Saar: The third-generation BMW X3 is bigger, lighter and gets more tech than its predecessor.

After showcasing it during the 2018 Auto Expo, BMW India has finally launched the all-new X3 SUV. It is available in two variants – xDrive20d Expedition (priced at Rs 49.99 lakh) and xDrive20d Luxury Line (priced at Rs 56.70 lakh). Both variants are powered by the same diesel engine and will come back to that later.

The third-gen BMW X3 was officially revealed in June last year. Although the basic design mantra remains intact, it is bigger in dimensions and lighter in weight than its predecessor. Quantitatively speaking, the wheelbase has gone up by 50mm and the weight has come down by 55kg. On the outside, the kidney grille has grown in size, which gives the X3 a more aggressive look. The design of the headlamp enclosures has been restyled too which, like the fog lamps, are powered by LEDs. The bumper has been restyled as well to accommodate bigger air vents, changed fog lamp design and the bigger grille.

On the side, the noticeable change is in the size and design of the alloy wheels. The Expedition gets 18-inch alloy wheels whereas the Luxury Line gets 19-inch ones. The SUV’s predecessor came with 17-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the tailgate design has been refreshed which now houses a more raked rear windscreen. The split taillamp enclosures have been reprofiled and extended towards the number plate area. The rear bumper and the SUV’s shoulder line have been to the drawing board too.

Inside the cabin, there are some subtle design changes to keep things refreshed. The three-spoke steering wheel and the 10.2-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, with gesture control, have been taken straight from the BMW 5 Series. Other features include the support of Android Auto and Apple Carplay, ambient lighting and a head-up display.

On the engine front, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel puts out 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the road via BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. BMW India said that it will launch a petrol variant of the new X3 at a later stage. That could very well be the xDrive30i, which produces 252PS/350Nm in the 5 Series.

In India, the BMW X3 has five direct competitors:

• Volvo XC60 – priced at Rs 57.9 lakh
• Mercedes-Benz GLC – priced between Rs 48.12 – 77.42 lakh
• Audi Q5 – priced between Rs 53.25 – 59.79 lakh
• Land Rover Discovery Sport – priced between Rs 43.80 – 59.25 lakh
• Jaguar F Pace – priced at Rs 60.02 lakh

Out of the lot, which one would you buy?

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