Price: R1 290 000 Powertrain: Permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, rear Power: 210 kW @ 6 000-17 000 r/min Torque: 400 N.m @ 0-5 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: 6,8 seconds* Top speed: 180 km/h Range: Up to 460 km* Rivals: Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge, Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4Matic
A new dawn is upon Munich, whether South Africa is ready for it or not. After a century of producing vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, BMW i, the Bavarian carmaker's electrified branch, was born to signal a shift into the next milestone of mobility. This was ushered in by the outlying first generation of i-badged vehicles but over the past decade, BMW has been gearing up for an electric takeover, with its silent sub-brand entering the mainstream. Now, BMW has amassed a collection of battery-electric vehicles it has officially introduced on to our market, and hopes to shift buyer perception in their categories.
Moving forward as an intended volume product in the electrified line-up is the BMW iX3. It looks and drives very much like its ICE counterparts. The BMW X3 has by now become a mainstay for the German automaker, so it made sense for an electrified version to help lead the charge into greener mobility.
At its core, premium mobility and utility are melded together into one well-rounded package. The exterior doesn't deviate far from the model upon which it's based, sharing many panels and parts with the existing G01 third-generation X3. Although it may look humdrum in comparison to other SUVs in the BMW portfolio, this familiarity will likely contribute to its success in the role of carrying the i brand forward in South Africa, for the time being.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
