BMW X3: Not your average SUV review
IOL Sport’s Michael Sherman got to experience the luxury and performance of the 2025 BMW X3 in this non-petrolhead review, highlighting its advanced features, smooth drive, and spacious interior, perfect for those who can afford or win this impressive SUV. Picture: Michael Sherman
Image: Picture: Michael Sherman
On Tuesday, I had the rare opportunity to test drive a fancy new 2025 BMW X3, and the experience—as someone who is definitely not a petrolhead—was one to remember.
Since I normally write about every sport except motorsport, it was a refreshing change of pace as I was granted the opportunity to test drive the luxury SUV as part of the Win a BMW X3 competition, which you can enter here.
The first thing that struck me about this car was its sheer size, and I was instantly a little intimidated by the fact that I would be taking this tank out on the road, where I would likely encounter some tight corners and many potholes in Midrand.
As the X3 base model starts at over R1m, I was clearly not part of its target market, but that thought disappeared as soon as I got into the driver’s seat.
Navigating the X3’s Advanced Features: A Smooth Drive Experience
I couldn’t quite work out how to operate the multimedia panel properly, and I was a bit overwhelmed by all the buttons and options presented to me.
I was also quite confused when I attempted to reverse the car due to the distinct lack of a handbrake. I soon worked out that the tiny gear shifter in the automatic used a kind of ‘virtual handbrake’ if you select park mode.
One of my colleagues suggested I may still be living in the 90s since I remarked about all these fancy features.
Once I got out on the road, though, this was where the X3 really shone. It was an incredibly smooth drive with a steering system that made you feel like you were piloting a vehicle on rails.
While dodging potholes on the short route I drove didn’t allow me to really test the power, I was able to get from 0 to 70 in an instant at one point during a clear stretch of road and the power when you put your foot down thrusts you firmly into your seat.
The roar of the engine was also quite satisfying when I revved it like a teenager in his first car, and again, as a non-car person, this really says more about the X3 than it does me.
Once I got back to the dealership, I took some time to film the interior shots and also check out the giant boot. I can confirm you can easily fit an adult man inside if that’s your wish, as I found it quite roomy for those few seconds until I figured out how to open it again.
My verdict? It’s a fantastic car if you can afford it, but it’s even better if you can win it.