2011 BMW X3 Launched

Competition is not stiff only in the entry level cars when it comes to the Indian automobile market. While others have been trying to get the best piece of the pie, the mid sized SUV from BMW, the BMW X3, has been launched today. Adding to this, not only has the car been re-vamped or facelift, its an all new hooligan in a brand new suit.

Mated with an eight speed Automatic Steptronic Transmission are two engine options – a 258 horsepower, six cylinder diesel engine and a 184 horsepower four cylinder diesel motor with the xDrive as standard as well. A wider track and a five arm axle makes the drive in the new BMW X3 better in all aspects. However, a slighly more tight suspension does compromise a bit on the ride quality.  Having said that, despite its large size, it has minimal body roll and the 225/60 17 inch wheels mated with alloys make sure the Beemer stays in line.

A more spacious interior also means packing in more goodies for all those long drives out of the city. This in no way means that its not a city slicker. Despite its size, everything is packed in neatly on the inside. The 8.8 inch iDrive infotainment is aligned more towards the driver telling that this is certainly a driver's car.

Priced at  Rs. 47.9 lakhs for the xDrive30d and the xDrive20d at  41.2 lakhs ex-showroom India in a Complete KnockDown kit assembled at the Chennai plant and with deliveries of the xDrive20d next month and xDrive30d in October 2011, it surely will make the competition sweat.

Read our comprehensive road test on the X3.