Automotive manufacturer BMW will launch its fourth-generation sports activity vehicle (SAV) X3 in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year.

Designed as an all-rounder for everyday use, leisure and trips, the vehicle boasts “enhanced sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility”, as the new SAV model features a new design that “enhances its exterior presence and dynamic grace”.

Its interior offers high-quality materials, advanced digitalisation and the latest BMW iDrive with QuickSelect.

“Driving pleasure, safety and long-distance comfort in the new BMW X3 also all benefit from the exceptionally precise tuning of the overall vehicle setup and a wide selection of semi-automated driving and parking systems,” says BMW.

The new BMW X3 line-up includes efficient petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid system in the X3 30e xDrive, with the line-up spearheaded by the BMW M Performance model with a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine.

The BMW X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid features a 2.0 ℓ four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor integrated into its eight-speed Steptronic transmission, producing an output of up to 220 kW.

Assisted by BMW’s latest-generation eDrive technology and adaptive recuperation, the BMW X3 30e xDrive achieves an electric range of 81 km to 90 km in the worldwide harmonised light-vehicle test procedure cycle.

The plug-in-hybrid model’s combined charging unit enables AC charging at 11 kW as standard and includes smart charging with the connected home charging option.

The BMW X3 M50 xDrive features the “most powerful” six-cylinder in-line petrol engine fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0 ℓ M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48 V mild hybrid technology with a maximum output of 293 kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and features eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

The BMW X3 M50 xDrive includes M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential, along with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

Design highlights include the M kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow lighting, and quad exhaust tailpipes. A six-cylinder in-line diesel engine will be added in summer 2025.

“The new edition’s aura of modernity and enhanced product substance provide the ideal basis for adding another chapter to the BMW X3 success story – one that first began 20 years ago,” says BMW.

The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the US, and Plant Rosslyn, in Pretoria in South Africa, using a production process that is focused on conserving resources and enhancing circularity.

BMW highlights that it is pursuing systematic reduction in the carbon footprint of the new BMW X3 through a sustainability strategy, which encompasses the supply chain, resource-efficient material selection, a high proportion of secondary raw materials and the use of green electricity in production.

“From 2024, we will produce the BMW X3 in South Africa as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the world. To this end, the BMW Group is investing R4.2-billion in the site over five years,” says BMW AG production management board member and BMW Group South Africa board chairperson Dr Milan Nedeljković.