BMW has launched the X3 facelift in India, with prices starting at Rs 59.90 lakh. For now, the X3 has been made available solely with a petrol engine in the two trims.
- Powered by a sole 252hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Available in SportX and M Sport variants
- Rivals Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 in India
BMW X3 facelift: what’s new?
Starting with the exterior, the X3 gets a more prominent kidney grille flanked by new adaptive LED headlamps and a revised bumper lower down. Down the sides, it’s the new 19-inch alloy wheels that stand out (those who pre-booked get larger 20-inch units), while round the back the revised bumper and sleeker tail-lamps with new LED inserts give it away as the facelift.
Inside, the most notable change is the centre console, which is crowned by a new free-standing 12.35-inch touchscreen – the smaller 10.25-inches is now available on lower variants. The control surfaces lower down, too, have been revised, while the 12.3-inch digital instrument display has been updated with new graphics. Buyers have a choice of two variant – SportX Plus and M Sport
On the equipment front, the updated X3 packs in some tech over the outgoing model and also gets adaptive LED headlamps as standard. The previously available 10.25-inch touchscreen is now relegated to the entry-level SportX trim, with the M Sport using the larger 12.35-inch unit replete with gesture control. Both systems also get BMW’s virtual assistant. The M Sport also gets a new 360-degree camera.
Other features on offer include three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, hands-free parking, cruise control, adaptive suspension (M Sport only), 12.3-inch digital instrument screen (M Sport only) and a Harman Kardon Sound system (M Sport only).
BMW X3 facelift: engine line-up
While the pre-facelift SUV got both petrol and diesel engine options, this X3 for now is a petrol-only model. Powering the SUV is the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit in the familiar 30i state of tune. The unit is good for 252hp and 350Nm and is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard. All-wheel drive is also standard fit on both variants.
BMW X3 facelift: rivals
Coming to the competition, the updated X3 has been positioned quite competitively by BMW. It goes up against the Mercedes GLC (Rs 61 lakh-66.90 lakh), Land Rover Discovery Sport (Rs 65.30 lakh-67.95 lakh) and the petrol-only Audi Q5 (Rs 59.22 lakh-64.09 lakh) and Volvo XC60 (Rs 63.50 lakh).
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Rivan RS 
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
