By Boipelo Kekana-Mabuza
BMW South Africa recently launched the highly anticipated new X3 range, featuring the 20d, 30e and the powerful M50. The BMW X3 is a key player for the brand, making up around 25% of BMW’s vehicle sales. To put these models to the test, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip from Menlyn Maine to Sun City in the North West. Each leg of the journey showcased the unique strengths of these SUVs, from efficiency to performance. Adding to the experience, I enjoyed sharing the drive with industry veteran Lerato Matebese, whose expertise made the trip even more insightful.
We started our journey to Sun City in the BMW X3 xDrive30e, a plug-in hybrid
model. Leaving Menlyn Maine, we were instantly impressed by how smoothly the electric motor and petrol engine worked together. The drive was quiet and effortless, and the electric motor delivered instant power, perfect for city driving. On the open road, the switch between electric and petrol power was so seamless it was barely noticeable, a testament to BMW’s engineering. After an enjoyable drive, we arrived at Sun City and ended the day with a breathtaking sunset supper at Crocodile Lodge.
The peaceful atmosphere, stunning views, and great company made for a
memorable evening. The lodge’s rustic charm provided the perfect setting to unwind after our drive. We stayed at the Palace Hotel for the night. It is known for its luxury and exceptional service and lived up to its reputation. After breakfast at the Palace, we got behind the wheel of the BMW X3 M50 xDrive, fondly known as the “big boy” of the range and my favourite. With its adrenaline-pumping performance, the M50 was a thrill to drive, always eager for more.
The BMW X3 M50 xDrive packs a punch with its 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo six- cylinder engine. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of
250 km/h, though we couldn’t put that to the test on public roads. Its adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering made every twist and turn thrilling. They offered sharp handling while keeping the ride comfortable for long journeys.
For the second leg of our journey, we switched to the BMW X3 xDrive20d, the diesel
variant known for its impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 5.6 litres per 100 km.
The BMW X3 M50 xDrive packs a punch with its 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo six-
cylinder engine. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of
250 km/h—though we couldn’t put that to the test on public roads. Its adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering made every twist and turn thrilling. They offered sharp handling while keeping the ride comfortable for long journeys. For the second leg of our journey, we switched to the BMW X3 xDrive20d, the diesel variant known for its impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 5.6 litres per 100 km. The 20d struck an outstanding balance between power and economy. Its strong torque made highway cruising effortless while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The standout feature? Its fuel efficiency made long-distance driving a breeze.
The 20d struck an outstanding balance between power and economy. Its strong
torque made highway cruising effortless while the cabin remained quiet and
comfortable. The standout feature? Its fuel efficiency made long-distance driving a
breeze. I love how it looks from the front and back, but the side profile hasn’t fully won me over yet, though I’m sure others will appreciate it.
Pricing:
X3 20d-R1 136 417
X3 30e xDrive-R1 260 000
X3 M50 xDrive-R1 545 446
