The 3rd-generation BMW X3 executive crossover/SUV will be produced at BMW SA's plant in Rosslyn from 2018. Pricing for this new model is now available thanks to BMW's website and we can share it with you.

The BMW X3, as we have written before, will replace the current 3 Series as BMW South Africa's local production model. The new model has finally been revealedand, as expected, features a much more pronounced (read bigger) kidney grille. Front and rear LED lights have been designed to reflect a 3D look with a low rear roof spoiler giving it a coupe roofline feel.

It will be available in xLine, M Sport and Luxury line trim options while a unique Pythonic Blue colour is specific to the new X3 range.

Size-wise the new model is longer by 78 mm and the wheelbase is longer by 54 mm. The luggage capacity has been kept identical at 550 litres, which should translate into more passenger space.

The engine range is as to be expected with downsized turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines on offer. The X3 M40i is fitted with a potent motor than producespeak outputsof 265 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbopetrolpropels the range-topping X3 from standstill to100 kph in just 4.8 seconds.

The rest of the range comprises an X3 30i with 185 kW using 7.4L/100 km, an X3 20d with 140 kW and 400 Nm claiming 5.4 L/100 km. The X3 30d has 195 kW and 620 Nm of torque and claims just 6.0L/100 km. All models appear to be fitted with an 8-speed steptronic gearbox.

As expected weight has been shed with the new X3 over the old and it sits around 55 kg lighter now. Some of the trickle-down tech from the 7 and 5 Series has been installed in the X3 as it benefits from semi-autonomous driving, the latest version of active cruise control, gesture control and a more connected infotainment system.

The X3 will begin production in Spartanburg (South Carolina, USA) during July 2017. The South African built X3 will only begin production in April 2018. That means our first batch of X3s will be imported before local production takes over. Production of the current 3 Series at Rosslyn will cease in February 2018 and the all-new BMW X3 goes on sale in South Africa in November 2017.

BMW X3 Specs and Price in South Africa

All BMW X3 models sold in South Africa come with BMW's all-wheel-drive system and all feature automatic transmissions. An 8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission is available as an option, except for the X3 M40i, where it is standard. There are 4levels of trim:Standard,xLine,Luxury Line and of course the M Sport package. There are plenty of options to consider to truly make each and every X3 unique.

Watch the recent BMW X3 advert:

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