ATL Autobahn, the arm of the ATL Automotive Group responsible for the BMW and MINI brands, had two days of activities as it welcomed two new models to the fold at its Lady Musgrave Road showroom on Friday, November 29.

The launch excitement was then extended to the following day, Saturday, November 30, as the 2025 BMW X3 and MINI Aceman participated in an all-day ‘Test Drive Event’ for the public to experience for themselves the full model line-up.

Sloane Jackson, head of business, ATL Autobahn, explained the red-carpet treatment for the X3.

“The X3 has accounted for one-fifth of our unit sales volume since ATL Autobahn had the BMW brand, since 2016 until now. It’s a staple model for us and our Jamaican customers,” Jackson said.

The X3 is now larger and has enough new sheet metal to give it an individual appearance while retaining enough of the elements that earmark it as part of the BMW X line of sport activity vehicles. It grows in length by 1.3 inches and width by 1.1 inches. The kidney grille has been updated for the X3 and gains BMW’s Iconic Glow, which creates contour lighting around it.

The interior is similarly bespoke to the X3, whereas the previous models borrowed entirely from the sedan. However, like the exterior, there is enough not to make the interior unfamiliar, beginning with the BMW Curved Display. Beyond that, the X3 has a very distinct interior design feel and ambiance.

There are three trim levels, Executive, M Sport, and M Pro, a new trim level available to Jamaica. At this point, there are two drivetrains, a base turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder that jumps to just over 200bhp and is a mild-hybrid. This is followed by a turbocharged 2-litre, four-cylinder paired with an electric motor for a plug-in hybrid. While a full M model is a while off, the X3 will launch with an M Performance model boasting a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, which is also a mild-hybrid.

Jackson expects the X3 to do well due to a simple change in the drivetrain option, xDrive available all the way through the model line.

“A lot of customers had chosen the sister model, the X4. The X3 now has four-wheel drive so I see more customers coming back that way,” Jackson said.

Technology is also a large part of the new X3. BMW recently premiered its ConnectedDrive in Jamaica. This is available in the X3 giving users app level control of the vehicle through their mobile devices. ConnectedDrive offers functions like being able to open or close doors, remote start the vehicle, and activate or deactivate any of the up to five plus features such as live over-the-air updates, functioning navigation, and a drive recorder for safety and security.

“Customers have a preference for the X3 because it’s all car to all people. It’s just big enough to be a big SUV, but still class one on the toll road. It’s extremely easy to fit in parking spaces and traffic. It’s extremely fuel efficient, all while being big enough to not feel small inside the vehicle,” said Jackson.

The MINI Aceman slots between the Cooper and the Countryman, as the latter has increased in size to become a larger SUV. The Aceman is also MINI’s third all-electric model, behind the MINI Cooper SE, and the Countryman SE.

“The Aceman can be best described as the sporty version to the Countryman, slightly smaller, but plenty fun to own and drive, as it retains the iconic MINI feel,” said Mellisa Bailey, sales manager, MINI Jamaica.

The Aceman has two battery options, 38.5kWh and 49.2kWh. The batteries deliver 184bhp and 218bhp, respectively. Regardless of which battery, power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. AC charging can take up to 4 hours at 11kW, while DC fast charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent drops that figure to 29 minutes.

“Range has increased from our previous generation all-electric hatchback. We are now at 406 kilometres of range, so you can definitely drive to Negril comfortably,” Bailey explained.

The year 2024 has seen the MINI line-up overhauled and expanded to embrace electrification.

“The MINIacs are excited about the move towards electric. I think everyone is slowly gravitating and warming up to the concept of not buying gas,” she said.

Both all-new models proved popular during the subsequent Test Drive Event.