BMW South Africa continuously invests in expanding its operations and the people in the communities that will be part of that expansion. That was the overall message when we spent time with the Bavarian automaker in Midrand. In addition, BMW allowed us to sample three new models that are currently available at their dealerships but have not yet had official media launches: the new 1 Series, X3 and Mini Cooper 3-door.
Related: New cars headed to SA in 2025!
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New BMW 1 Series
As part of our day, we sampled a few of BMW's new models, and the first one we grabbed the keys to was the BMW 1 Series. While this model range hasn't yet had a local media introduction, the BMW 118, 118 M Sport, and BMW M135 are already available at the dealerships. BMW South Africa has also confirmed that later in 2025, a 220 will arrive on our shores.
After a quick drive in the M135, we can confirm that the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol motor producing 233kW and 400Nm of torque, coupled to the 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, certainly punches hard and is very much smile-inducing. But what was quite impressive was the discernible difference you feel between the drive modes.
BMW also paid a lot of attention to the chassis and suspension of the new 1 Series, and it is evident that when you are fast in the corners, it supports and is confident; however, when you are just trotting around, it is compliant and comfortable. What also stood out was the noise, harshness and vibrations, or the lack thereof. Yes, even in just a few minutes behind the steering wheel, you realise how quiet and comfortable driving is.
BMW 1 Series price
| BMW 118 | from R 713 395 |
| BMW 118 M Sport | from R 753 395 |
| BMW M135 | from R 982 768 |
*Pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of writing; however, it can change at any moment and without notice.
New BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a very important model for BMW South Africa, not only because of its local popularity but also because it is produced locally. BMW has confirmed that BMW Plant Rosslyn has been fully equipped, and the new X3 production line is in full swing. BMW South Africa also invested in upskilling their teams to be qualified to build the plug-in hybrid X30 30e derivatives.
We jumped into the top-of-the-range X3 M50 derivative during our quick sample of the models. The model is motivated by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-6 petrol engine and an electric motor producing 293kW and 580Nm of torque when the eBoost (electric boost) is activated. The power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds.
While the performance was impressive, the build quality and interior design were grand. The curved screen, updated ambient lighting system, and M Sport steering wheel give the driver the impression of sitting in a cockpit. But BMW focuses on green technologies even in its more sporty models. Recycled material can be incorporated into the dashboard, door cards, and a few other areas of the interior.
The materials have a nice texture and pattern and, in the writer's opinion, add to the premium interior rather than detract. Combine the premium interior with the performance and the grunty sound from the engine, and it quickly becomes theatre.
BMW X3 price
| BMW X3 20d xDrive | from R 1 136 417 |
| BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport | from R 1 186 417 |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive | from R 1 260 000 |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport | from R 1 310 000 |
| BMW X3 M50 | from R 1 545 447 |
*Pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of writing; however, it can change at any moment and without notice.
Related: Mini Countryman (2024) - First Drive Review
Mini Cooper
Last but not least on the list of cars we got to sample was the Mini Cooper 3-door. Three derivatives exist for the 3-door variants: the Cooper C, Cooper S, and fully electric Cooper SE. The premium hatch incorporates unique styling on the exterior and interior, and there are some quirky features, too.
Step inside, and you will notice that much of the dashboard and door cards are clad with recycled materials, which offers some nice texture. If you want to start the Cooper, don't expect a button but a switch that turns like a key and is centrally fitted underneath the 240mm diameter, round infotainment screen and driver instrument cluster.
There is even an Experiences option, which, based on your mood, will alter the graphics design on the central screen and provide the information you might want or require during your trip. The new Mini Cooper, inside and out, is very charismatic in its execution. Now, we have jumped into the Cooper S, which is motivated by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150kW and 300Nm of torque.
This is enough for spirited drives but claims to be frugal enough to return an average fuel consumption figure of around 6.3 L/100 km. After a few kilometres, we are excited to spend some extended time in the driver seat as the new Cooper embodies the spirit of the original Cooper: compact, stylish and fun.
Mini Cooper price
| MINI Cooper C 3-door | from R 602 052 |
| MINI Cooper C 5-door | from R 624 052 |
| MINI Cooper S 3-door | from R 646 395 |
| MINI Cooper S 5-door | from R 676 395 |
| MINI Cooper SE | from R 802 000 |
*Pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of writing; however, it can change at any moment and without notice.
