 2018 will be fitted as standard with a petrol engine particulate filter and thus comply with the latest emissions regulations in Europe.
Of course, how many of these changes will reach South Africa (and when) has yet to be determined.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-bmw-x3-m40d-leads-raft-model-revisions/
BMW in Germany has announced a raft of model revisions, led by the arrival of a new X3 M40d derivative.
The fresh X3 M40d uses the brand’s familiar 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine to generate 240 kW and 680 N.m, enough to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds. The Munich-based automaker says the newcomer, which employs an eight-speed automatic transmission, will sip at about 6,5 L/100 km.
Of course, this very powertrain debuted in the latest X4 range, which itself will gain a second inline-six oil-burner in the form of the X4 xDrive30d. This variant consumes around 6,0 L/100 km, developing 195 kW and 620 N.m and sprinting from standstill to three figures in a claimed 5,8 seconds.
BMW furthermore announced that there will be an increase in the number of models in the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series ranges that are fitted as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, essentially spelling the end for a number of manual derivatives.
The new 1 Series Edition Metropolitan, which gains standard equipment features that are “specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic”, will also be added to the range.
Meanwhile, new paint finishes and interior design features will be offered for the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo, with the fresh-faced i8 Roadster gaining the option of an aerodynamics package comprising a dual-section front splitter and a rear spoiler lip.
BMW is also set to officially launch its wireless charging pad (starting as an option on the 530e iPerformance), while all petrol and plug-in hybrid models produced from July 2018 will be fitted as standard with a petrol engine particulate filter and thus comply with the latest emissions regulations in Europe.
Of course, how many of these changes will reach South Africa (and when) has yet to be determined.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-bmw-x3-m40d-leads-raft-model-revisions/