ROAD TEST
BMW’s latest X3 is setting the bar in all ways but one
BMW has created a segment leader with its latest X3 — but don’t let it drive
I do feel a bit sorry for Audi, not winning the SA Car of the Year title this year with its new Q5. The essence of the competition is that any finalist should be better than its class rivals and the Q5 definitely is, with Lerato describing it last year as "easily the most refined SUV in its segment". At least it was at the time it was announced as a finalist. Since then the new BMW X3 has come along and it took me barely 5km to realise it is the new class leader — by some margin. We spent some time with the X3 20d as the most likely volume seller in the range and also because it was the one we were most impressed with at its local launch. There we raved about how good it was on gravel roads outside of George and Knsyna, but our test unit spent its time in the urban sprawl of Johannesburg, where many X3s will live. The design gives it a much more grown-up look, more in the vein of its other X-model siblings, but it has also grown in stature, particularly when it comes to the 54mm lon...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.