Midrand – 3 December 2024: BMW South Africa today hosted a media briefing to showcase some of the new models in their line-up for 2025 and to provide a context to their ongoing investment in the Auto manufacturing industry in the country.
The new Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP)Phase2 white paper, introduced in August 2024, has been a positive catalyst for further investments from the likes of BMW who say that they are waiting for the full adoption of the act that they believe will further stimulate the EV manufacturing sector in SA.
The new Hybrid X3 is already in full production at their Roslynn plant and will start to manufacture the various dirivatives of the X# as of 2025.
BMW will not only be manufacturing the units for South African distribution, but also for full export as well.
The Company believes that they will be looking at between 50 000 – 60 000 export units a year for the lifespan of the new exciting Family SUV model.
The X3 SUV, in particular is an important model for BMW as it is the best-selling model for BMW globally. And in the Local market as well, although they currently export 96% of production.
Jean-Francios Bidard, of BMW commented that the “X3 for us, we are really looking forward to introducing you to that range next year, and we have for you the full portfolio that we will launch with, which will be 20D, 30E, which is a plug-in hybrid built at our plant in Boston, and we’ll also have the N15 available” he said.
X3 Design and Updates
The New X3 is a good looking SUV with high end design and finishing’s. The front-end of the X3 includes new shape to the adaptive LED lights with a more classic shaped kidney grill set in a modern bumper with an air scoop that fits snugly in the design. The units come in a range of new colours including a Dune Grey and an Arctic Grey Blue as well as a Fiery Red colour that are a departure from previous colours.
The rear includes a T-shaped design and updated LED lights while the interior includes plush upholstered seats made from sustainable materials like Nekonia, with illuminated interior trim that give it a more premium feeling.
The real game-changer is in the display and controls with a completely updated set-up providing a curved display that extends across the full centre dash section, and a state-of –the –art, instrument display panel providing perfectly clear view of the driving information in detail.
The steering wheel is sensational with a proper grip setup that is ergonomically designed with a full array of built-in controls at your finger-tips
Performance
The e-range has improved distance by 100% compared to the previous model. With up to 90km in pure electric range.
The X3 is also no slouch, it’s quite a formidable all-round vehicle, offering 230kW in power, more than the upgraded, 30-litre engine variant.
X3 Driving Experience
Driving the Hybrid was a whole new driving experience with loads of data coming to me from every angle. The basic controls are easy to use after some initial figuring out what is where, and the vehicle screams technology at every turn.
It has a built in front sensor with auto braking that can be adjusted as well as a finely tuned braking and suspension setup that provided smooth and even breaking and steady control.
The vehicle is exceptionally easy to drive and provides ample acceleration and breaking power as well as providing ample space in the interior for families who will enjoy the spacious design that also provides ample luggage area.
The updated X3 model has taken a leap forward and is set to become a popular choice in the mid-size SUV market.
