The BMW X3 is now in its third generation, having first made its debut back in 2003 in E83 guise. Being based on the 3 Series platform at the time, the X3 was less popular than its revolutionary bigger sibling, the X5.
Its successor, the F25 was sold from 2011-2017 and was more successful than its predecessor. In mid-2017, the current G01 X3 model was unveiled and subsequently launched locally in 2018.
Related: Top 3 BMW X3 trims head to head: here's our winner.
There is an impressive number of pre-owned X3 models listed on AutoTrader, with more than 200 examples matching our criteria. For the purposes of our comparison today, we will be looking at 3 key differences between the previous generation F25 X3 and the new G01 X3 models.
1.It is now built locally
BMW produced the popular 3 Series along with a wide variety of iconic homologation specials at its production facility in Rosslyn, just outside of Pretoria for decades, however, it has now switched to producing the G01 X3 as of 2018. The X3 is not only built for the local market though as hundreds of X3s are sent out for export to other global markets monthly.
The X3 is also built in the United States, India, Thailand, Egypt, China, Brazil and Malaysia. The Bavarian brand claims that its production capacity for X3 models at the Rosslyn facility is 76 000 units per annum. While it is lovely to say that your X3 is proudly South African, what is more important is the billions of Rands BMW has invested in our country, which is a great vote of confidence for a large global brand.
2.B series engines
BMW’s modern modular B series engine line-up replaces the previous N series power plants in the latest X3. Engine options throughput the range include the B48 2.0-litre turbo petrol, the B50 3.0-litre turbo petrol, the B47 2.0-litre turbo diesel, the B57 3.0-litre diesel as well as a hybrid model which has a 50 kW electric motor paired with the B48 petrol engine. These new generation power units are all paired with a ZF 8HP gearbox.
There is an M model with a bespoke twin-turbocharged version of the B58 which has been fettled with so much that it qualifies for a new engine designation, namely, S58. The latest engine range in the X3 range is not only more efficient but also more powerful and lower in terms of CO2 emissions versus its predecessors.
3.Digitised interior
While the F25 model features a respectable interior design, the latest X3 is most certainly takes the digitisation of the X3's cabin to a new level, even if most of these features are costly optional extras. There is an optional 12.3 digital instrument cluster, an optional colour head-up display and the brand's superb iDrive infotainment system which features a 10.2-inch screen with niceties such as a voice-controlled personal assistant, gesture control and wireless Apple CarPlay. There are also options such as an ambient air package and ambient lighting package, allowing you to customise the scent and colour inside the cabin.
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