A new mood for the BMW X3

I was at the launch of the BMW X3 in early 2025 when the brand launched three derivatives: a diesel, a plug-in hybrid and a performance variant. However, there was no pure petrol version. I was also at the South African Car of the Year awards last year when the X3 won the prestigious award. Still, no pure petrol version. It was only in November 2025 that BMW released an X3 with a four-cylinder 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine that would serve as the entry point for the model — the X3 Pure Design. Now that felt refreshing. The Pure Design is an alternative styling package to the sporty and aggressive M Sport package from BMW. It offers a more basic and clean design that adds a touch of class to an attractive car. The response to the look has been met with mixed feelings but for me, the illuminated large kidney grille brings the car to life. We had the car on test for a week and it was refreshing to enjoy the X3 as is, without sporty elements and firm suspension. If anything, it exposes BMW in its purest form: German engineering built with elegance to provide extreme comfort. The X3 did that for me. The interior follows a minimalist, refined elegance philosophy that focuses on high-tech essentials rather than excess. It features BMW’s 14.9 inch curved display that stretches from the driver side halfway across the front and it is easy to use. The infotainment display is equipped with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. While many have complained about the quality of the BMW interaction bar on the door panels, I found it unique and enjoyable, apart from the fact that the quality can be improved. The X3 Pure Design also comes standard with electrically adjustable sport seats upholstered in Veganza (synthetic leather), available in Black or Espresso Brown. I had the Espresso Brown interior which contributed to its overall elegance. But there’s no doubt that the best part about the X3 Pure Design is driving the vehicle. The 2 litre turbocharged petrol engine (aided by 48V