BMW's 7th-gen 3 Series and all-new X1: refreshed aesthetics, digitisation, and gratifying driving experiences
First Drive: Refreshed BMW 3 Series and all-new X1
While the BMW 3 Series and X1 don't compete in the same category, they both play an essential role in BMW's lineup. Think of the X1 as the gateway to the X series stable, where you'll find the X3, X4, X5, and X7 models. On the other hand, the 3 Series, also known locally as Gushese, has been a staple in the declining sedan market since 1975.
Now in its seventh generation, the 3 Series has sold over 1.1 million units worldwide, solidifying its position as one of BMW's best-selling models. Meanwhile, the X1 is about to embark on its third generation, having already sold over 2.7 million first- and second-generation units worldwide.
Recently, we got behind the wheel of both the facelifted 3 Series and the all-new X1 models in and around Gauteng.
BMW 3 Series
Introduced in South Africa in 2018, the refreshed 3 Series follows the same maturity recipe worn by BMW's latest products – a theme that continues inside.
Aesthetically, the inverted standard L-shape LED daytime running lights, redesigned grille and slimmer headlights with clear contours are easily noticeable, while the most significant change at the rear is the adoption of larger exhaust tips that now measure 90 or 100 mm depending on the specified model as well as slim rear light clusters.
The 3 Series is available in SA in 4 variants; base 318i, 320i, 320d, 330i and M340i xDrive.
Speaking of specifications, buyers can have adaptive LED headlights as options that are identifiable by the blue accents inside their covers. As standard, the 3 Series comes fitted with M high-gloss Shadowline trim that kits it with 17″ light alloys.
Not that the 3 Series isn't a looker in standard trim, but for a much more added appeal, the model can be specified with the M Sport package offered as standard on the 330i. This specific trim adds 18″ M light alloy with mixed-size tyres, a honeycomb pattern grille, and a new front and rear apron design.
Regarding the M340i xDrive, well, before the massive-grilled M3 Competition arrives, it ups the performance ante with distinctive features from the M Performance basket. These include a mesh design treatment for the kidney grille, 19″ M light-alloy wheels, trapezoidal tailpipe trims, and mirror caps finished in black high-gloss.
What's more? BMW has added the M Sport package Pro to the options list as an extension of the M Sport package and BMW Performance models. The colour palette has also been expanded as part of the M Sport package. It now includes the Skyscraper Grey metallic, M Brooklyn Grey, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey and Frozen Tanzanite Blue special paint finishes.
Moving inside, nothing here is out of the norm if you are familiar with the latest BMW cars, though, the 3 Series now adopts a simple and digitised approach to favour voice control and touch. Gone are the familiar gear selector and usual buttons; instead, there is a new design gear selector that's slightly similar to the one fitted in the Golf 8 GTI and R models.
Digitisation also comes in the form of the BMW Curved Display, which comprises a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 14.9″ infotainment system that accepts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone pairing. Standard features include a 3-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and BMW Live Cockpit Plus, including the BMW Maps navigation system.
Behind the wheel
We got behind the wheel of the 320d and M340i variants at the launch. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that sends 140 kW and 400 Nm to the rear axle, enough to send the sedan from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The M340i xDrive sees the newly-launched C43 4Matic+ from Mercedes-AMG as its biggest threat and competes whilst wielding an unchanged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. What changed, though, is the 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds which is one-tenth quicker than the pre-facelift.
The 318i employs an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, while the rest of the range features a Steptronic Sport transmission.
On the road, the 3 Series remains an absolute joy to pilot, especially the 320d, which blends performance, comfort and efficiency into one package. There's impressive comfort, and unmatched levels of road refinement, further complemented by an impressive interior built quality.
The M340i xDrive, on the other hand, is a more performance-oriented variant built for forward momentum. It's comfortable, quick to accelerate to the redline, and all it wants to do is go, making one wonder if the M3 is truly worth it. It's that good.
All-new BMW X1
Being a completely different car from the 3 Series, the X1 enters the market with two variants; sDrive18i and sDrive18d, from launch, while a fully-electric iX1 xDrive30e is earmarked to join the fold in early 2023. The duo is available in either xLine or M Sport guises, each with distinctive features.
