Latest news with #X3
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Driving impressions: Why the BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport stands out in the SUV market
The BMW X3 is a crucial mid-sized SUV for the Munich-based company and remains one of its top sellers and is also the most popular model in South Africa. Recently I was on the N1 driving to Johannesburg when I passed three trucks carrying proudly made in South Africa vehicles. There's a tinge of pride knowing that a load of Nissan Navaras, Ford Rangers and BMW X3s are on their way to foreign lands, the fact that they're on trucks and not on rail for reasons we all know notwithstanding. I happened to be testing the BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport at the time and knew that the new owners would be well pleased. The X3 is a crucial mid-sized SUV for the Munich-based company and remains one of its top sellers and is also the most popular model in South Africa. With its overall refinement it's not difficult to understand why. Exterior Now in its fourth iteration and first launched in 2003, it has aged well, and as the generations have progressed, it has grown considerably in size, so much so that a friend that had the second generation years ago hardly recognised it. It's taken a while, but the large distinctive kidney grill seems to be less polarising than when it first saw the light and it actually suits this year's Car of the Year. Because it's such an important model for the brand they have tinkered too much with the exterior. It now sports more angular lines and what BMW calls a monolithic appearance and while personally I prefer the previous generation's look, the new X3 is one of those cars that look better in the metal than in pictures. The rear sports a flush-mounted window with a long roof spoiler and under the flared wheel arches it stands on attractive 19-inch alloys. Engine The BMW four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine stands out as one of the best motors ever made and in the X3 produces 145kW and 400Nm coupled to a 48V mild hybrid system adding an additional 8kW and 25Nm for short bursts. It's connected to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission driving all four wheels. Interior As you would expect, the interior is very much a glass screen and premium affair with an abundance of illuminated surfaces. While it looks pretty cool, especially at night in the different driving modes, I can't help thinking that it comes across as one of those flashing disco-type speakers sold at the China Mall. I mean, is a flashing red light bar across the dash when the hazard lights are in use really necessary? Regular touchpoints and plastic bits are covered with recycled materials which look like they'll stand the test of time, especially since the X3 is likely to be a family's main mode of transport. The door-mounted ventilation controls, however, felt flimsy and spoiled an otherwise well cocooned and solid cabin. Fitted with BMW Operating System 9, the infotainment system though is still a bit clumsy and not particularly user friendly. It's not the most intuitive system with most settings including the air conditioning requiring some form of double tap to get to the right menu. It's mitigated somewhat with the iDrive system with QuickSelect that allows functions to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu or using your voice to adjust certain functions. Fortunately the volume can still be adjusted via a dial.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Is THIS the moment that saved the sole Brit survivor? Vid shows debris fly from Air India jet…is it door he fled from?
A BRIT survivor of the Air India disaster may have been saved by an emergency exit door that flew off as the plane crashed. Shocking footage showed the moment the Boeing Dreamliner went down in Ahmedabad - with a mysterious object seen spinning away seconds before the plane blew up into a fireball. 3 Footage showed the object flying off as the plane crashed Credit: X 3 Lone survivor Vishwash (R) meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Credit: AFP 3 Over 265 bodies have been found following the Air India Flight AI171 disaster Credit: Reuters Vishwash Ramesh, 40, managed to survive the The plane was heading to London Gatwick when it Speculation is now growing that the Vishwash's seat was 11A, right next to the emergency door, which is understood to have blew off when the plane struck the building and then exploded. Investigators continue to analyse the footage and search for the mystery piece of debris as they try to find out what caused the horror crash. Moments before the 241 passengers and crew on board the plane died, the pilot of Air India Flight AI171 issued a But just seconds before the plane blew up into a huge ball of flames, a large object can be seen flying away from the aircraft's body. Vishwash somehow managed to cheat death, but his brother who was on the same flight on seat 11J, is believed to have died. Most read in The Sun The London local detailed how he survived the The miraculous survivor said: 'Everything happened in front of me and I couldn't believe how I had come out alive. 'I thought for a second that I was going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive." When asked how he managed to survive the devastating crash, Vishwash said: "I can't explain. "Everything happened in [front of] my eyes." Vishwash told how he "tried to slip out" when the jet's door blew out following the crash which sent the He said: 'When the flight took off, within 5 to 10 seconds it felt like it was stuck in the air. "Suddenly, the lights started flickering – green and white – then the plane rammed into some establishment that was there." He said while the plane was taking off, 'it felt like maybe [the pilot] suddenly accelerated". But it quickly "went down to the hostel from there at high speed" just moments after becoming airborne "I saw everything," he claimed. The London resident of 20 years said that he wasn't sitting on the side of the plane which initially smashed into the hostel. Fortunate Vishwash speculated: 'I think the side I was on was not facing the hostel. I don't know about others. Read more on the Irish Sun 'I don't know how I survived. I saw people dying in front of my eyes – the air hostesses, and two people I saw near me…I walked out of the rubble."
