BMW X3, the new sensation gripping India

The time when the German luxury car maker, BMW, launched the new 2011 X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in Indian market, the parameters of competition in the Indian auto arena got transformed and have extended boundaries to them. With the entry of the leader, the expectations regarding the degree of challenges among carmakers have swelled up as more such giants are expected to enter the market. Talking about the car, it is visually appealing, classy, large in size and more comfortable than its predecessor. In fact, this new BMW X3 is in close proximity with the current X5 in terms of size, which is due to be replaced next year.

The new X3 is being offered only in diesel version. Thus it expects a sure face-off with Volkswagen Jetta which is introduced in diesel variant only. Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President,BMW India said at the launch of the event that “SUV market is predominantly a diesel market which suits current trend in Indian automobile market which is witnessing falling sales of petrol cars.”

Considering the engine specifics of the new X3, it is made available in two variants- xDrive20d and xDrive30d. BMW X3 xDrive20d comes with 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine 184 bhp at 4,000 rpm as well as maximum torque of 380 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. BMW X3 xDrive30d is loaded with 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder diesel engine 258 bhp at 4,000 rpm as well as maximum torque of 560 Nm from 2,000 to 2,750 rpm.BMW X3 xDrive 20d accelerates to 100 km/hr in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/hr. The new BMW X3 xDrive 30d accelerates to 100 km/hr in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/hr.

The answer to what's new with the X3, one can realise that it is armed to teeth with BMW’s eight-speed gearbox in addition with a Dynamic Damper Control and an engine start-stop function as standard. Also standard is BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to disseminate torque between the front and rear axles. Additional features include bi-xenon headlights with LED rings. The X3 2.0-litre gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch high resolution display screen while the 3.0 version gets 18-inch alloys and a bigger 8.8-inch high resolution display screen. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB slot are standard so is the full-size panoramic sunroof. The unique 40:20:40 split rear seats can be flipped down exaggerate the space of the interiors.
BMW X3 xDrive20d is priced at around 41 lacs, while BMW X3 xDrive30d will be available at around 48 lacs. The mid-size SUV segment is surely going to face heated competition from biggies dominating the business.