FORUM

NO PLACE FOR SOFTIES

I read the article about BMW X3s tackling the dunes of Namibia in the July 2019 edition with a medley of mild amusement, concern and pity for the untutored in off-road matters, who might be confused by the article. A professor of mine once said that many things are like a bikini: what it reveals is interesting, while what it hides is vital.

Neither the X3 nor the X5 are true off-roaders. They certainly are not in the class of a Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, or (until lately) a Land Rover. They may do well in the dunes due to their sophisticated traction systems, just like the Volvo XC 60 and XC 90, the Renault Duster, and other soft-roaders, but woe awaits those who think they can trek through the Kalahari in an X3.

A true off-roader requires good ground clearance, the ability of all four wheels to pull at