Latest news with #X3
Irish Times
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Irish Times
BMW X3 plug-in hybrid review: It looks a lot like beige to me – but in a good way
I'm an advocate for buying the best car you can, and also the one that sucker-punches the environment the least. So EVs are okay by me, but I have to admit to a sneaking feeling of contentment whenever I get the – increasingly rare – chance to slip behind the wheel of a diesel car these days. Maybe it's that I spent so many journalistic years driving around in the diesel-engined cars that we were all told, back in 2009, were the official tax-approved answer to lowering vehicle emissions. That worked out well … Still, the feeling that one gets from seeing a four-figure distance-to-refuel on the dashboard, combined with the knowledge that the refuel will take no more than five minutes, gives one a warm and fuzzy, if somewhat guilty, feeling. It's how I felt late last year when I drove the new BMW X3 for the first time. It was an X3 20d xDrive model, in M-Sport trim, and while I don't quite love the way it looked, I do love the way it drives (firm, but fun) and I (guiltily) love the way it's easy to refuel. READ MORE So I approached a test drive of this, the BMW X3 30e plug-in hybrid, assuming that I'd already driven the best of the new X3. I must admit to being distracted, in a good way, by the 'Dune Grey' paintwork, which looks a lot like beige to me. Others within my social group hated the colour, but I like it. BMW X3 PHEV Inside, this PHEV X3 is just as mixed a bag as the diesel. The big twin screens look great, but the lack of physical control elicits a 'boo!' from the gallery. The seats are great, but while some of the cabin is made of impressive high-quality materials, some are equally not up to par, which jars a bit. Space is good, though, even if the boot in this hybrid version loses more than 100 litres of storage space compared to the diesel model. So work that into your calculations when considering a purchase. One nice touch is the art setting for the 'My Modes' function. This may seem a bit ephemeral, but amid the Sport, Efficiency and other modes for the big screens and the ambient lighting bar, the X3 also includes a 'Digital Art Screen'. This splashes, across both infotainment and instrument screens, a vibrant purple, blue, and green design that subtly changes as you drive along. [ BMW X3 road test: Blocky model finds its edge once again Opens in new window ] This is no AI-generated slop, but the work of renowned Chinese artist Cao Fei, and, rather brilliantly, there's a button on the screen which, when pressed, plays an audio recording of Fei talking you through her own in-car work. Cheesy? Yes, a bit, but also a way of bringing BMW's famed 'Art Car' tradition into the cabin, and I rather liked it. Okay, on to more serious stuff. The X3 PHEV uses the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and 135kW electric motor as the 530e saloon and Touring, and promises a combination of up to 90km of electric range, with 299hp, and a reasonably brisk 6.2-second time for getting from 0-100km/h. And it all works rather well. True, you probably won't get 90km on a full battery. We managed 70km in mixed conditions, but that's at least fairly usable. Better is the long-range fuel economy with a flat battery. BMW claims 7.0-litres per 100km for that, and we managed slightly better, at 6.9 litres per 100km. That beats what we got from the rival Mercedes GLC plug-in hybrid, and makes it one of the more frugal SUV PHEVs around. Forget the official WLTP figure of just 1.1 litres per 100km, unless you're hardly ever using that petrol engine, but mixed economy of around 5.3 litres per 100km seems pretty easy with only a modicum of charging. It's also a car that feels quick, with a delicious (digitally-augmented) snarl from that four-cylinder engine when you accelerate, and no lack of performance when you're running in fully electric mode. BMW X3 PHEV The X3 PHEV is also a sharp drive, with excellent steering, and a broadly similar feeling to the diesel model. Thanks to stiff springs, but with excellent damping, you feel every imperfection in the road while you also feel the car dealing with those imperfections with iron-fisted confidence. Honestly, I'm starting to think that this might be the better option than the diesel model. It has its limitations, such as it will only charge on AC power so there's no option for a faster DC charging top-up. But that's probably a good thing from a running costs point of view. There is, however, something that absolutely copper-fastens the appeal of this plug-in hybrid X3 compared to its diesel brethren: the price tag. The diesel X3 we tested, in the same sporty M-Sport trim (the one that everyone buys), and with broadly comparable equipment levels, topped €111,000 in the as-tested price category. This PHEV? €80,000. So you could buy this X3 PHEV, and still have enough change from a Renault 5 EV for short hops, compared to the diesel one we drove? I think I'm finally ready to forego the black pump. Make mine a PHEV (and yes, in beige please). Lowdown: BMW X3 30e xDrive PHEV Power: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 135kW motor and 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery producing 299hp and 450 of torque and powering the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. CO2 emissions (annual motor tax): 21-26g/km (€140). Fuel consumption: 1.1l/100km (WLTP, see text) 0-100km/h: 6.2 secs. Price: €80,575 as tested, X3 starts from €73,157 Our rating: 4/5. Verdict: The X3 is an impressive plug-in hybrid, but the price advantage over the diesel model seals the deal.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa optimistic about auto industry amid US tariff deadline
