2018 BMW X3 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs 49.99 Lakh

The BMW X3 was first launched in 2003 and over 15 lakh units have been sold worldwide, till date. In India also, the BMW X3 has been a successful premium mid-segment SUV.

Variants & Prices

Below are the BMW X3 variants available in India, along with their prices:

*All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi)

Design & Styling

At first, one might even misjudge its size and mistake it for its elder sibling — the X5. (as it now looks like a slightly smaller X5).

The larger 18-inch wheels, with options up to 21-inches, make the side profile of the X3 look rather smart.

The rear-end features a new roof spoiler with new wings and twin tailpipes with redesigned LED tail lamps.

Interiors & Features

The interiors feature a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control. The dashboard looks similar to that on the new BMW 5 Series, and the screen is dashboard-mounted.

Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The screen can be controlled using the rotary iDrive controller, the touchscreen, or even voice. The interiors are now very spacious thanks to the 60mm increase in wheelbase.

Quality levels too have increased and can in some ways be compared to the BMW 5-Series and the flagship 7-Series.

Passengers at the rear get individual climate control, and the rear seat can be split in a 40:20:40 configuration to expand boot capacity.

The boot on its own has a capacity of 550-litres with a space-saver spare tyre mounted beneath the carpets.

Performance & Specifications

The BMW X3 is powered by a choice of two diesel engines. The 1,995cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has a maximum power output of 190bhp and peak torque output of 400Nm. The engine is mated to a ZF-sourced 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

This configuration helps the SUV accelerate from 0-100km/h in eight seconds and top speed is in the region of 213km/h.

Power goes to all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It has been set up with a rear bias and drive to individual wheels can be electronically controlled depending on the terrain it is being driven on.

Safety Features

The suspension has been upgraded and is now made up of lighter aluminium components. Even the brake calipers are now made of aluminium and this has resulted in a weight saving of up to 55 kilograms. The new BMW X3 is suspended by double-joint spring struts up front and a five-link axle at the rear. The lighter anti-roll bars too should make the BMW X3 a delight to drive.

The X3 also gets a handful of safety systems including electronic stability system, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hill descent control, etc.

Thoughts On The Launch Of The New BMW X3 In India

The BMW X3 has always been a popular car in this segment, especially for those who want a Rs. 50 lakh BMW, but not a sedan. With these updates, the BMW X3 is a brilliant alternative even when compared to its rivals. In the Indian market, the new BMW X3 competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC60.

If you are out in the market, looking for a sporty, driver-focused SUV which is comfortable and yet has off-road ability, the new BMW X3 might just be your car.