With the increasing interest in petrol in India, BMW is looking to further bolster its range with the introduction of petrol-powered variants of two of its SUVs. Both the X3 and the larger X5 are expected to launch sometime next month. Interestingly, as per reports, the two SUVs will be introduced as locally assembled units and not CBUs as seen on the petrol 3-series and 5-series.

The X3 is expected to be available in its 28i spec powered by the automaker’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine good for 240hp and 353Nm of torque. Globally, the unit is available with a choice of two or all-wheel drive, though, for India, the model is expected to come with xDrive all-wheel drive only.

The X5 petrol is likely to reach our shores as the 35i. Under this spec, the SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine developing a meaty 300hp and 407Nm of torque. Also available worldwide as a two or all-wheel drive, the petrol X5 is expected here with only xDrive all-wheel drive. Both the SUVs will use an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The petrol X3 and X5 will squarely rival the new Mercedes GLC 300 and the GLE 400, respectively. As per dealers, both models can be booked against a down payment of around Rs 5 lakh.

The launch of the petrol X3 and X5 could be followed by more petrol models as BMW looks to expand and bolster its position in the petrol car market. BMW has already confirmed a petrol-powered X1, when it launched the model at the Auto Expo earlier this year. Other models could include a more powerful petrol 3-series run by the 252hp unit for the updated 330i GT and a possible petrol-powered X6 using the same engine as on the upcoming petrol X5.

The introduction of petrol options has been a marked change for the German automaker which had until early this year predominantly offered diesel models in the country. Only recently did Mercedes finally offer all its models with a petrol option too.