2014 BMW X3 launched at Rs 44.9 lakh

BMW has launched the 2014 X3 in India at Rs 44.9 lakh, ex-showroom pan India for the base xDrive 20d expedition variant. The new X3 takes on the Audi Q5 and the recently updated Volvo XC60 in the mid-level luxury SUV segment. This is a mid-cycle refresh though and now an all new car. The X3 receives an exterior and interior update in line of the recently launched 2014 BMW X5 and with it also gets a engine update for the 2.0-litre diesel.

Like elder brother, the X3 gets a new kidney grille finished in all chrome, the headlamps are more angular with a redesigned light cluster and extend to the grille and the bumper gets minor revisions to make the X3 look a bit more upmarket than before. The X3 gets a lot more luxurious in look and feel on the inside. The textured wood finish which we loved in the X5 features in the X3 as well. Darker leather shades, a wider display screen and new dials are part of the upgrade.

Although the engines stay the same, the 2.0-litre oil burner has now been tuned to pump out 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque. BMW has dropped the 3.0-litre diesel unit from the refreshed X3 lineup for now. The 20d will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that will send power to all four wheels with the help of the xDrive system.

The two variants on offer are the Expedition and xLine. The xLine gets all the bells and whistles that includes a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, wood interior trim, larger 18 inch wheels to the standard 17 inchers and a more elaborate speaker system. Crucially, the xLine also gets the extra Sport+ mode, dynamic damping control and the whole xLine design package.

Prices

X3 xDrive 20d Expedition: Rs 44.9 lakh

X3 xDrive 20d xLine: Rs 49.9 lakh

All prices ex-showroom, pan India