Saar: Into its third generation, the X3 will reignite its rivalry with the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Good news BMW fanatics! After showcasing the all-new X3 during the 2018 Auto Expo, BMW India has finally decided to officially launch it on April 19, 2018. Into its third generation, the next-gen X3 is a far cry from what it was when it was first launched in 2003. BMW revealed the new X3 in June last year and on the face of it, the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. But that’s not the case.

Look closely and you will notice that in its new avatar the X3 is slightly larger than the one it replaces. Underneath the ‘shouty’ exterior, the X3’s lightweight construction shaves off 55kg compared to its predecessor. For those who like to get into the specifics, the weight saving is due to the increased use of aluminium in the new X3’s skeleton.

Although BMW hasn’t confirmed what engine and transmission options will be offered with the new X3, we can take a calculated guess on that front. The German automaker is likely to launch the new X3 with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel which puts out 190PS/400Nm – the same engine that does duty in both the 3 and 5 series, and its baby sibling, the X1. This engine option, which will be tagged as the xDrive20d, will come mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, to keep the power-crazed customers happy, BMW’s xDrive30i can’t be ruled out. Although it comes mated to the same 8-speed automatic transmission, the turbo-petrol engine displaces 2.0-litres to produce 252PS/350Nm. Yep! That’s the same as the one found in the 3 and the 5 Series sedans.

You might say that Mercedes-Benz still has the upper hand here because the GLC, which is a direct rival to BMW’s X3, is also offered in the 43 AMG Coupe form. Well, not so soon as BMW, be it at a later stage, could launch the M40i derivative of the X3. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 360PS/500Nm.

But to capture the market in its segment, the BMW X3 has to do a lot more than just look pretty and go fast. It has to take on the Volvo XC60, which is refreshing, to say the least. Other competitors include the Audi Q5, which is quite a package to outgun, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport which, like the Volvo, adds a sense of change in the endless war amongst the Germans.