Words: Aninda Sardar
For BMW India, today was D-Day as it launched the third generation made-in-India X3 starting at Rs 49.99 lakh for the xDrive 20d Expedition and Rs 56.7 lakh for the xDrive 20d Luxury Line. Both prices being ex-showroom Delhi. The new X3 features a redesigned and more robust front end with new LED headlamps and a brand new rear. At the front end, the chunky “three-dimensional” kidney grille treatment and foglamps featuring a hexagonal design for the first time on a BMW X model underline the confident character of the new BMW X3.
The exterior dimensions of the new X3 may not have changed much, but its 50mm longer wheelbase, long bonnet and extremely short front overhang emphasise its balanced proportions giving it the visual edge over its predecessor.Thanks to its new intelligent lightweight construction, the new X3 is a full 55 kg lighter than before and has a low drag coefficient of Cd 0.29, that adds to the vehicle’s efficiency.
While internationally the X3 is available with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines, in India the X3 will be available with the tried and tested 2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 188bhp and maximum torque of 400Nm at 1750-2500rpm mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new X3, which is available in two trim levels, comes equipped with the latest smart features from BMW, including the gesture control that we at evo India love so much. Along with the launch of the new car, Bird automotive launches new dealership in the Delhi NCR region. This is the ninth dealership for BMW in the city.