BMW begins trial production of their X3 SAV

BMW India has begun the trial production of the upcoming X3 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), the company will launch the new X3 by the last quarter of the 2011 and could price it at around Rs. 45 lakh.

“We have already commenced trial production of X3 at our assembly plant near Chennai. We will launch the concept for the new X3 from September onwards,” Andreas Schaaf, president, BMW India was quoted as saying by The Financial Chronicle.

According to company officials the new X3 has been developed based on an interesting concept and it will perfectly suit Indian road conditions. Further the new X3 will bridge the gap between the X1 and X5 SUVs.

Schaaf mentioned that the India SUV market is growing well and that BMW hopes to pull big numbers in the segment with the launch of the X3. The company’s intention of roping in buyers is quite evident from the fact that the X3 will be launched in both petrol and diesel engine variants. Also read: BMW X1 launched in India; prices start at Rs. 22 lakh

The new X3 sports flared fenders, a trademark BMW kidney grille, focused headlamps and a slightly raised rear for the sporty flavor and off-road functionality as well , all of which give it a masculine stance.

The bulky wheel arches, dynamic contours on the bonnet and aerodynamic lines on the SAV’s sides gives it a perfect blend of urban elegance as well as robust agility.

With an increase in dimension (12 mm taller, 83 mm longer, 28 mm wider and ground clearance raised by 12 mm), the new X3 has more boot space than the outgoing model. Complimenting the dynamic exteriors, the interiors of the X3 get ‘Black Panel technology’ as seen on the BMW 5-series and 7-series luxury sedans.

The new X3 will likely be powered by the same 2.0 litre diesel engine available on the current model that produces 177 bhp of power and 350 Nm of maximum torque. The new model will also inherit the older model’s 2.5 litre petrol engine that produces 218 bhp of power and 250 Nm of maximum torque.

The BMW plant near Chennai will dish out both petrol and diesel variants of the X1 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) this year. The company also assembles 3 series and 5 series sedans at the Chennai plant and has been developing a supplier base for local assembly of the X3 SAV. This will allow the German luxury brand to price the X3 aggressively in the Indian market.

BMW currently sells the X1, X5 and X6 in its SAV/SUV product portfolio. The X1 variants are priced between Rs 22.4 lakh and Rs 30.4 lakh, while the X5 models prices range from Rs 53.8 lakh to Rs 70.5 lakh. The price range of the X6 is Rs. 68.70 lakh to Rs. 85.50 lakh (All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new BMW X3 will take on the likes of Audi’s Q5, Mercedes-Benz’s GL-Class, Volvo’s XC60, Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado and Mitsubishi’s Montero.