The BMW X3: Personalised futurism

IT is easy to question why the BMW X3 20d scooped the 2025 South Africa SUV of the Year Award but once you get the car’s key, all questions are easily answered.

In fact, it is more than just a key, it is the perfect embodiment of the X3.

The keyless entry is more than just a nice to have device. It does away with the old-fashioned way of looking for keys in your backpocket. The push start/stop button brings the car alive when the ambience lights up.

The car adapts your name and once the iDrive nine system is set, it embodies the owner’s personal identity. The X3 allows you to make it your own with personal settings that suit your driving and comfort needs.

The settings include your preferred maximum speed when on the road to avoid speeding fines or potential collisions.

Pupkewitz BMW principal dealer Armand Barnard notes that the car feels completely new.

South Africa exports 80% of X3s to the rest of the world and the car is currently the biggest seller and most popular in the model range, he adds.

The X3 line has been consistent since 2003 amid being revamped from the ground up.

“One of the most iconic things is the new glow on the kidney-shaped front grill that you can order from BMW,” Barnard says.

The X3 Top Revs test drove was the X3 20, powering a 145kW and 415Nm of torque. It only takes 7.7 seconds for this turbo diesel to reach 100km/h. Economically, it has the fuel consumption of an estimated 6.2L/100km, meaning with a tank capacity of 65 litres, a reach of just over a 1 000km can be obtained.
The interior speaks of BMW craftsmanship.

Once the car’s door opens, the dash comes alive by welcoming the driver with their name displayed (providing all personal settings via the iDrive nine were done).

Wireless charging comes standard on the X3, and once the phone is charging, the colour tone changes. When activating the hazards, the entire dash lights flash red in sync.

The stylish gear lever is “submerged” in the centre console, unlike the conventional gear levers. And to add more style, the console and all the controls are surrounded with stylish Swarovski glass.

This alone adds finesse to the interior.

The drive mode settings are personalised and can be adjusted according to personal driving preferences, which changes the entire dynamics of the car, Barnard explains.

For instance, choosing the sport mode, the car notifies the engine management system (EMS) “we are ready to go.”

Sport mode makes the steering wheel turn more rigid for better and controlled handling of the vehicle.

The EMS will know the driver needs maximum power and the suspension turns into race mode, making it stiffer for a much sportier ride.

The X3 boasts a bigger panoramic sunroof which gives the car a much more “airy” feeling.

With the soft touch airflow controls, softly swiping your fingers over the controls adjusts the fan speed or temperature.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.