Many will agree with me about how good-looking the new X1 is. To begin with, it has grown in size compared to the outgoing model, thanks to a length, wheelbase, height, width and track width increase that has been stretched by 53 mm (4,500 mm), 22 mm (2,692 mm), 44 mm (1,642 mm), 24 mm 1,845 mm), and 31 mm respectively. Its expanded dimensions mean it's marginally bigger than the Volvo XC40 that competes in the same segment wielding a total length of 4,425 mm plus a height of 1,652 mm and a wheelbase of 2,702 mm.
After reading this piece, other closest rivals you may want to look at include the stylish Audi Q3 and opulent Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Returning to the topic of its handsome looks, the X1 now boasts classy exterior details and powerful proportions, and it's safe to say the brand has nailed the design this time around. It follows the same signature design language as the latest X BMW products, and it's a complete departure from the outgoing model's looks.
Upfront, you get slim LED headlights, a slightly squared kidney grille, a C-shaped line that protrudes out to the sides, and stunning chrome tips in the lower air intakes. Buyers can fit adaptive LED headlights with matrix LED high beams as options.
The rear remains our favourite part of the car, thanks to a narrow tailgate window, prominent horizontal stylistic lines and more pronounced LED rear lights. While the xLine leans more on the rugged side, courtesy of stylish underbody protection and 18″ M light-alloy wheels, the M Sport adds bigger cooling air vents to suit its sporty etiquette.
BMW SA offers 19″ and, for the first time in an X1, 20″ wheels for both models. There are two solid and ten metallic exterior colour options, including a Frozen paint option from BMW Individual for the first time.
The interior has completely changed, and it's when you pay attention to the details that you'll notice a bit of a resemblance to the iX, thanks to a slender BMW Curved Display, a toggle-switch gear selector, a floating centre console plus an all-digital dashboard that is made up of a 10.25″ information display and a 10.7″ instrument panel.
The digital interior as a whole work, despite the omission of HVAC buttons and switches; they are all seamlessly integrated into the infotainment system. The newly-developed seats are available in standard Sensatec perforated or Vernasca leather upholstery.
Due to the increase in dimensions compared to the outgoing model, the X1's interior is generously spacious for all five seats. This is further backed up by the 40:20:40 split rear seats and a 540-litre boot that can be further expanded to a whopping 1,600 litres by folding them. By comparison, that's a bang over the XC40's 460 litres and GLA's 435 litres. Medium to large families will find it adequate.
Driving the X1
When you sit in the driver's seat of the sDrive18i, you'll experience the power of a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, capable of producing 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. While this is a solid choice for daily driving, we recommend considering the sDrive18d for its impressive torque output of 360 Nm, thanks to its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that can deliver 110 kW of power to the front wheels.
When you combine the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, plush ride quality, and impressive build quality with the claimed fuel economy of 5.0l/100 km, you end up with a truly winning combination. Regardless of your engine option, the X1 feels composed and easy to drive, despite its larger size. However, we must say that the diesel option is our favourite – there's just something about the torquey power delivery that we can't resist.
All in all, BMW has outdone itself, especially with the latest X1 models. The refreshed 3 Series, now in its seventh generation, still boasts that iconic blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency, making it a true joy to drive. Meanwhile, the all-new X1 has exceeded our expectations with a stylish new design, generous interior space, and a winning combination of power and fuel efficiency.
The competition is stiff, with rivals such as the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA also vying for attention in this segment. But we're confident that BMW has done enough to capture its fair market share.
BMW 3 Series Pricing
- BMW 318i: R767,894
- BMW 318i M Sport: R817,894
- BMW 320i: R832,894
- BMW 320i M Sport: R882,894
- BMW 320d: R880,768
- BMW 320d M Sport: R930,768
- BMW 330i M Sport: R953,197
- BMW M340i xDrive: R1,338,207
BMW X1 Pricing
BMW X1 sDrive18i
- xLine: R753,045
- M Sport package: R793,045
BMW X1 sDrive18d
- xLine: R790,616
- M Sport package: R830,616
Keyword: First Drive: Refreshed BMW 3 Series and all-new X1