Low crude prices and weak demand have caused pump prices to fall below $3 for the first time this decade. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped to under $3, largely due to a significant decrease in crude oil prices. U.S. gasoline prices haven't been this low since the spring of 2021. This is great news for those who get anxious when their low fuel light activates or when they realize their wallet is empty during refueling. Gas prices in the U.S. have finally fallen below $3 a gallon, a figure that many drivers thought would never return. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is now $2.998, the lowest price since spring 2021. Related: The Trump Administration Advocates for a Shakeup in Fuel Economy, Potentially Vast Implications For those who have been refueling since the panic of $5 prices following the Ukraine invasion, this decline may feel like unearthing a forgotten $20 bill from last winter's coat. An impressive eighteen states are currently enjoying prices below $2.75, with some, like Oklahoma, even seeing prices under $2.50. However, other areas are not as fortunate. Drivers in California still face costs exceeding $4.50, with the rest of the West Coast close behind. If you seek cheaper gas, you might need to head inland for now. Declining Crude and Flat Demand So what’s behind this abrupt decrease? The credit primarily goes to crude oil prices, which have been plummeting faster than a depreciating luxury car. A barrel of U.S. crude is currently around $59, significantly lower than last year's $70 level and far from the $80+ spike experienced in 2022. OPEC has increased production, U.S. output continues to rise, and demand has remained stagnant. With supply outstripping demand, fuel prices were unlikely to remain high for long. Former President Trump has been celebrating the lower energy prices, reminding voters that affordable gas is one of his key commitments. While it’s true that prices are down compared to last year, they remain approximately a dollar above the $2 mark he frequently claims is just ahead, as noted by Bloomberg. This price point was last observed in 2020, when Americans were confined at home during the COVID pandemic, and gas stations saw tumbleweeds rolling past their pumps. Source: AAA

      The new X3 Rugged Package is an upgrade for the entry-level turbodiesel model, improving its appearance and, to some degree, its off-road capabilities.

      5 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      BMW has introduced the Rugged Package for the X3 20d specifically for the South African market.

      This package features traction-enhancing tires, a roof box, and a paint protection film.

      These enhancements make the X3 better suited for light off-road excursions.

      While the all-new BMW Neue Klasse iX3 may have garnered much of the attention this year, the Bavarian automaker hasn't abandoned traditional internal combustion engines. In South Africa, the familiar X3 has received a rugged touch with a new Rugged Edition package aimed at those who enjoy off-road driving.

      The standout feature of the optional package is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Frozen Midnight. Although these are smaller than the standard 19-inch wheels, they come with grippier Grabber All-Terrain tires that have thicker sidewalls (255/60 R18).

      Combined with BMW’s standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this setup allows drivers to explore a bit beyond the paved roads. However, BMW has not included a lift kit to accompany the all-terrain tires, though the Rugged Edition does come with Adaptive suspension as standard.

      Although there are no changes to the bodywork, it is now protected by paint protection film to shield the finish from stray stones and off-road debris. Further enhancements include a BMW Roof Box with a capacity of 320 liters (11.3 cubic feet) for additional gear, as well as an automatic tow hitch.

      Interior enhancements are limited to all-weather mats and heating functions for the front and rear seats.

      Which Model Receives This Upgrade?

      The Rugged Edition is exclusively available for the entry-level X3 20d xDrive variant. Therefore, it has less power than the modified X3 M50 that participated in the 2024 Rebelle Rally, maintaining the standard mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

      The added package costs R 102,000 (approximately $6,000 at current exchange rates), raising the price of the X3 20d xDrive from R 1,158,417.20 ($68,200) to R 1,260,417.20 ($74,200).

      At this price point, you could potentially buy a more powerful 2026 X4 M50 xDrive in the U.S.; however, South Africa’s import duties and luxury taxes complicate direct comparisons.

      If you find the X3 still too refined, BMW is reportedly planning to develop a more rugged SUV aimed at competing with heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Lexus LX, and Land Rover Defender.

      This new model is expected to be more in line with those off-road vehicles rather than the road-oriented X lineup, and it will also contend with an Audi competitor built on the upcoming Scout platform.

      The modified BMW X3 M50 xDrive that participated in the 2024 Rebelle Rally.