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BMW X3 in new ‘X5 SUV’ avatar set for 28th August release

A launch date for the post-facelift BMW X3 has finally been announced.

A launch date for the post-facelift BMW X3 has finally been announced. The SUV will be launched on the 28th of August 2014 and will be limited largely to cosmetic changes besides a few mechanical upgrades as per the version released for its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

Perhaps the best thing about X3 is its engine. The SUV gets an all diesel engine line up and comes in xDrive20d and xDrive30d variants. The former is a standard 2.0 liter engine that produces a power of 184bhp and torque figures all the way up to 380Nm. It?s decent on power considering the weight, but has a massive presence of torque, which makes it nippy and hard accelerating. The latter variant however, gets a larger 3.0 Liter engine with a power rating of 258bhp and boasts of tremendous torque figures at a staggering peak rate of 560Nm. That?s a hell of a way to kick off your mornings. Overtaking with this type of power under the hood will be a breeze, with more than sufficient power and torque figures to keep you happy for a long time. Combine that with the low running costs typically associated with a BMW X3, and you?ve got a winner.

The X3 in its face lifted form looks quite similar to the larger and pluckier X5 SUV that the Bavarian manufacturer makes. New additions/ modifications include new circular twin headlights, which can come in LED flavor if your pocket permits. The bumpers are tweaked as well, both front and rear. The SUV also gets power side rear view mirrors studded with side blinkers, and a few new colors of paint, and a gorgeous set of alloy wheels. Not to forget, it also gets the prominent signature kidney grille you?d want when buying a BMW. On the side, a strong bone line merges with the front wheel arches missing a strong character line on the fender in between the wheel arch and bonnet, perhaps to give the car a bit more muscle. The backend has received some treatments as well. The tail lights on the tailgate are smaller than the larger unit on the quarter panels, and the proud blue and white logo sits above the rear number plate in an epic bulge carried forward by the tailgate in continuity to the bone line.

The interiors of the X3 remain poised and classy as ever, with a special emphasis on comfort. Everything works well inside the cabin, ranging from the color schemes chosen to the quality of the wooden trim to the ambiance of being in the car. Aside from the additional sliding cover cup holders, the interiors are largely unchanged. Being that the car is already capable inside as a well rounded family vehicle, the piano black center console is beautiful and mesmerizing with just enough spacing between buttons so as not to distract you while driving.

The xDrive20 Version with the 2- liter diesel engine is pretty capable. Even though the car is laden with features, it?ll do a dash from naught to a hundred in as little as 8 and a half seconds. Put your foot down and it?ll take you all the way to a decent top speed of 210 kmph, more than you?ll need in India. If that?s not enough, the 3 liter engine in the xDrive30 Version will take you to 100 kmph from standstill in a matter of just 6.2 seconds. Press your feet, and you?ll be doing a top speed of 230 kmph. With both versions receiving an 8 speed steptronic automatic transmission, life becomes easier.

Surprisingly, the best thing about both these versions is the excellent mileage they are expected to return, which is one of the primary reasons for the X3?s success worldwide. All thanks to BMW?s Efficient dynamics system, which also significantly reduces the emissions, and improves driving pleasure.

Overall, the BMW X3 facelift is a dynamic car and even though it isn?t mechanically more advanced than the previous X3, it is amply powerful and has all the oomph you expect when buying a BMW.

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First published on: 14-08-2014 at 18:30 IST
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