New BMW X3 Production Kicks Off in SA

With only one vehicle export registered in September, production of the new, fourth-generation X3 has finally kicked off at BMW’s Rosslyn production plant in South Africa.

BMW X3 production

Image: BMW

Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! 

On 28 August, 2024, BMW ceased production of the third-generation X3, with a whopping 403 114 units of the previous iteration having been assembled (for local and global consumption) at the Bavarian brand’s Rosslyn assembly line in South Africa since 2018. However, the X3’s success story will continue locally, with production of the new model having officially kicked off on 1 October, 2024.

Related: Final Third-Gen X3 Rolls Off BMW SA’s Rosslyn Production Line

“We have finally arrived at the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3. We have eagerly awaited and prepared for this, and I am thrilled that we can begin this next chapter of the successful BMW X3 story here in South Africa. Our teams have worked tirelessly and diligently to meet every milestone to this point. This moment encapsulates their commitment to providing a world-class product from South Africa for [the] world,” said BMW Group South Africa Plant Director Dr Niklas Fichtmüller.

BMW X3

Image: BMW

A milestone in BMW SA’s production history, the German marque’s Rosslyn plant will be the only manufacturing facility where the plug-in hybrid version — the X3 30e xDrive — of the premium-midsize BMW SUV is built.

Priced from R1 125 00, locally, the X3 model line-up will, at first (the new-generation, high-performance M variant is yet to be revealed) comprise a trio of derivatives, the 20d xDrive, aforementioned 30e xDrive, and M50 xDrive, the latter of which effectively replaces the previous X3 M40i xDrive.

Related: New BMW X3 in SA — We Have Pricing!

The single diesel derivative in the X3 range, the 20d xDrive is equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner, which is good for 140 kW and 400 N.m of torque. The 30e xDrive’s plug-in hybrid setup comprises a 140 kW/310 N.m turbocharged petrol engine and 135 kW/250 N.m electric motor for combined power and torque outputs of 220 kW and 450 N.m. The M Performance derivative — the M50 xDrive — employs BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre, inline-six petrol unit, which produces a healthy 293 kW and 580 N.m.

Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag 

The post New BMW X3 Production Kicks Off in SA appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th
Read more