BMW Launches X3 and X5 Petrol Variants In India

BMW has introduced its TwinPower Turbo petrol engines in its X3 and X5 SUVs. Earlier, both of these vehicles were only available with diesel engines in the country. The BMW X3 xDrive28i gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, whereas the BMW X5 xDrive35i gets a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. The addition of these engines makes the X3 and X5 range more powerful than before (apart from the M Sport variants). The X3 xDrive28i xLine is priced at Rs 54.9 lakh and the X5 xDrive35i Design Pure Experience at Rs 73.5 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). 

The BMW X3 earlier came with a 2.0-litre and a 3.0-litre (M Sport) diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 248PS of power along with 350Nm of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which drives all the four wheels via BMW's xDrive system, making the car accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 6.5 seconds. As for the colour options, the X3 xDrive28i is available in Alpine White (non-metallic), Black Sapphire, Deep Blue and Melbourne Red. 

The BMW X5 was earlier only available with the 3.0-litre diesel engine across the entire range. Now, it gets a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine which develops 310PS and 400Nm. This engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission which sends power to all the four wheels via the xDrive system. This combination propels the car from 0-100kmph in the same time as the X3 xDrive28i – 6.5 seconds. 

In terms of safety, both SUVs feature airbags for driver, front passenger, head airbags front and rear and side airbags for driver and front passenger along with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), electronic vehicle immobiliser and electronic parking brake with auto hold. 

The ones yet to get a petrol motor in the BMW SUV line-up are the X2 and the X6. We will have to wait and watch when the baby and the flagship SUVs receive this update.