The latest generation of the BMW X3 is about to hit South African roads, and we’ve uncovered the pricing for all three variants: the 20d, 30e, and M50. Each model comes with BMW’s signature eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, bringing a blend of efficiency, electrification, and performance to the premium SUV segment.

First up is the sole diesel in the range, the X3 20d. It packs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine pushing out a solid 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque, all of which is available from just 1,500 rpm. According to BMW, this engine sips a mere 5.8 L/100 km on average, making it a frugal choice for long-distance cruising. It’s no slouch either, with a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h.

Next, we have the electrified option — the X3 30e, which is the first plug-in hybrid X3 to be produced locally. It combines a 140 kW/310 Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a 135 kW/250 Nm electric motor and a 19.7 kWh battery pack. Together, the hybrid setup delivers a punchy 220 kW and 450 Nm of torque. With the battery fully charged, BMW claims a fuel-sipping figure of 1.1 L/100 km, and on electric power alone, you can travel up to 90 km. Performance-wise, it’s swift, hitting 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and topping out at 215 km/h.

Finally, sitting at the top of the current X3 range is the X3 M50. This M Performance variant swaps out the previous-gen M40i for a 3.0-litre inline-six that’s been tuned to crank out an impressive 293 kW and 580 Nm, giving it 8 kW and 80 Nm more than its predecessor. As a result, it rockets from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite the power, BMW claims the M50 averages 7.7 L/100 km, proving you can have performance and efficiency in one package.

Pricing:

- X3 20d xDrive – R1,125,000

- X3 30e xDrive – R1,260,000

- X3 M50 xDrive – R1,530,000

Each model comes with a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5 year/100,000 km maintenance plan. The plug-in hybrid 30e adds an 8 year/100,000 km hybrid battery warranty on top of that, ensuring peace of mind for those venturing into the world of electrification.