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RPM TV Website | March 22, 2024

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New suit for X3

New suit for X3
Adam Schoeman

BMW’s first X3 was a massive sales success. Motoring journo’s the world over complained about its ugly looks and lack of standard equipment, but this was not enough to dissuade people to look elsewhere.

Who could blame them? All things considered, the first X3 was a brilliant SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). It handled like a 3-series BMW, but offered the feel good factor of the much bigger and more expensive X5.

The first official pictures and specification of the new model have just been released. Two engines will be available when it is launched at the end of the year.

The first unit is the much praised 2.0 diesel that also does service in the 3-series. It delivers 135kW and 380Nm of torque. Couple those figures with a claimed 5.6l/100km fuel consumption and it’s easy to see why BMW reckon this particular model will account for around 80% of sales.

Do you prefer to get somewhere before anybody else? Fret not, for the award winning 335i unit will also be available. This turbocharged unit delivers 225kW/400Nm and is coupled to a 8-speed automatic tranny. What a way to put the “Sport” back into sport activity vehicle. The handling will almost certainly set new standards in this segment.

It has grown in every conceivable direction, which means more space for passengers and luggage. With the seats folded down, the X3 will swallow 1600 litres of luggage. The cabin is luxuriously appointed in leather and will, for the first time, feature an 8.8 inch high-resolution LCD screen for the entertainment and navigation functions.  

On the styling front the news is good as well. Gone are the awkward lines that defined the precious car. The new boy is decidedly more sedate in its execution. It has traded its tie-dyed t-shirt in for something a bit more business like. It suits the car exceptionally well and we can’t wait to see it in the flesh.

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