The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BMW X5 to gain range-extender EV option
The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from: The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain as this drivetrain type continues to gain popularity, especially in China. EREVs have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range-extender setup for the new X5 large SUV with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW would also add a range-extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also reportedly considering adding range-extender drivetrain options for the current X3 mid-size SUV. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time we've seen a range-extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 variants an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the now-discontinued REx (range-extender) variants, a 0.65-litre two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW and fed a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3 REx's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little motorcycle-sourced engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of engine BMW is considering for the X5 range-extender. We also don't know whether the range-extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double-kidney grilles. With the i3 REx no longer available and the Mazda MX-30 R-EV never sold here, the Leapmotor C10 'REEV' is the only range-extender vehicle currently offered in Australia, although Nissan's X-Trail and Qashqai e-Power variants are also technically EREVs. But a range of automakers are planning new EREVs, including Ford, Mazda, BYD, Genesis, Ram and Deepal. MORE: Everything BMW X5 Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
BMW X5 to gain range extender EV option
The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of a range extender EV as this drivetrain continues to gain popularity, especially in China. Range extenders have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar , BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range extender setup for the new X5 with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW will also add a range extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also considering adding range extender drivetrain options to the current X3 . The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time range extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 models an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the REx (range extender) variants a 0.65L two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW, and a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little petrol engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of what type of engine BMW is considering of the X5 range extender. We also don't know whether the range extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X , which has angled headlights and slim double kidney grilles. MORE: Everything BMW X5
7NEWS
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
BMW X5 to gain range extender EV option
The next-generation BMW X5 will have the option of a range extender EV as this drivetrain continues to gain popularity, especially in China. Range extenders have gained popularity there as they allow for primarily EV operation during regular commutes, and freedom from range anxiety and worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. According to Autocar, BMW is working with transmission specialist ZF on a range extender setup for the new X5 with a target total range of over 965km (600 miles). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given the upcoming second-generation X7 will once again be closely related to the new X5, it's no surprise BMW will also add a range extender option to its flagship SUV. The Bavarian automaker is also considering adding range extender drivetrain options to the current X3. The next-generation X5 and X7, as well as the existing X3, are all based on BMW's CLAR architecture, which supports mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as traditional plug-in hybrid, and pure EV drivetrains. If this report proves to be true, it will be the first time range extender option in a BMW since the demise of the i3 tall-boy hatchback (below). In all i3 models an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack was solely responsible for driving the wheels. For the REx (range extender) variants a 0.65L two-cylinder petrol engine making just 25kW, and a small 9L fuel tank were added to the vehicle. Whenever the i3's battery ran low or hit a preset level, the little petrol engine would sputter to life and recharge the traction battery. It's unclear what type of what type of engine BMW is considering of the X5 range extender. We also don't know whether the range extender option will be offered in addition to or as a replacement for the X5's plug-in hybrid setup. In a traditional plug-in hybrid drivetrain, both the electric motor can drive the wheels by itself or in tandem with the petrol engine. The sixth-generation X5 was last spotted by our spy photography agency back in June 2024. From those photos we can see it has a nose heavily inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X, which has angled headlights and slim double kidney grilles.
