Competition Check: BMW X3 petrol 28i xLine

BMW has launched a petrol variant for its X3 SUV coming full circle from two years ago when more than 90 per cent of its models where only diesel powered. This new petrol model for the X3 is available in the 28i xLine setup and goes up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE petrol in the seven-seater setup. So here then is the competition check for the X3 petrol.

Mercedes-Benz GLC
The main rival for the BMW X3 petrol is the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. Both are German cars and are quite similar in terms of proportions and are quite evenly matched in terms of features too. The GLC does get one more airbag and the option of Park Assist, a useful tool in today’s age cramped parking spaces. It’s the minor differences that separate cars like the BMW getting blowers at rear but having rain sensing wipers while the GLC has proper vents and LED headlamps as standard fitment. In terms output, there is not much to separate the cars as the GLC’s 2.0-litre engine produces 241bhp/370Nm while the Beemer’s produces 245bhp/350Nm. However, the Merc gets a nine-speed AT while the BMW makes use of an eight-speed unit. Both cars have torque on demand which have been dubbed xDrive in the BMW and 4MATIC in the Benz respectively. The GLC, having a higher level of local assembly, is priced at Rs 51.90 lakh while the X3 is priced at 54.90 lakh.  

Land Rover Discovery Sport
Launched in 2015, this is the new compact model from the British automaker and replaces the slightly larger and much longer running Freelander concept.  Again, like the GLC against the X3, there is very little difference between the Discovery Sport and the X3 in terms of proportions though It is the only official seven-seater in this fray. However, in the time that we have spent with the car, it was found that the row 3 of the Discovery Sport is best suited to small kids or really short journeys for adults.
Both cars gets the usual stuff like infotainment system,  multi-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a host of driver and safety aids. Minor differences are things like the BMW not having a TPMS, blower for the rear vents. It does one up on the LR by having anti-glare mirrors as well as voice control for the infotainment systems.
Both get 2.0-litre petrol engines producing 245bhp/350Nm in the X3 and 236bhp/340Nm in the Discovery Sport. The X3 makes use of an eight-speed AT while the Discovery Sport is offered with a nine-speed unit.
In terms of pricing, the X3 costs Rs 54.90 lakh and is Rs 2.4 lakh lower than the Discovery Sport which is priced at Rs 56.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).