[centaur]

Originally Posted by avishar

Yes it is,but thats the previous generation.This is the new gen X3.

so its like a 'facelifted one just like the new X1.

Originally Posted by thedreamcatcher

It definitely looks better than the X1.

The X1 is actually not an SUV in the true sense and neither does BMW claim it to be. It is more of a so-called 'softroader'.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by thedreamcatcher

It definitely looks better than the X1. It kind of manages to retain its proportions, with a fairly robust bonnet. The lower down the order BMWs go, they start losing proportions. This is what I fail to understand. SUVs need to have a certain fundamental look

Not that I am cribbing, but an SUV needs to exude macho

Well, BMW does not really call it an SUV. In their terms, these cars are SAVs. I should say that these cars look more Handsome, than being macho / brutal looking

I personally feel that the 2011 X3 is the best looking BMW in the whole X-range.

[vasoo]

That's a good design! For the first time, a camouflaged car looks actually good with all that graphics .

[thegman]

Originally Posted by vb-san

Well, BMW does not really call it an SUV. In their terms, these cars are SAVs. I should say that these cars look more Handsome, than being macho / brutal looking

I personally feel that the 2011 X3 is the best looking BMW in the whole X-range.

Design being highly subjective....IMO the X1 is the best looking although its an SAV. the X3 just looks tooo plain jane. If you get rid of the kidney grill and the badge, it looks like a toyota or equivalent. No character.

The x5 looks great, its got the bulk and is flamboyant at the same time.The x3 reminds me of the E36 that was available in the 90s...it was great for the time but in 2011 it just doesn't cut it.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by thegman

Design being highly subjective....IMO the X1 is the best looking although its an SAV. the X3 just looks tooo plain jane. If you get rid of the kidney grill and the badge, it looks like a toyota or equivalent. No character.

The x5 looks great, its got the bulk and is flamboyant at the same time.The x3 reminds me of the E36 that was available in the 90s...it was great for the time but in 2011 it just doesn't cut it.

Sorry to disagree here. Different people have different perspective. Personally, I feel that all the BMW X-series looks awesome except for the X6 (I am sure there will be people who like the X6 most).

I have seen all the 3 - X1, X3 and X5 side by side. And in my eyes, the pecking order is X3, X5 and X1. X5 is indeed a great looker, but for me X3 looked right sized and extremely fresh. It is indeed a very good looking car (and hence I used the term Handsome - I always refer BMWs as male)

And on the character part, the newer BMWs are a bit on the softer side compared to the previous Gen. And maybe you feel X1 have more character because its based on the current 3. And I do agree with you on that part.

By the way, did you get hold of your new X1? Looking forward to the ownership review

[fz_rider]

According to Siddharth Patankar ( CnB ) , X3 is going to be launched by June !

[rajess_in]

I saw one X3 tested on Chennai Roads on the Nungambakkam High Roadduring Sunday. It was without camouflage & had a MH TC plates. Initially thought it was an X1, but recognised through the branding.

Couldn't click pictures as the TCs' here have an hawk eye for people using mobile phones while driving!

[RavenAvi]

The new BMW X3 is likely to be launched with the diesel engine first, in the last week of August. The diesel variants will be powered by 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre engines, which will make 184 bhp and 258 bhp, respectively.

The locally assembled X3 is expected to be priced between Rs 38 lakh to Rs 44 lakh.





















More info here -

BMW likely to launch X3 SUV in August-end | DWS Auto India

BMW X3 India photos, new BMW X3 India launch | DWS Auto India

[carfreak77]

I found this review & test drive of the X3 from the autocar website today. Here is the link: New BMW X3 review, test drive Review
Hope it helps! Cheers.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The new BMW X3 is likely to be launched with the diesel engine first, in the last week of August. The diesel variants will be powered by 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre engines, which will make 184 bhp and 258 bhp, respectively.

The locally assembled X3 is expected to be priced between Rs 38 lakh to Rs 44 lakh.

I sat in the new X3 during the BMW world exhibition in Singapore last year. The car looked quite stylish and proportionate, and the legroom was quite adequate. For us, diesel definitely makes more sense, as the petrol variants are reported to be extremely thirsty.

[n:CorE]

Time to just wait and watch how aggressive BMW gets with the pricing this time, This car can definitely kill the Q5 market and I have a feeling it will. I got a text message from the BMW dealership in Worli, Mumbai on 16th July, stating the launch booking amount for the X3 is Rs.1,00,000/- and deliveries start September '11. I will give him a call on Monday, to get more details on this.

As for the car, I say it looks much better than the on-going one, which looks like the elder sibling of the X1. This one though, looks more like the younger sibling of the bigger X5. Just trying to imply, its more of a scaled down X5 than an enlarged X1.

One question though, the entry level 2.0 diesel engine will be mated with the 4x4 suspension or is that just available on the bigger 3.0 in-line straight six which is to be followed up later after the initial launch of the former engine in question.

And, do we get a Panoramic sun-roof?

[vb-saan]

Autocar India has a review of the new X3.
Here is the link:New BMW X3 review, test drive Review