Dune Domination - On Tour In Namibia With The BMW Driving Experience

What happens when you slap off-road tyres, raised suspension and underbody protection on a BMW X3 xDrive 30d? You have a helluva time in the Namib Desert

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When BMW South Africa drops you a line asking you to join them for some dune driving in an X3, you might be a bit reluctant at first. The 4x4 community views BMW’s off-road capable offerings with healthy scepticism, and you won’t find an X3 or X5 off the beaten track that often.

Historically, there have been a few simple explanations for that: minimal ground clearance, lack of off-road tires, poor underbody protection, and an off-road system more geared towards icy European roads than rocky African adventures. BMWs have, thus, always been relegated to the bench when it comes to tackling truly testing off-road trails.

In 2019, however, things have changed. You see, the metallic brown X3s stationed up in Namibia aren’t ordinary Beemers. They’ve been raised, fitted with Michelin all-terrains, and protected down-below with functional bash plates. Coupled with the criminally underrated xDrive system, they’re mean machines tuned to handle tougher trails, thicker sand, and the kind of places you would never before have dreamed of taking them.

Let’s not forget that glorious powertrain – in this case, the 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel produces 195kW and 620Nm. Those are healthy numbers, considering that this is the middle-model in the X3 lineup. In this relatively compact bodyshell, it’s a potent machine, and the eight-speed Steptronic transmission is pure ecstasy.

Naturally, of course, it’s plush and comfortable inside, with the typically BMW driving position that’s fantastic on the tar, but a bit alien off-road. Then there’s the added pride that comes with driving a car that’s built locally.

Enough about the car, though. This expedition is more about the destination than the means to get there.

What’s on offer?