“Southbound Arrival: BMW M3 Touring and 5 Series Sedan Headed to South Africa”
In South Africa this year, BMW enthusiasts can anticipate a range of new models, including the debut of the latest BMW 5 Series and the locally assembled X3 plug-in hybrid. BMW South Africa, at a media event in Midrand on Tuesday, outlined its strategy to introduce new vehicles from the BMW, Mini, and BMW Motorrad lines.
BMW
The eighth-generation BMW 5 Series, known as the G60, will mark the beginning of BMW’s local model lineup, hitting showrooms at the end of February. The midsize luxury sedan boasts digital innovations and introduces an all-electric i5 model. Emphasizing sporty elegance and presence with a reduced design language, the new 5 Series features a mostly digitized cockpit, offering a dynamic and comfortable driving experience. Initially arriving with the diesel-powered 520d, it also introduces the electric i5 M60 xDrive with impressive performance capabilities.
Last year, BM South Africa announced a significant investment to build the next-generation X3 plug-in hybrid at its Rosslyn factory. This investment secures the future of the factory and the livelihood of thousands of workers. While details about the fourth-gen X3 (G45) are limited, spy pictures suggest a design influenced by the new X1, featuring a larger grille and more aggressive styling.
The new Mini, the fourth under BMW, will be introduced locally with larger five-door Countryman and three- and five-door Cooper hatch variants. While moving towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2030, the new Mini lineup includes both battery-powered and petrol models, with the Cooper SE electric offering an extended battery range. Additionally, the high-performance Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) model features a potent petrol turbo engine.
The second-generation BM X2 Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) boasts a fastback design with coupé-like proportions, offering increased roominess compared to its predecessor. The range-topping X2 M35i xDrive features a powerful turbocharged petrol engine.
BM M3 Touring, the first M3 in a station wagon body style, blends performance with practicality, competing directly with Audi’s RS4 Avant. The M3 Competition Touring shares its powertrain with the sedan and coupe models, featuring M xDrive all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo 3.0l straight-6 petrol engine.
In the motorcycle lineup, the iconic R 1300 GS continues the adventure bike legacy with enhanced power, reduced weight, and a restyled appearance. The F 800 GS and F 900 GS, part of the middleweight parallel-twin cylinder models, evolve into more powerful versions with upgraded electronics and improved off-road features.
