Whether it’s load shedding, water shedding, pothole dodging, or queuing endlessly at broken robots, South Africans are constantly being reminded of the sorry state our country is in right now. But while the automotive industry is not exempt from its share of bad fortune, there are a few shining beacons of light, such as the BMW Group’s Plant Rosslyn, which show us that continued effort and commitment to our country will see us through these tough times.
Rosslyn has been home to BMW’s world-class manufacturing plant since 1973. It was the very first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and is a world-class facility that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the South African economy over the 52 years it has been in existence.
Plant Rosslyn Quick Facts:
- 2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of the production facility
- Produced five different generations of 3 Series models until 2018
- Now produces the G45 X3 models for local and global markets
- BMW X3 30e xDrive and 40d xDrive exclusively produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for global markets
- Over 1.7 million vehicles have been built since 1972
- Approximately 76,000 BMW G45 X3 models to be built each year
- Around 96% of the 76,000 X3s produced are exported
- An average of 110 units built per shift (three shifts every 24 hours)
Planning for the future and anticipating customer trends has allowed Plant Rosslyn to grow from strength to strength over the years. Having focused on the E30, E36, E46, E90, and F30 3 Series models in recent decades, production was shifted to the third-generation G01 X3 in 2018, and then the fourth-generation G45 X3 in 2024.
Aside from its production facilities, the plant has also invested heavily in youth programs, reduced its waste to landfill to zero in 2023, and has become the first automotive manufacturer with a large percentage of its electricity generated by renewable energy. These initiatives are just what we need to provide a sustainable and successful future for South Africa.
The G45 BMW X3
It must have been unimaginable back in 2004, when the first generation X3 was launched, that it would one day overtake the 3 Series to become BMW’s global best seller, but that is exactly what happened in 2023, and the sales figures are only likely to grow with the recent introduction of the fourth generation G45 X3.
SUVs, or as BMW prefers to call them ‘SAVs’, are an easy target for car enthusiasts who prefer traditional three box saloons because of their greater dynamic ability. But they clearly haven’t driven some of BMW’s latest SAVs, because those dynamic differences are now so miniscule that you’d need a racetrack to truly tell them apart.
In everyday driving, it’s easy to see why the X3 is such a sales success. The elevated ride height is a boon in traffic, the increased road clearance and xDrive all-wheel-drive make small work of rutted tracks and off roading excursions, while the impressive dynamic abilities of the latest G45 make it just as fun to drive as many sporty saloons.
The added practicality of the SUV body style and impressive engine selection make the X3 an all-rounder that is hard to beat.
Driving Impressions
South Africa will initially be getting a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid, as well as a range-topping M50 model fitted with the iconic B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six motor.
We got to sample all three on the X3 launch late in February, and came away suitably impressed with the improvements over the already accomplished third generation X3. Highlights included a ride quality that made short work of the frankly horrendous roads in the North West Province, and the way that the new X3 tackled the torrential downpours that were a constant companion over the two day event.
As you might expect, tech under the bonnet has taken another step forward. Both the X3 20d and M50 now feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology, while the plug-in hybrid 30e is all new (to South Africa) and may well challenge the 20d for sales supremacy once customers experience its effortless performance and very frugal consumption figures.
Interior Experience
The interior follows in the tyre tracks of some of BMW’s latest models, 12.3- inch information display and 14.9-inch control display, as well as completely redesigned air vents with touch controls on the doors. Fabric-covered dash panels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and usefully angled smartphone holders finish off a thoroughly modern cabin.
BMW X3 Quick Facts
- The 293 kW X3 M50 goes from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds
- The 220kW (combined output) X3 30e will do 90km in full electric mode
- The 145kW X3 20d averages 6.2l/100km in mixed driving conditions
- All models now have standard xDrive
- Sports seats are standard on all trims
- Panoramic sunroofs are larger but do not open
Prices at launch:
| Base price (incl. Motorplan and VAT) | CO2 tax | Base price (incl. Motorplan, VAT and CO2 tax) | |
| BMW X3 20d xDrive | R 1,125,000.00 | R 11,417.20 | R 1,136,417.20 |
| BMW X3 30e xDrive | R 1,260,000.00 | N/A | R 1,260,000.00 |
| BMW X3 M50 xDrive | R 1,530,000.00 | R 15,446.80 | R 1,545,446.80 |
Now in its fourth generation, the X3 has evolved into an even more compelling family car. With a blend of space, safety, tech, and performance that will be tough to match by its rivals at these very competitive price points, we can expect to see many more X3s on our roads in the coming months. It finally deserves BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) accolade, even if we’re all still going to call it an SUV.
The BMW X3 is now available to order online.
