BMW X3

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, what new features it offers, and of course, how good the service from the company is. It is a lot to consider! But what if you are looking for something that combines luxury, performance, and practicality? Well, today we are taking a close look at the new BMW X3. This premium SUV has always been a popular choice in India, and the latest model brings even more to the table. Let us dive in and see if the BMW X3 is the perfect luxury SUV for you.

Engine Specifications

The BMW X3 for the Indian market typically offers a choice of powerful and efficient engines.

• xDrive30i (Petrol): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine.
  • Power: Around 252 hp
  • Torque: Around 350 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic
• xDrive20d (Diesel): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine.
  • Power: Around 190 hp
  • Torque: Around 400 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic

Design Overview

Exterior

The BMW X3 continues its strong, sporty look. It features the signature large kidney grille, sleek LED headlights, and bold lines that give it a muscular stance. The design is modern and elegant, making it stand out on Indian roads. It looks premium and powerful, that is exactly what you expect from a BMW SUV.

Interior

Step inside the BMW X3 and you are greeted by a cabin that feels both luxurious and driver-focused. High-quality materials like Sensatec upholstery, fine wood trims, and brushed aluminium accents are used throughout. The layout is clean and intuitive, with everything easily accessible. It is a comfortable space for both city drives and long highway journeys.

Key Features

• Large Infotainment Screen (typically 12.3-inch touchscreen with BMW Operating System)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 360-degree Surround View Camera
• Wireless Mobile Charging
• Three-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Powered Front Seats with Memory Function
• Ambient Lighting
• Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System (optional)
• Head-Up Display (optional)

What is the Ground Clearance of BMW X3?

The BMW X3 offers a good ground clearance, which is quite important for Indian roads. It stands at around 204 mm. This helps it tackle uneven surfaces and moderate speed breakers without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of BMW X3?

For your luggage and shopping, the BMW X3 provides a generous boot space of approximately 550 litres. This can be expanded to about 1600 litres by folding down the rear seats, making it very practical for family trips or carrying large items.

What are the Dimensions of BMW X3?

The dimensions of the BMW X3 are well-proportioned for a mid-size luxury SUV.

• Length: Around 4708 mm
• Width: Around 1891 mm (excluding mirrors)
• Height: Around 1676 mm
• Wheelbase: Around 2864 mm

Powertrain Options

As mentioned earlier, the BMW X3 in India primarily offers two powertrain choices: the smooth 2.0-liter turbo petrol (xDrive30i) and the torquey 2.0-liter turbo diesel (xDrive20d). Both engines come paired with an excellent 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMWs intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, ensuring superb traction and driving dynamics in various conditions.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for BMW, and the X3 comes loaded with features to protect you and your loved ones.

• Six Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Attentiveness Assistant
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Runflat Tyres with Runflat Indicator
• Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View Camera

NCAP Rating Table

Rating Body	BMW X3 NCAP Rating	Notes
Global NCAP (Euro NCAP)	5-Star (Adult Occupant and Child Occupant Protection)	The BMW X3 received a top 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, which are part of Global NCAP protocols. This highlights its strong structural integrity and comprehensive safety features.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated (As of latest information)	While the BMW X3 is built to global safety standards, a specific Bharat NCAP rating for this model is not yet available.

Rivals of BMW X3

The BMW X3 competes in a very competitive segment of luxury mid-size SUVs in India. Its main rivals include:

• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Audi Q5
• Volvo XC60
• Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Lexus NX

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

So, after looking at all the details, how does the BMW X3 actually stack up for an Indian buyer? Here is a balanced view:

Pros

• Engaging Driving Dynamics: A true BMW, offering excellent handling and a sporty feel.
• Powerful Engines: Both petrol and diesel options deliver strong performance and refinement.
• Premium Interior: High-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and a luxurious feel.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned to balance sportiness with comfort, even on varying road conditions.
• Feature-Rich: Comes with a host of modern technology and convenience features.
• Good Safety Rating: Global 5-star NCAP rating instills confidence.
• Adequate Ground Clearance: Suitable for Indian road conditions.

Cons

• Price: Being a luxury SUV, the BMW X3 comes with a premium price tag, which might be a concern for some budgets.
• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, rear legroom could feel a bit tight for very tall passengers on long journeys compared to some rivals.
• Maintenance Costs: Like all luxury cars, BMW X3 maintenance and spare parts can be expensive.
• Fuel Efficiency: While engines are efficient for their class, real-world fuel economy might not be exceptionally high, especially in city driving.
• Gets Expensive with Options: Many desirable features are part of optional packages, adding to the overall cost.

Conclusion

The new BMW X3 remains a very strong contender in the Indian luxury SUV segment. It offers a fantastic blend of performance, luxury, and advanced features. If you are someone who loves to drive, values premium quality, and wants a safe and stylish SUV for your family, the BMW X3 should definitely be on your shortlist. While it comes with a premium price and maintenance, the ownership experience of a BMW often justifies the investment for many. Visit your nearest BMW dealership to take a test drive and experience the X3 for yourself. Happy car buying!