3rd-gen BMW X3 launched at Rs. 49.99 lakh

BMW has launched the third generation X3 in India. The SUV is available in two variants xDrive 20d Expedition and xDrive 20d Luxury Line priced at Rs. 49.99 lakh and Rs. 56.70 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. 

The new BMW X3 is based on the carmaker's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which makes it 55 kg lighter than the outgoing model. It measures 4,716 mm in length, 1,897 mm in width and 1,676 mm in height. It has 550-litre luggage space, which can expanded to 1,600 litres by folding the rear seats. 

The new X3 features a larger twin kidney grille flanked by re-profiled, fully adaptive LED headlights. It gets a new front bumper with LED fog lamps, wide air dam and vents on either side. In side profile, the new X3 looks similar to its predecessor. Moving to the rear, BMW has given the X3 an automatic tailgate, roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips and wraparound LED tail lamps. The Expedition version gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Luxury Line rides on larger 19-inch alloys. The latter also comes with chrome radiator grille slats, dual-tone body sill in frozen grey matte with chrome trim and chrome air-breathers.

On the inside, the new X3 gets a redesigned dashboard with a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity and a touch pad. It has a new 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other features include BMW display key, puddle lamps that illuminate a large area around the doors, rear-view camera with park assist, ambient lighting, wireless charging, BMW iDrive and BMW connected drive. The X3 comes with adjustable rear seat backrests and a panoramic sunroof.

In India, the BMW X3 is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 188 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It has 3 driving modes - ECOPRO, COMFORT and SPORT. It also gets fuel saving features like engine start/stop, active kidney grille vanes that shut to improve aerodynamics and brake energy regeneration. Dynamic Damper Control and Automatic differential locks (ADB-X) and paddle shifts are only available on the Luxury Line.

Safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with brake assist, Attentive Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and ISOFIX child safety seat mounting points are standard. Currently, the X3 is only available with a diesel engine, however a petrol variant is scheduled to be launched later this year.