BMW likely to launch the new X3 SUV by August-end

BMW India will launch the new X3 SUV on August 25^th, at an expected price range of Rs38 lakh to 44 lakh. Here’s what you can expect from the latest SUV from BMW.

According to IndianAutosblog, BMW has confirmed the new X3 will be launched in Pune on August 25. The company will assemble the SUV at its Chennai plant and the expected price is Rs 38 lakh to 44 lakh. The new BMW X3 will compete with the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class,Volvo XC60, Toyota Landcruiser Prando and Mitsubishi Montero.

Earlier CarToq reported that the launch would happen in June 2011 (Read more here).

Here’s what changes you can expect in the X3.

Exterior changes

The new X3 will be larger than the outgoing model. The new X3 will be 83 mm longer, 28 mm wider and 12 mm taller. When viewed from the sides, the upcoming X3 will have a wedge-shaped appearance, this is because of the relatively flat front as opposed to the slightly raised rear.

As expected from a BMW SUV, the new X3 has muscular lines running all across the body. For instance, the bonnet gets six contour lines, the prominent wheel arches and T-shaped tail lights all giving new X3, the right mix of urban elegance and robust agility.

Interior changes

The interiors of the new X3 will be jazzed up just like the exterior. The new X3 will carry over the Black Panel technology that is featured in the luxury sedans of BMW, namely, the 5 and 7 series. The central console will have a ‘head-up display’ and an optional 8.8-inch navigation system. As with all BMWs, the new X3’s dashboard layout will be driver-oriented design.

Engine variants

The new X3 will be available in both petrol and diesel engine variants. The diesel variants could feature a 2.0 litre motor that produces 184 bhp of maximum power and 380 Nm of maximum torque and a 3.0 litre motor that produces 258 bhp of maximum power and 560 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can accelerate the X3 from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds while achieving a top speed of 210 kmph.

The petrol variant could be powered by a 3.0 litre motor that makes 306 bhp of maximum power and 400 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can propel the X3 from stand still to 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 245 kmph.

The engines could be mated to 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. There are speculations that the launch of diesel variants will be ahead of the petrol variant.

Safety features

The new X3 will come with BMW xDrive that offers variable distribution of torque between front and rear axles. Together with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and electronic power steering (EPS), the xDrive will offer precise handling.

Safety features of the new X3 will include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) and Hill Descent Control.