Following the launch of 3 series and 5 series petrol, BMW India has further expanded its line up with launch of petrol powered X3 and X5 SUVs. The BMW X3 xDrive 28i is priced at Rs. 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and competes against the likes of Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC class. The current version X3 SUV was launched in August 2014 with a diesel motor and brought to India via CKD kits from Spartanburg Plant, USA.
The new petrol powered variant xDrive 28i will be locally assembled at company’s Chennai Plant. At its heart is a two litre four cylinder petrol engine that delivers an output of 245hp@4000rpm and peak torque of 350Nm@1250-4800rpm. The engine helps it to claim 0-100km/hr in just 6.5 seconds before hitting the top speed of 210 km/hr. For greater driving experience, the engine is linked to an eight speed steptronic automatic transmission with automatic hold function.
The new BMW X3 is offered only on xLine theme and available four paintworks– Black sapphire, Melbourne Red, Deep blue and Alpine white. The X3 facelift hosts with number of modifications like new front fascia flanked by familiar kidney grille, huge bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, re-profiled front and rear bumpers, LED fog lights, new alloy wheels, ORVMs with LED turn blinkers adding to its sporty profile.
The cabin is seen with piano black central console, textured wood finishes with range of upholstery options that include beige leather Nevada saddle brown, leather Nevada beige, black leather Nevada mocha, black and leather Nevada black.
The features list includes a two zone climate control, 22.3 cm HD color display with iDrive touch controller, BMW navigation with professional 3D maps, 205 watt Hi-Fi Hi-Fi sound system, parking camera, panoramic glass roof, restyled instrument cluster, boot lid with electric opening and much more.
BMW X3 xDrive28i also includes auto start stop, intelligent lightweight construction, 50:50 weight distribution, brake energy distribution, electric power steering, front-rear parking sensors, dynamic stability control (DSC), ECO-Pro mode, tyre pressure monitoring system. The drive can choose from different modes via driver experience control switch.
Speaking on the introduction, Mr. Frank Schloeder, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW petrol engines are a potent mixture of dynamics and efficiency, and with the launch of the new BMW X3 and new BMW X5 in petrol variants, we are offering our customers yet another form of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’. We are presenting a significantly balanced and extremely aspirational product portfolio with the choice of both diesel and petrol variants to suit all our customer requirements. These latest generation of BMW engines guarantee a thrilling power delivery and excellent responsiveness which generates a dynamic proposition on the road and gives assured driving pleasure.”
