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BMW set to launch ‘new’ X3 in India

BMW will soon launch updated model of its popular SUV X3…

German automaker BMW will soon launch the updated model of its popular SUV X3 in the Indian market. The luxury crossover was first launched in 2004 and currently in its second generation. The new facelift model was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show this year and since then, it has been speculated that it would soon launch in the market. It is one of the most prestigious model in company?s portfolio, not the most exciting but holds a good reputation of being a fuel efficient and an excellent drivable car. If recent reports are to be believed, BMW India will launch X3 facelift in August. It would get updated inside-out while there would be improvement in fuel economy as well. Let?s know all about the upcoming SUV.

As this is not a new generation model, so there will not be huge updates. But still Bavarian automaker has managed to give it exclusive and premium looks compared to the ongoing model. The exterior changes you will notice will be mostly focused at the front and the rear portion. The SUV will be getting an optional LED headlamps which now stretches to the ‘kidney’ shaped grille; which indeed receives subtle changes. BMW has now added more elegant and sporty front bumpers with larger air intakes. Side profile would remain almost the same except new set of alloy wheels. At the rear, there will same set of taillight cluster but with tweaks while the bumpers have also been revamped. It will also get new body colors. Overall, the exterior updates make it look identical to the big brother X5.

The X-series of cars are always known for luxury, spaciousness and off-roading. While there will be subtle changes inside, X3 easily steals the likes of its contemporaries. The changes will be in the form of new leather upholstery, center console with piano black color scheme and chrome inserts to enhance the level of premiumness. Furthermore, the richness of the cabin is defined by new cup-holders with sliding cover. Rest of the comfort features will remain intact like dual zone automatic climate control with rear air-cons, steering mounted audio controls, advance music system, push button engine start/stop and roller sun blinds, rain-sensing, adaptive lights etc. There will be optional equipment that will allow the owner to choose automatic boot lid opener, storage compartment package, etc. In terms of seating, X3 continues to provide comfort like driver and front passenger seat height adjustment and 60:40 rear seat split.

Currently, BMW X3 is available in two engine options; the 2.0L 4-cylinder twin turbocharged engine for the entry level model and the powerful 3.0L V6 engine for the top end variants; both diesel. Both of them will continue to serve the SUV under the hood. The former now develops 190bhp (previously 184bhp) and a peak torque of 380Nm while the latter produces massive 258bhp and max torque rated at 560Nm. Both the engines come mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission while the xDrive 4WD system is standard across all the variants. The 2.0L engine which is tuned a little bit will now deliver an impressive fuel economy of around 13km/l (expected ) in stop-go traffic while up-to 17km/l on freeways.

At present, X3 price in India starts at Rs 42.57 lakh and top end variant comes at a price tag of Rs 56.27 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), so expect just a little bit more but not too much as it has to stand courageously against Audi Q5.

It was previously reported that the car would launch by the end of this year but looking at the spur in demand of premium entry level SUVs, BMW decided to pre-pone the launch event. BMW has already launched a number of news cars and facelifts this year in a bid to crawl at the top position it lost to Audi some time ago. Couple of months ago, it launched the second generation model of X6 crossover.

While a few days back it launched Active Hybrid trim in the 7-series line-up. The launching spree doesn?t end up here. Company will soon introduce next generation performance packed M3 coupe and M4 sedan! So, there will be a lot more coming up as battle to the top remains a top priority of German manufacturers.

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First published on: 31-07-2014 at 10:20 IST
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