The BMW X3 is a rather popular premium SAV on local roads and for good reason. Traditionally, even the entry model offered excellent levels of comfort, technology, and practicality, all for a reasonable amount. In this review, we take a closer look at the latest X3 20 Pure Design derivative, the new entry point to the range, to find out if these attributes remain.
Fast Facts
| Category | Specification |
| Price (R) | R1 114 760 |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo petrol + mild hybrid |
| Power (Combined) | 148 kW |
| Torque (Combined) | 335 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (claimed) | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 218 km/h |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 7.5 L/100 km (claimed) (7.8 L/100km tested) |
| Boot Space | 570 - 1700 litre |
| Rivals | Volvo XC60, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, BYD Sealion 7 |
Styling
The latest generation BMW X3 can be rather polarising in its exterior design, depending on how many people you ask. For us, though, the large kidney grille and aggressive headlamp design remain appealing. For the Pure Design derivative, a naming convention previously seen only on the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé, there are a few standard items that differentiate it from a standard X3 20.
Firstly, the BMW X3 Pure Design already comes standard with the xLine specification; however, look up front, and the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille lights up for a dramatic effect, especially in the evenings. Flanking the grille are LED headlamps, while aluminium satin-finished accents are incorporated into the grille, lower front fascia, and other areas of the X3.
Down the sides, you get 19-inch wheels with run-flat tyres to bolster the premium look. At the back of the X3, hidden away, is a fully electrically operated tow hitch, which, when not in use, can be stowed away and not distract from the modern design of the rear bumper.
Interior and Technology
Utilise the comfort access and electric front sport seats, and step inside the X3. You are welcomed by a modern interior layout with premium upholstery. The seats, parts of the door cards and dashboard are clad with Veganza, a smooth artificial leather, while the multifunction steering wheel gets a leather-clad rim.
Above the ambient lighting and the BMW Interaction bar, where one can adjust basic HVAC settings, sits a curved 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system installed with BMW Operating System 9. This system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, serving as the main centre to adjust settings on the vehicle.
While the operation is smooth and many of the menu items are very intuitive, we noticed that our Apple CarPlay quick access menu was located to the left of the screen, whereas usually it features on the right. While not confirmed, this could be due to the system being optimised for left-hand drive vehicles. While this wasn't completely distracting, as a daily user of Apple CarPlay, it did take some time getting used to reaching further to access the menus.
In front of the driver, a two-spoke design multifunction steering wheel features a combination of rubberised buttons and scrolling wheels for menu selections, as well as some gloss plastic surfaces for buttons for items such as the cruise control and telephony. Behind that sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which offers different layouts and styles depending on your individual driving mode setup.
The extensive phone binnacle also houses two USB-C charging ports, as well as a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Just in front of that, you gain access to the infotainment control dial, drive modes, and audio controls, including a volume dial for quick and convenient adjustment. Next to that are the start button and the "prindle" or gear selector.
Step into the rear, and the same comfort and premium feel continues. For both front and rear occupants, the shoulder-, leg-, and headroom are more than adequate, and four adults could easily cover long distances in the X3 with little fatigue. Rear occupants also benefit from two USB-C ports, as well as rear air conditioning with adjustable settings. If the rear bench is not in use, you can lower the seatbacks and easily expand the 570-litre boot to 1 700 litres.
Overall, our experience inside the X3 was very satisfying. When you mute the music playing through the competent Harman/Kardon surround sound system, minimal road or engine noise enters the cabin. Touch and feel around, and almost every area or surface provides the premium feel you expect from a BMW. If we were to nitpick, the flash marks on the plastic paddle-shifters aren't quite up to the standard of the rest of the cabin.
Performance
The primary purpose of the BMW X3 20 Pure Design is to provide customers with a petrol-powered alternative that offers good levels of specification, alongside the popular X3 20d derivative. While rivals like the Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque also rely on turbocharged petrol engines with respectable claimed ranges, and the BYD Sealion 7 is a fully electric model with a good amount of range, the BMW uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology to close the gap and create value for the money.
| Vehicle | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Driven wheels | Price (R) |
| BMW X3 20 Pure Drive | 148 | 335 | Rear | R 1 114 760 |
| Volvo XC60 B5 AWD Plus Dark | 183 | 350 | All | R 1 116 300 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque P160 S | 118 | 260 | Front | R 1 147 000 |
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium | 230 | 380 | Rear | R 1 099 900 |
While not the most powerful nor the least expensive, the BMW X3 strikes a good balance of performance, price, and running costs for customers in this segment.
Driving impression
The BMW X3 in 20 Pure Drive guise isn't necessarily geared towards off-road driving; however, with some distance covered on quite deteriorated dirt roads, it proved comfortable, confident, and offered sufficient ground clearance. But where this X3 derivative really shone was in town.
Spending time on the highway commuting between Pretoria and Johannesburg, the 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine offered enough power up hills without requiring all the revs. Combine this with the mild-hybrid system that provides that extra little push and instant power, and you will also confidently overtake on national routes.
In the suburbs, the mild-hybrid system effectively reduces fuel consumption and also helps eliminate the brief moment when the stop/start system restarts the engine. Will it thrill on a racetrack, not so much. But will it overtake easily while just sipping fuel on a daily commute? Definitely yes. And if you were wondering about the Steptronic 8-speed transmission, it is very smooth and intuitive.
As for the suspension, the primary ride is nice and soft, allowing only the more prominent of road surface imperfections to communicate back through the steering wheel. In contrast, the secondary ride strikes a good balance between compliant and firm enough to mitigate body roll. The steering is relatively quick and light, but very predictable on the road and in parking lots.
Fuel consumption
Safety
The BMW X3 comes equipped with numerous standard safety features. First, you can expect seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front/rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The Driving Assistant package, which is also standard, includes Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Detection.
Drivers also benefit from the Parking Assistant (with automatic parking), Active Park Distance Control, and a Reversing Assistant, while features like Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, and an autonomous braking system (with pedestrian detection) enhance safety.
Pricing
At R1 114 760, the X3 20 Pure Design is positioned near the entry point of the X3 range. BMW includes a 2-year/Unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The BMW X3 remains a popular choice among South Africans in the market for a premium SUV, offering value for its price tag. With the introduction of the 20 Pure Design derivative, BMW offers significantly more value for a model positioned near the entry point of the range. Discerning buyers, who would traditionally opt for the 20d derivative purely because of its value, can now also consider a petrol unit.
To answer the question posed at the start of this review, yes, the BMW X3 still offers excellent levels of comfort, technology, and practicality. And with this Pure Design derivative, it certainly feels even more so. We would definitely recommend considering the locally built X3 if you're looking for a silver bullet for your premium SUV needs.
