BMW has launched a lower cost variant of BMW X3 SUV in Germany at a starting price of 36,200€ Euros which translated to approximately Rs. 25 Lakh when converted to Indian rupee. This is the cheapest BMW X3 model propelled by a fuel efficient turbocharged 2 litre diesel engine which delivers a mileage of close to 17 KMPL as per the Euro test cycles and complied with the Euro 5 emission norms. The price point at which the X3 sDrive18d has been launched is expected to accelerate the sales growth even more for the popular X3.
The new BMW X3 sDrive18d delivers 143 BHP of peak power at 4000 RPM and peak torque of whooping 360 Nm in the range of 1750 to 2500 RPM which pulls the car with ease. This engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission or an optional 8 speed automatic gearbox. This is the only X3 which is not an all wheel drive, but the rear wheel drive system does not disappoint in terms of the fun-to-drive element of the X3. It can reach a top speed of 195 KMPH with a 0 to 100KMPH time of 9.9 seconds.
With strong and gradually expanding demand for premium car in India, the new X3 low cost version may turn the sales chart of BMW India even steeper in terms of growth. Indian luxury car buyers appreciate high performance and frugal diesel machines which come with premium comfort features yet are easy on consuming fuel. It features a luggage space of 550 litre which can be increased by folding down rear split seats which frees up a total of 1600 litre of boot space.
The reason behind the fuel efficient character of the X3 sDrive18d is the intelligent start-stop micro-hybrid system, regenerative braking and eco-pro mode which has been introduces in the new 6th generation BMW 3 series as well. Apart from this, the X3 incorporates many BMW Efficient Dynamics technologies to adhere to strict Euro 5 emission norms and deliver a mileage of close to 17 KMPL.
In terms of safety features, it is amply loaded with features like adaptive cornering headlamps, park distance control, reverse camera, heads up display, speed control with braking function, lane departure and collision warning system. It gets 5 star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
BMW India is about to introduce the new X1 in India before the end of 2012 which will be re-strengthen the position which X1 has enjoyed in India for years. The Audi Q3 which has been introduced on India in mid-2012 has eaten up some of the sales of the X1 already, and the new X1 is expected to reclaim its dominance in the segment.
We can expect the new BMW X3 sDrive18d version to also come to Indian shores which can be priced much more competitively compared to the ongoing X3 sDrive20d which is priced at approx. Rs. 43 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. With a lower priced X3, BMW can give tough time to Audi Q5 SUV in India. We will keep an eye on the latest developments and will keep you posted, stay tuned.