The announcement and anticipation of US tariffs have already had an immediate and devastating impact on trade performance. With South Africa having less than a week to negotiate a tariff deal before the 1st August deadline hits, President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the auto industry in the country, saying it continues to 'drive investment, jobs and innovation'. The announcement and anticipation of the US tariffs already had a devastating and immediate impact on trade performance, even before the tariffs were implemented. Vehicle exports Vehicle exports to the US dropped by 73% in the first quarter of 2025, followed by a further decline of 80% in April and 85% in May. However, Ramaphosa remains optimistic. Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the 'largest manufacturing sector in the country'. 'South Africa's role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown. 'Auto companies like Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have plants here in our country that produce vehicles for the local market and for export to many other countries in the world,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa responds to US' push for sanctions against SA leaders BMW investment Last week, Ramaphosa attended the launch of BMW's new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company's Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. While concerns were raised about tariffs on BMWs, the marque's South African boss, Peter van Binsbergen, stated that the current uncertainty surrounding US tariffs being imposed on vehicle imports from South Africa and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) will not impact the group in the short term. 'Currently — this year and in next year's plan — there are no exports to the US in our production plan, which is fully maxed out on demand,' he said on Thursday. Green mobility Ramaphosa said South Africa is the exclusive global production site for BMW's new X3 plug-in hybrid. He said that the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in several markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. 'The latest investment by BMW, following their pledge at our South Africa Investment Conference in 2023, is a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business. 'As government, we are working to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment to support the growth of this burgeoning industrial activity,' the president said. Car manufacturing Ramaphosa emphasised that government support to the car manufacturing industry through the Automotive Production and Development Programme will position South Africa as a 'key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future'. 'Protecting existing jobs in the sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. 'We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist,' Ramaphosa said. Ramaphosa added that amid these challenges, South Africa's auto industry is making the investments 'needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility'. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa defends transformation: 'We must dispel the false notion'
Car and Driver
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
The X3's new look borrows a few elements from the Neue Klasse concepts we've seen, but its electric sibling debuting later this year will take that design language even further.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
‘Open our eyes and ears' – Ramaphosa on how to tackle US tariff hike on SA cars
In response to the incoming US tariffs, Ramaphosa said South Africa needs to look at other markets. South Africa will feel the wrath of the Trump administration as it stands firm on implementing the 30% tariff on exports to the United States (US). Other countries will also be affected by President Donald Trump's decision, as their export tariffs are increasing as well. In South Africa, the automotive sector will be significantly impacted, as some brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, export to the US. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, on Thursday, highlighted that the automotive industry has a significant impact on the country's GDP, as it contributes 4.9%. ALSO READ: US tariff of 30% on SA exports: where to now? Ramaphosa on US tariffs BMW Group SA hosted an engagement to highlight its commitment to strengthening South Africa's economic vitality and advancing its industrial innovation. 'The tariffs from the US have turned the world upside down and are a huge threat to us as well because we export a lot of products to the US, such as vehicles, agricultural products and mineral products,' said Ramaphosa. During his keynote address, he added that SA is the 22nd largest car exporter in the world. Ramaphosa added that the US market is important to SA; however, it is time to diversify the country's export base and accelerate domestic value creation. 'As we face this threat of higher tariffs, we need to open our eyes and ears and see where else our vehicles can go.' SA government engaging on US tariffs Ramaphosa added that producers of some industries have already felt the pressure of the incoming US tariffs. He said the South African government is engaging with the US, and he hopes this will yield success in the coming days. 'We need to look at other markets, and being an African country, with an African continental free-trade, we have got to see how we open up the rest of the continent, because we have a very positive tariff-free opportunity with the rest.' He applauded BMW for exporting the new X3 to Europe. He said that exporting cars to other countries demonstrates trust in the skills South Africans possess and highlights the industry's potential. ALSO READ: Devastating impact of US tariffs on SA automotive sector even before implementation BMW Group South Africa invited President @CyrilRamaphosa to a showcase of the successful implementation of the latest investment for production of the new BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at the automaker's plant at Rosslyn in Tshwane. — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 24, 2025 BMW not affected by tariffs Danny Bester, BWM plant director, told The Citizen that they are not affected by the US tariffs, as they are not currently exporting to the country. 'Right now, we are not affected by the US tariffs because most of our volumes are going to other parts of the world, like Europe, Australia and New Zealand.' He added that they would like to have access to the American market. However, they have sent 16% of the current generation to the US. When asked if they will be looking into expanding in the future, Bester said BMW is aiming to build a new record volume by the end of the year. NOW READ: Mercedes-Benz halts production in Eastern Cape – Will employees be paid?
