The 2018 Auto Expo saw the Indian debut of the new BMW X3, the company’s popular mid-size luxury SUV. The car hasn’t been launched yet, however, and prices are expected to be revealed around May 2018.
The new third-generation X3 blends the sharp driving dynamics of the first X3 with the comfort and practicality of the second one – and adds loads of new technology, for good measure. The new X3 is stiffer and 55kg lighter than its predecessor. Although it’s not physically larger, its wheelbase has grown, so you get a lot more space on the inside.
The design doesn’t stray too far from the BMW mould, especially at the rear – which stays quite close to its predecessor, other than a newer interpretation of the classic ‘L-shaped’ tail-lamps. At the front, however, the kidney grille is much larger, this time; and unlike the final versions of the last car, the headlamps remain separate from it.
All X3s in India will have xDrive four-wheel drive via eight-speed ZF automatic gearboxes. The engines are also expected to mirror the previous cars. That means a 248hp, xDrive30i four-cylinder petrol, a 190hp, xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel and a 265hp, xDrive30d six-cylinder diesel will be on offer – with the latter likely to be offered with an M Sport pack.
In terms of tech, a lot of the new gizmos we’d seen on the new 5-series return here – like a touch-and-gesture-controlled iDrive infotainment system; and adaptive dampers, a heads-up display and 360-degree cameras on top variants.
When the new BMW X3 launches, in May, we expect prices to be at a slight premium over the outgoing car while still being quite competitive. This is good; because apart from the capable Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport, the X3 has seen the launch of three capable new rivals in the last few months, alone – the new Audi Q5, the new Volvo XC60 and the Lexus NX 300h. How do you think it compares to its rivals? Let us know in the comments below.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
