2018 BMW X3 assembly commences in India

BMW has started assembling CKD kits of the 2018 BMW X3 at the BMW Group Plant Chennai. The company will launch the all-new BMW X3 in India on 19 April.

The latest BMW X3 is the third generation of the premium mid-size SAV. Featuring an evolutionary design, the BMW X3 has remained largely unchanged in dimensions. However, it has a five-centimetre-longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. It is underpinned by the CLAR platform now and up to 55 kg lighter than the second generation model.

The 2018 BMW X3 is available in five grades: Standard, Advantage, xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport. Features like the colour of the kidney grille and side window graphic, alloy wheel design, interior trim and seat upholstery are visual differentiators of the grades.

In the fully equipped configurations, full-LED headlights, kidney grille with active air flap control, LED fog lamps, 21-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes are the exterior highlights. Main interior features include BMW Display Key, full-colour head-up display, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control, three-zone automatic climate control and perforated leather climate seats.

Also Read: BMW 6 Series GT diesel to launch in India by June

BMW India is expected to initially offer the xDrive20d and xDrive30i engine models, both with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system as standard. The X3 xDrive20d uses a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque. The X3 xDrive30i employs a 2.0-litre petrol engine good for 252 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

The 2018 BMW X3 could have a starting price of around INR 50 lakh (ex-showroom).