IOL News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
South Africa positions itself as a global hub for new energy vehicles, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Image: Willem van de Putte President Cyril Ramaphosa says that with the electric vehicle white paper and the incentive programme, the country has committed to a stable, predictable and supportive framework for companies to be able to invest and grow in South Africa. Speaking at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, with the theme 'A strategic vision for South Africa's automotive future', he was quick to praise the company for the work they have been doing. BMW South Africa manufactures the X3 range of SUVs, exporting them to more than 24 different countries around the world. More importantly, they are the sole manufacturer for the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid. Transformation 'We are on an exciting journey of transformation, change, and development in numerous ways, and your efforts have been pivotal in driving this transformation forward. 'The automotive sector serves as the cornerstone of our industrial strategy, accounting for 4.9% of our GDP and directly supporting over 115 000 manufacturing jobs. Its impact extends far beyond these figures, affecting the livelihoods of more than half a million individuals throughout the value chain,' he said. 'South Africa stands as the 22nd largest vehicle exporter in the world, with key markets including the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. Moreover, the African continent, particularly within the SADC region, is emerging as an increasingly important export market. 'We have successfully positioned ourselves as a globally competitive hub for automotive manufacturing, and the BMW Group has played an essential role in this significant journey.' Referring to New Energy Vehicles, Ramaphosa said: 'The transition to green mobility and the electrification of vehicle production aligns with our global commitment to reducing emissions and supporting the shift towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, and we are proud to be part of this important movement. Next Stay Close ✕ Ideally positioned 'We are truly encouraged by the significant milestones achieved by the BMW Group. As the shift towards battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen mobility gains momentum, South Africa is ideally positioned as a vital global manufacturing hub for the future of mobility. 'We are dedicated to creating an enabling regulatory and policy environment that facilitates innovation and creativity, allowing companies like BMW to play a leading role in this sector. 'Through initiatives like the Automotive Production Development Program, the recently introduced Electric Vehicle White Paper, and an accompanying incentive program, we are committed to establishing a stable, predictable, and supportive framework that encourages companies to invest, localise, and grow in South Africa.' Opportunity Ramaphosa added that the transition to NEVs offers an opportunity for the local component manufacturing sector, which has primarily focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) components. 'Given our substantial reserves of critical minerals, we have the potential to become a hub for processing and refining these minerals extracted from South African soil. Our goal is to enhance their value, allowing us to export finished products rather than just raw materials. We are in the process of finalising targeted incentives aimed at promoting battery cell localisation, manufacturing electric vehicle components, advancing clean mobility initiatives, and fostering research and design - all of which are essential for our growth in this sector,' he said. Trump tariffs Touching on the increased tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, he admitted that it would have a huge impact, but failed to elaborate. 'The United States is a key market for our vehicle exports, and it further underscores the need for us to diversify our export base and to accelerate domestic value creation as well. As we navigate the challenges of higher tariffs, it's crucial for us to keep our eyes and ears open to explore new markets for our vehicles. While it's encouraging that the X3 is being exported to Europe, we also need to focus on expanding into the African market.' Speaking to the employees, the President said that the plant was a vote of confidence in their abilities. 'The production locally of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid is a symbol of trust, a trust in the skills all of you have and a vote of confidence in our partnerships and our potential,' he concluded.
