New BMW X3 India launch in mid 2011

BMW has announced that it will launch its new X3, sports activity vehicle, in India by the mid of 2011. The new X3 will be assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant unlike the current model which was being imported. This will make the SUV more affordable to begin with. The X3 will compete against the Audi Q5 which too is currently assembled in India.

The new X3 will come with an option of both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol lineup will include the base 150bhp, 2-litre petrol engine as on the X1 18i. The diesel engine too will be the same 177bhp, 2-litre unit already seen on the X1 20d. The prices of the new X3 are expected to start at Rs 45 lakh.

The new X3 is larger than the current model in every which way. This has also helped liberate more room on the inside for the occupants. Moreover, the new SUV sports more modern and ergonomically sound interiors and more comfort and safety features as well. And given how the new range of BMW vehicles, be it the new 5-series or the new X1 ride, expect the ride quality of the new X3 to be good too.