BMW X3 to be assembled in India

BMW has announced that the X3 SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) will be launched in India by mid-2011. The manufacturer also said that it will assemble the X3 from CKD kits in its Chennai plant. There will be two models available, the entry level version, X3 xDrive20d with a 184bhp motor, it will be priced at Rs 41.2 lakh while the petrol X3 xdrive25i will be priced from Rs 42.2 lakh.

The second generation X3, codenamed F25, compares with SUVs like the Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60.

The exterior blends styling elements from the smaller X1 and the larger X5 in a body that has a silhouette recognizable as the X3. Dimensionally the X3 is longer, taller and wider than the model it replaces, what’s new are the significantly larger rear doors for easier access, improved gearboxes, and updated engine options.