BMW India is working to bring a more powerful version of the X3 petrol to India. Currently, the X3 is available in xDrive20 form with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 190hp, a figure significantly lower than what rival petrol SUVs offer. For reference, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300’s 2.0-litre petrol engine makes 258hp, while the 2.0-litre petrol units on the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 are good for 250hp. The X3 petrol’s humdrum performance is something we had highlighted when we compared it with the Mercedes GLC 300.
- BMW X3 to get 258hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- X3 dash trim to change based on customer feedback
BMW X3 xDrive30 India details
It’ll have a 258hp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels
BMW will make amends with the introduction of the X3 in the more powerful xDrive30 variant, which will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine but in a higher state of tune. The power output jumps substantially to 258hp, while torque is a juicy 400Nm. There’s also a 48V mild-hybrid system that can add up to 11hp and 25Nm of torque under hard acceleration. Power will go to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system.
BMW X3 interior updates
Sustainable-material dash trim to be replaced with leatherette due to customer feedback
BMW India is also incorporating customer feedback and replacing the current mesh-like sustainable material on the dashboard with a leatherette one that’s preferred by Indian buyers. We had noted in our X3 review that the textured material won’t appeal to everyone and that keeping dust out will be a challenge in our environment. Interestingly, the sustainable material is offered as a cost option in markets abroad. However, X3 prices are unlikely to see any change with the leatherette dashboard trim.