By Sala Masindane

After being originally launched locally in 2018, the BMX X3 has now received a nip and tuck. What makes it even more special is that is built at right here in Mzansi at BMW’s Rosslyn Plant in Pretoria.

Outside

The BMW X3 features a noticeably larger, restyled kidney grille flanked by headlights that are 10mm flatter. The latter feature full LED technology as standard. In addition to the optional adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function, the BMW Laser Light with a range of up to 650m is now also available as an optional extra. The front-end also features vertical air intakes arranged in a triangular interpretation frame in the front bumper.

Noticeable changes at the rear include a black border which gives the full LED rear lights a more precise appearance, while the narrower light graphic now includes a three-dimensionally modelled pincer contour and horizontal turn signals integrated in filigree style.

The redesigned BMW X3 will offer a total of eight paint finished in the regular range, while metal paint finish Skyscraper Grey is new.

Interior

Inside, there’s BMW Live Cockpit Plus that is standard which includes BMW’s iDrive seven operating system, a 5.1-inch colour display at the centre of the cluster and a 10.25-inch touch screen. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is available as an optional extra. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, dual 12.3 inches screens, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Power and Performance

Powering the refreshed BMW X3 is a range of petrol and diesel powertrains. These include three diesel engines: with 110kW in the BMW X3 sDrive18d, the 140kW BMW X3 xDrive20d, and 195kW in the BMW X3 xDrive30d. The petrol engines models are BMW X3 sDrive20i with 135kW and range topping M40i with 285kW. All these are combined with an eight-speed Steptronic gearboxes.

Early impressions

Having spent some time with the SAV we have fallen in love with its striking front and the redesigned side mirrors. The interior quality has been maintained in the interior. On a practical perspective, you’ll be fine with a larger family or if you are a couple that likes traveling. There’s decent cabin room and a decent boot. The refreshed BMW X3 does easily tick your daily SUV boxes. The higher ride position will also give you the perceived safety of sitting high in traffic. In town and on the open road, the X3 is comfortable, stable and composed.

Pricing is as follows:

BMW X3 sDrive18d                                        R895,658

BMW X3 sDrive20i                                         R939,798

BMW X3 xDrive20d                                        R997,176

BMW X3 sDrive18d M Sport                          R935,658

BMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport                           R979,798

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport                          R1,037,176

BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport                          R1,210,764

BMW X3 M40i                                                R1,415,042