2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive G45 South African Version

The new BMW X3 introduces a stronger sporting presence, enhanced visual impact, and increased versatility, reinforcing its position as a well-rounded choice for everyday driving, leisure, and travel. Now in its fourth generation, the premium midsize Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) adopts a new design language, amplifying its dynamic and modern exterior. Inside, high-quality materials, an improved standard specification, and the latest BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 9 enhance the digital experience and premium feel. The vehicle's driving dynamics, safety, and long-distance comfort benefit from precisely tuned engineering and a comprehensive suite of semi-automated driving and parking technologies.

Efficiency and performance receive a major upgrade across the model range. The new BMW X3 offers a selection of powertrains, including efficient petrol and diesel engines alongside a next-generation plug-in hybrid system. The BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid delivers an electric range of 81 to 90 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. For those seeking performance, the BMW X3 M50 xDrive M Performance model generates 293 kW, ensuring class-leading dynamic capabilities.

With its modern design and refined features, the new BMW X3 continues a legacy that began two decades ago. The model has been a key driver in the growth of BMW X models and was the brand’s best-selling vehicle in 2023. Production will take place at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA and Plant Rosslyn in South Africa, using resource-efficient and circularity-focused manufacturing processes. The South African market launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

The new exterior design language accentuates the BMW X3’s powerful proportions, giving it a monolithic appearance. Large, sculpted surfaces and precisely defined lines create a structured and refined aesthetic. Measuring 4,755 millimeters in length, 1,920 millimeters in width, and 1,660 millimeters in height, the new model gains a sportier stance. A prominent BMW kidney grille with a new vertical and diagonal bar structure adds to its bold front-end design, while optional BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting surrounds the grille elements. The updated LED headlights incorporate L-shaped light sources for daytime running lights, side lights, and turn indicators. Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban light, and cornering functions come as standard.

• The new BMW X3 features a redesigned exterior with a monolithic appearance, larger dimensions, and an updated kidney grille with optional Iconic Glow contour lighting.
• The interior includes a BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, and newly designed sport seats made from Econeer, with optional Veganza and Merino leather upholstery.
• A plug-in hybrid variant, the BMW X3 30e xDrive, offers an electric driving range of 81–90 km (WLTP) and supports 11 kW AC charging.
• The BMW X3 M50 xDrive features a 3.0L inline-six engine with mild hybrid technology, producing 293 kW and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
• The 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW X3 20d xDrive generates 145 kW, with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds.
• All models come with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, and chassis enhancements for improved stability and ride comfort.
• Standard driver assistance systems include front collision warning, lane departure warning, speed limit info, and Parking Assistant with a reversing camera.
• The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on BMW Operating System 9, supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional BMW Digital Premium for expanded digital services.
• The model lineup offers a range of factory-fitted light-alloy wheel options, from 19-inch to 21-inch, with additional BMW Individual paint finishes available.
• Production takes place at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) and Plant Rosslyn (South Africa), with the South African market launch set for Q4 2024.

A bold shoulder line, extended roofline, and pronounced wheel arches define the side profile, while the rear end features a flush-mounted rear window, a large roof spoiler, and integrated side air deflectors. The T-shaped rear light graphic, combined with a satin-finished horizontal bar incorporating turn indicators, adds a modern touch. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive stands out with quad exhaust tailpipes, while other variants integrate tailpipes discreetly within the rear apron. The color palette includes one solid and eight metallic shades, with Dune Grey Metallic as a new addition. Vehicles produced in Spartanburg will have access to BMW Individual paint finishes, including matte Frozen options and over 15 special colors.

Standard wheel sizes start at 19 inches for the BMW X3 20d and 30e xDrive models, while the BMW X3 M50 xDrive features 20-inch wheels. Optional 20- and 21-inch wheels provide further customization. The M Sport package introduces 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and aerodynamic enhancements, with the M Sport package Pro adding Iconic Glow contour lighting and red-painted M Sport brakes.

Inside, the cabin blends functionality with a premium, driver-focused design. The BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, and flat-bottomed steering wheel create a modern aesthetic. The new gear selector lever and contrasting light elements in the center console and door trims add to the interior’s refined feel. Standard sports seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and upholstered in Econeer material made from secondary sources. Optional upholstery includes Veganza and BMW Individual Merino leather, with Veganza available at no extra cost. A new Luxury instrument panel, debuting in the BMW X3, features recycled polyester with a high-quality knitted texture.

Cargo capacity ranges from 570 to 1,700 liters, while the plug-in hybrid variant offers 460 to 1,600 liters. An optional electrically extendable and retractable trailer coupling supports a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kilograms, depending on the model variant.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an integrated electric motor, producing up to 220 kW. Utilizing advanced BMW eDrive technology and adaptive recuperation, it achieves an electric range of 81 to 90 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. AC charging at 11 kW is standard, with support for smart charging via the Connected Home Charging option.

For performance enthusiasts, the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is equipped with a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, enhanced by 48V mild hybrid technology. Delivering 293 kW, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential integrated into the rear axle come as standard, with adaptive M suspension providing electronically controlled damping. The M kidney grille with horizontal bars, BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, and quad exhaust outlets underscore its high-performance character.

The BMW X3 20d xDrive also benefits from 48V mild hybrid technology, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 145 kW. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. All models feature an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with standard steering wheel shift paddles. A Sport Boost function, included in models with the M Sport package and the BMW X3 M50 xDrive, provides additional power for quick acceleration. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive comes standard across the range.

Chassis improvements enhance agility, stability, and ride comfort. A lower-weight yet more rigid body structure, wider rear track, and refined chassis components improve cornering precision and straight-line stability. Standard features include near-actuator wheel slip limitation and an integrated braking system, with optional M Sport suspension, sport steering, and adaptive suspension available.

Semi-automated driving and parking technologies are significantly expanded. Standard features include front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, and the Driving Assistant suite with Lane Change Warning and manual Speed Limit Assist. Parking Assistant, also standard, incorporates the Reversing Assistant and a Reversing Assist Camera. Optional systems include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, automatic Speed Limit Assist, route speed control for Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, and Parking Assistant Professional, which enables smartphone-controlled parking maneuvers.

Standard equipment has been notably upgraded. The new BMW X3 features three-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glazing, Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation, power-folding mirrors, an alarm system, and BMW Live Cockpit Plus with cloud-based BMW Maps navigation. Additional features include ambient lighting with Welcome and Goodbye Animation, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB-C ports, and a 12V socket in the luggage compartment.

Optional upgrades include BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a head-up display and augmented reality navigation, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated steering wheel, sun protection glass, and pre-heating functionality. The BMW X3 30e xDrive comes standard with BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The latest BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect, running on BMW Operating System 9, offers an intuitive user experience with touch and voice control. BMW Digital Premium, available via subscription, provides expanded digital services, in-car gaming with AirConsole, enhanced navigation functions, and additional My Modes and lighting effects. Standard smartphone integration supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while BMW Digital Key Plus allows keyless access via compatible smartphones or Apple Watch.

Source