Munich. The latest version of the BMW X3 is poised for market launch in China. The country’s most successful Sports Activity Vehicle will arrive at Chinese dealerships in just a few days and will go on sale later in February 2025.

Drive system: two petrol engines to choose from.

This exclusive version of the BMW X3 was developed and will be produced specifically for the Chinese market to meet the exacting expectations of customers in the high-growth SAV segment. The outgoing model was the strongest-selling BMW vehicle worldwide in 2023. 156,000 units were delivered in China alone – accounting for around 40 per cent of all BMW X model sales in the region.

The new BMW X3 will be launched in China with two engine variants. Customers can choose from a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines: the BMW X3 xDrive 25L Luxury develops 140 kW (190 hp) and maximum torque of 310 Nm (229 lb-ft). This is enough to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 214 km/h (133 mph). The even more dynamic BMW X3 xDrive 30L – available in the equipment variants Pioneering MSP and Exclusive MSP – generates 190 kW (258 hp) and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), and sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.5 seconds. Top speed is 239 km/h (148 mph).

Longer wheelbase, more space, more comfort.
Alongside its BMW-typical sporting ability, the new SAV for the premium midsize class majors on high quality and comfort. For the first time, the version of the BMW X3 produced in China for China has an extended wheelbase. Yet it also retains the 50:50 weight distribution for which BMW is renowned, which results in almost perfect balance and therefore top-class handling. In addition, the 111-millimetre-longer wheelbase ensures even smoother and even more stable driving characteristics. And once inside, passengers can enjoy a significantly enhanced feeling of space.

This extra spaciousness is particularly noticeable in the rear compartment. Here, kneeroom has increased by a full 96 millimetres and legroom to over a metre. The new BMW X3 with extended wheelbase is 126 millimetres longer than the predecessor model and 25 millimetres wider. Its exterior length of 4,865 millimetres and width of 1,920 millimetres also mean it has the largest dimensions of any vehicle in its segment. However, it still has the hallmark proportions of a BMW X model, complete with a long roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end and a dynamically stretched silhouette.

Generous and exclusive equipment with a host of highlights.
The luxurious driving experience is complemented by the high-quality and exclusive specification of the new BMW X3. Playing a prominent role here are the standard features enhanced by an array of market-specific details. Thanks to the new BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 9, customers in China benefit from a large number of exclusive digital services. The content of the BMW Digital Premium offering has been adapted precisely to the particular requirements and demands of customers in the Chinese market.

The exterior also stars with exclusive details for the Chinese market. Both model variants come as standard with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, which shows off the BMW kidney grille to eye-catching effect. The range of colour shades available comprises five exquisite metallic paint finishes, including a particularly striking Frozen variant that gives the car a visually impactful presence.

From China, for China: local production brings many benefits.
The two BMW X3 variants are tailored more keenly than ever to the preferences of discerning target groups in China. The vehicle concept, design, technology and equipment have all been adapted as required with no change to the prices asked for the predecessor model. BMW has also focused on its Shenyang base in China when it comes to development and production. The new BMW X3 models will be built at Plant Lydia, which BMW operates in tandem with its joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) and which employs cutting-edge, resource-conserving and efficient production methods. Local production also reduces transportation distances, optimises logistics and actively contributes to greater sustainability.

Rosslyn. BMW Group South Africa hails the end of an era as BMW Group Plant Rosslyn ended production of the third-generation BMW X3. On 28 August, the last vehicle of this model was produced, totalling the number of BMW X3 cars built to 403,114 units. This historic moment was celebrated by the organisation’s members of management and employees. The last vehicle – a now memorable Carbon Black BMW X3 – will be shipped to a customer in Germany.

At the heart of BMW Group South Africa’s operations since 1973, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is a cornerstone of its global production network of more than 30 sites in 15 countries. It was the first plant established outside of Germany, building more than 1.7 million cars since its inception. In a key move, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn produced the BMW 3 Series for 35 years until 2018, manufacturing more than 1 million units, and increasing production with each model.

The culmination of 6 years of hard work.

In 2015, the BMW Group announced a R6 billion investment into South Africa by preparing BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for the production of the BMW X3 in 2018. The investment upgraded the facility into one of the most modern in the world, and placed it in line with the efficiency, sustainability and flexibility of BMW Group plants across globally.

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has been producing the BMW X3 in a three-shift operation for South Africa and more than 50 African and global markets. Approximately 96% of the units produced at the plant are destined for export. With a planned maximum capacity of 76,000 units of the BMW X3, and additional investments, the plant can flexibly match volumes to demand and build more cars.

Since the start of local BMW X3 production in 2018, BMW Group South Africa has claimed segment leadership as the top-selling premium car brand in South Africa. There is steady growth in the popularity of the BMW X models, and the BMW X3 has become one the brand’s best-selling models. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has proven itself to be an essential member of the BMW Group production network, consistently improving quality and productivity, and fashioning success.

General Manager of Assembly at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, Tshepo Khoza commented, “Having worked closely with the third-generation BMW X3, the last of its kind rolling off the production line was a particularly sentimental moment. While the BMW X3 has undergone several generational updates, each model has unique strengths, with the spirited driving dynamics of the BMW brand remaining consistent. The third generation stood out with a new range of more powerful and efficient engines. The new BMW X3 is yet another show of modernity and enhanced product substance.”

As one chapter ends, another begins.

In 2023, BMW Group South Africa announced R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn plant to build the next-generation BMW X3 plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). The investment is in line with BMW’s iFACTORY master plan for future production, marking a significant next-step in advancing the development of efficient, digitalised and resource-friendly production.

The new BMW X3 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg and Plant Rosslyn using a production process that prioritises the conservation of resources and circularity. Production will begin with the PHEV model, exclusively manufactured in Rosslyn for the world.

As of October 2024, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn will build the fourth-generation BMW X3, continuing the success story of the production of this model in South Africa, and securing the future of the plant for the next 50 years. This decision further ensures the livelihoods of more than 20,000 people directly and indirectly employed at BMW Group South Africa’s facilities and within its supply chain. More recently, plant employees have been trained for new tasks in a qualification programme for electromobility.

Dr Niklas Fichtmueller, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn Director remarked, “The continuation of the BMW X3 story in South Africa demonstrates the BMW Group’s commitment to South Africa – its people and communities – after 50 years of operation. It follows on the sales success of a model that has been a clear segment leader. Our achievements are attributed to our workforce who have been dedicated to and persistent in building a world-class product as well as servicing customers globally.”

ENDS

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

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Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

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