BMW India is planning to launch the 2011 X3 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) in the country by June 2011. The German company will likely assemble the car at its Chennai plant. The expected price of the base X3 is around Rs. 40 lakh.
BMW’s interest in SUVs has been growing rapidly. In December 2010, BMW had launched its cheapest SUV, the X1, at a price range of Rs. 22 lakh – Rs. 32.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) in a bid to capture the Toyota Fortuner and Honda CR-V market. Related: BMW X1 launched in India
When launched in India, the new BMW X3 will take on the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Volvo XC60, Toyota Landcruiser Prando and Mitsubishi Montero.
BMW X3 engine options
As the name suggests, the X3’s dimensions will straddle the X1 and X5. We expect BMW to launch two variants of the X3, similar to the X1 variants: a 3.0-litre petrol (xDrive 35i) and 2.0-litre diesel (xDrive 20d).
The 3.0 litre petrol mill will produce 306 hp of maximum power at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at 1,200 – 5,000 rpm. The 2.0-litre diesel engine will produce 184 bhp of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm of maximum torque at 1,750 – 2,750 rpm range. Also read: BMW X3 caught testing in Chennai
The diesel X3 can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/hr in 8.5 seconds while achieving a top speed of 210 km/hr. On the other hand, the 3.0-litre petrol motor is lot more quicker than the diesel mill, taking just 5.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/hr while achieving a top speed of 245 km/hr.
BMW X3 exterior
The 2011 BMW X3 is 83 mm longer, 28 mm wider and 12 mm taller than the previous X3. The 2011 X3 measures 4,648 mm in length, 1,881 mm in width and 1,661 mm in height. The front of the SAV is relatively flat as opposed to the slightly raised rear, which gives it a dynamic wedge-shaped appearance, especially when viewed from the sides.
The X3 boasts bulky wheel arches, and the contours such as six horizontal lines over the bonnet, lines across the sides running through the door handles as well as the rear horizontal lines, gives the right mix of urban elegance and robust agility.
BMW X3 interior
The dashboard has a horizontally orientated instrument panel accentuating the width of the interior. The X3 inherits the Black Panel technology already featured in the 7-series and 5-series sedans. Besides, the instrument panel also houses a ‘head-up display’ and optional 8.8-inch navigation system. The driver-oriented central console layout and commanding view of the road will encourage the X3 owner to enjoy driving.
BMW X3 xDrive and safety features
The BMW xDrive is a standard feature that offers variable distribution of torque between front and rear axles. xDrive combines with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) nullifying the oversteer or understeer issues. The electric power steering (EPS) offers precise handling.
With regard to safety, the X3 will come with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) and Hill Descent Control.
