New BMW X3 photo feature; launch likely with diesel variant

The new BMW X3 is likely to be launched with the diesel engine first, in the last week of August. And expect the 2.0 litre diesel version at the launch, with the 3.0 litre to follow. Let’s take a close look at the features and gadgets of the new BMW X3.

The diesel variants to be powered by 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre engines will make 184 bhp and 258 bhp respectively.

The new X3 will compete with the Audi Q5 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK. The outgoing model hardly sold any numbers in India (only 28 in 2010). The locally assembled X3 is expected to be priced better, between Rs 38 lakh to Rs 44 lakh. Read more about the new BMW X3 here.

Let us take a look at what the new X3 has to offer.

Aggressive front: The new X3 will have a powerful-looking front with the trademark BMW kidney grille and headlights. The headlights will have corona rings as daytime running lights re-creating the design typical to BMW crossover/SUV models. The hood will have six contour lines giving the SUV a bold appearance. The brawny wheel arches coupled with the short overhangs at the front and the rear, emphasize the X3‘s robust characteristics.

Refreshed rear: The rear of the new X3 will have attractive LED tail lights. The dynamic lines on the rear accentuate the car’s width and boast its ability to take on challenges both on-road & off-road. The rear windscreen will fall in a steep line likely to create more space inside the cabin.

Modern interiors: The new X3 will have a modern interior with a dashboard made of high grade materials. The central console will be well contoured and the central display will feature BMW’s iDrive system. The front seats are positioned higher which will make for easy egress and ingress.

Comfortable seats: The SUV will have comfortable rear seats offering more elbow and leg space. The rear seat will come with 40:20:40 (optional feature) split, creating more cargo space. The boot has 550 litres of storage capacity.

Features: The head-up display projects information in the driver’s field of vision. The image illustrates how the drier will see details such as, current speed (72 km/hr), dynamic cruise control speed (80 km/hr) and the navigation system. It also shows warnings such as ‘not wearing seat belt’ etc.

Display unit: The 8.8 inch control display will be useful for a professional navigation system and will also allow users to watch high resolution videos.

Audio streaming: The 8.8 inch display will help the driver use Bluetooth for audio streaming via smart-phones, MP3 players etc. it will also help users make and attend phone calls.

USB and Aux-in: The interface in the new X3 comes with an iPod USB cable. The display unit will also show the album cover of the track being played when available.

The new X3, if priced competitively, will likely join the league of BMW’s good selling SUVs such as the X1 and the X3 in the Indian market.